Search Results for “run ” – Trifocus Fitness Academy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za Fitness Academy Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:30:55 +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 Search Results for “run ” – Trifocus Fitness Academy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za 32 32 Pilates Exercise for Rehabilitation after Surgery or Injury https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/pilates-exercise-for-rehabilitation-after-surgery/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39871 The post Pilates Exercise for Rehabilitation after Surgery or Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

There is a long and challenging road to follow when recuperating from surgery or an injury. With that comes loss of strength, mobility, flexibility, and, therefore, the need for rehabilitation to restore movement and function. Pilates training is one of the low-impact approaches which is highly effective for rehabilitation. Except for non-weight-bearing Pilates training programs, which strengthen the trunk and then gradually include more weight-bearing movements to promote overall core strength, they are all based on the principles of Pilates training to improve mobility, flexibility and stability.

Pilates exercises control body awareness and increase muscle activation and joint mobility. It is instrumental in rehabilitation, tailored to varying fitness levels and medical conditions. Whatever is left to heal – the need for rehab and recovery will depend on the injury, whether you recently underwent orthopaedic surgery, suffered a sports injury or chronic pain conditions – but all can benefit from Pilates exercise as part of a rehabilitation plan and ultimately regain strength, restore mobility and reduce the risk of further injury.

The Benefits of Pilates Exercise for Rehabilitation

The basis of Pilates exercise is controlled movements that involve the core and focus on strengthening and flexibility, making it an excellent rehabilitation tool. Pilates exercises are more specific for rehabilitation than high-impact exercises, which may strain recovering muscles or joints following surgery or injury.

Pilates training for rehabilitation is commonly noted for core strengthening. A solid core provides spinal alignment, helps with posture, and alleviates lower back and joint stress. Pilates training can help people regain that stability and coordination through deep abdominal muscles, essential in recovery.

Improve flexibility and mobility Pilates training can also significantly increase flexibility and mobility. Injuries and surgeries can often contribute to stiffness and limited range of motion. Still, many Pilates movements focus on controlled stretching and mobility work, allowing for a slow increase in your range of motion. Better flexibility means less discomfort and functional movement, which makes it easier to perform daily tasks.

Pilates practice is excellent in minimising muscular imbalances! After surgery or trauma, specific muscle groups weaken while others strengthen to assist or compensate, creating imbalances that can lead to pain or further injury. Pilates training addresses these imbalances while emphasising balanced muscle engagement and facilitating symmetrical movement patterns.

Breath control and relaxation are emphasised in Pilates exercise—essential aspects of post-surgical and injury recovery. Controlled breathing activates deep stabilising muscles and promotes oxygen elevation within healing tissues. This can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being throughout rehabilitation.

Pilates is low-impact and versatile, making it ideal for people at different stages of rehabilitation. Mat-and-reformer-based exercises provide support and resistance to augment a progressive rehabilitation program.

Once in a rehabilitation program, Pilates training can ensure a safe and effective journey towards being strong, mobile and functional.

Key Pilates Exercises for Post-Surgery or Injury Recovery

Since you are working on a rehabilitation program through Pilates exercise, you need to include movements that aid in healing and increase strength and mobility. The following are great Pilates exercises for those recovering from surgery or injury.

  1. Pelvic Tilts

Pelvic tilts are a base Pilates move that helps strengthen the core while stabilising the lower back. While lying supine with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, subtly tilt your pelvis towards the ceiling while activating your abdominal muscles. Return slowly to the center position. This action also engages deep core muscles and enhances spinal alignment.

  1. Leg Slides

Instead, the leg slides encourage lower-body mobility while sharing the load with the core for stabilisation. Extend one leg straight while lying on your back with the other knee still bent. Extend one leg behind you and hold it there; then, with a slow motion, bring it back close to your body where it started from. Repeat. It increases the flexibility of the hips and strengthens the abdominal muscles without stressing the joints.

  1. Seated Spinal Twist (With a Available Variation)

If you want more movement, you can always do a modified seated spinal twist for people recovering from upper-body injuries or surgeries. With a straight spine, sitting tall with both feet flat on the ground, gently rotate the torso to one side. Come back to the centre and do the same on the other side. This Pilates training is also excellent for restoring spinal flexibility by building controlled movement.

  1. Shoulder Blade Squeeze

This Pilates move builds upper-back strength and opens the chest and shoulders, making it great for people recovering from shoulder or neck injuries. In a seated or standing position, keep your back straight, retract your shoulder blades, hold for a few seconds and release. This exercise is excellent for scapular stability and relieving neck and shoulder tension.

  1. Pilates Reformer Footwork

For people with access to Pilates equipment, footwork on a reformer is an excellent exercise for rebuilding lower body strength. For the first steps on a reformer, lie down, place your feet on the foot bar and push away gently, extending the legs forward and back to the initial position. One key to this controlled movement is that it builds up those quads, hamstrings, and glutes while limiting the amount of strain and stress on the joints.

Incorporating these key Pilates trainings into a rehabilitation routine allows individuals to safely rebuild strength, flexibility, and mobility following surgery or injury.

How to Incorporate Pilates Exercise into a Post-Rehabilitation Routine

Implementing Pilates exercises as a post-rehabilitation program should be incremental and approached methodically. Some key steps to consider:

Start with a consultation—Before resuming Pilates training after sustaining an injury or undergoing surgical intervention, it is wise to consult your healthcare provider and/or certified Pilates instructor.

Form the Foundation—Start with your lightest Pilates movements, concentrating on core stability, rhythmic breath, and motion to strengthen and restore functional balance.

Increase the intensity gradually. As you get better, more advanced high-physique steps may be integrated as long as they align with rehab targets.

Integrate with Other Treatments—Pilates workouts can be combined with physical therapy, stretching, and strength training for a comprehensive recovery plan.

Track Progress – Monitoring progress allows adjustments to the routine as needed to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Pilates is also a very effective rehabilitation method, but it is essential to comply with safety guidelines and adapt movements as the recovery process requires. Care must be taken to ensure any exercises support healing rather than compounding strain or injury.

Precautions and Modifications for Safe Rehabilitation with Pilates Exercise

Pilates exercise is beneficial for rehabilitation if you follow safety guidelines and customise the movements to your specific needs for recovery. Some caution is necessary to ensure that exercises support healing and do not cause further stress or injury.

  1. Engage with a Credentialed Educator

Those recovering from surgery or injury should do so with a certified Pilates instructor or physical therapist. They can rest one arm because the recommended modifications come from a trained professional who can provide individualised modifications to ensure the exercises can be performed safely and effectively. Working with a professional prevents lousy movement patterns that can delay recovery.

  1. Steer clear of high-impact or intense movements

Avoid jumping or high-impact weight-bearing movements early in recovery. Instead, perform controlled, low-impact Pilates workouts that build the stability of the joints and activate the muscles.

  1. Adjust Exercises According to Your Pain or Discomfort

It’s essential to listen to your body and work only within the range of motion that does not cause pain or discomfort. Exercises should be modified to be less intense if a movement is too difficult. For instance, doing Pilates workouts in a sitting or lateral position would help control stress while activating essential muscle groups.

  1. Prioritize breathing and relaxation

Pilates workout uses controlled breathing. The focus during rehabilitation is deep, diaphragmatic breathing. This is particularly valuable if you are recovering from surgery or an injury that affects the lungs or airways.

  1. Gradually Increase Intensity

Progressive nature of Rehabilitation. As analyses and power evolve, they can extend the power of Pilates exercise. Once you throw in resistance bands or step onto Pilates equipment, you can achieve a heap of strength in a low-impact way.

When approached this way, individuals can safely perform and enjoy Pilates exercises during recovery.

Conclusion

Pilates exercise is a very effective and versatile way to rehabilitate after surgery or injury. Pilates exercise promotes healing, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries by focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement control. Pelvic tilts, leg slides, and modified spinal twists — staple Pilates moves — allow for gentle movement that aids in recovery, all while putting minimal strain on the body. However, it should be done with proper precautions, under the supervision of a certified instructor, and with modifications appropriate for each person’s recovery. A good Pilates workout regimen, designed and practised in a safe environment, helps restore strength and mobility and enhances the general quality of life and well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 Explore the rewarding path of becoming a certified Pilates Instructor. Unleash your potential and inspire others on your journey with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s comprehensive Pilates Instructor program.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Pilates is generally safe in post-surgery rehab if you work under professional supervision. As a low-impact exercise form, it emphasises controlled movements, core engagement and gradual enhancement of forces. Pilates allows rehabilitation through movement and restoration of mobility, flexibility and strength without exposing healing tissues to excessive strain. However, some movements must be modified to avoid putting too much stress on areas before they are healed after surgery. “I highly recommend consulting a physical therapist or certified Pilates instructor so that the exercises being performed are done safely.” This may also assist healing if a proper adjustment is made, like using props or moving in a seated or lying position.

Pilates helps heal injury through strengthening stabilisers, increasing flexibility, and restoring balance. Injuries can cause muscle imbalances or compensatory movements that can create further strain. Pilates workouts address these imbalances by working many muscle groups together in a controlled way. It also improves circulation, helping oxygen reach injured tissues. The Abdominal: Core-strengthening exercises in Pilates strengthen the core and improve spinal alignment and posture, which reduces stress on injured areas. Pilates workout also encourages breath control and relaxation techniques, which can reduce pain and tension. A Pilates workout is highly modifiable, so it can be adjusted to suit the various stages of recovery.

Pilates exercises aid in rehabilitating various injuries (joint, muscle, and post-surgery). We often see it in patients recovering from orthopaedic issues, like knee injuries, hip replacements, and shoulder surgeries. Pilates exercise enables the strengthening of weakened muscles and recovery of the full range of motion after surgery or trauma. It is also effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis and sciatica. Pilates is also beneficial for those recuperating from sports injuries like ligament tears and sprains as it strengthens and stabilises the muscles, preventing future injuries. Pilates workout provides a safe and practical basis for recovery by utilising slow, controlled movements. However, it is essential to adapt exercises to the specific injury, and a trained professional working on rehabilitation is most likely to achieve the best outcome in a rehabilitation program tailoring exercise to the individual.

When can you begin Pilates workout after surgery — timeframes vary based on the type of surgery and individual healing. Generally, a healthcare provider should give clearance before starting any exercise, and for most people, the best thing to do is wait.” In some instances, gentle Pilates movement and breathwork may be introduced within weeks post-surgery, while other movements will take months to heal. Initially, low-intensity range-of-motion exercises are performed (eg, pelvic tilts and pelvic kissing in the sitting position). A certified Pilates instructor or physical therapist can create a program tailored to post-surgical limitations. One should pay attention to their body and not push through the pain when they are feeling poorly.

Yes, Pilates workout is a superb tool for injury prevention. It builds core strength, aids balance, and boosts flexibility, thus lowering the chances of strains and undue stress on the joints. Pilates is a method that is designed to balance out poor posture, muscle imbalances and/or lack of mobility, which is how so many injuries occur in the first place. Pilates exercise promotes correct movement patterns and consistent weight distribution, ensuring that no one muscle group or joint is overused. It also helps improve coordination and stability, reducing the chances of accidental falls or erratic movements that often lead to injuries. This can allow individuals to move more efficiently and safely in their everyday lives, as the body awareness learned through Pilates carries over into daily activity when practiced regularly.

Yes, A certified Pilates instructor or physical therapist can evaluate individual needs, offer modifications and ensure that exercises are performed correctly. Improper movements will prolong healing or worsen injuries, so it’s essential to have someone help you to ensure you’ll be as safe as possible. An expert instructor customises Pilates exercise routines to navigate post-surgical restrictions, progressively building up to greater intensity as strength and mobility flourish. Many also have specialised equipment to assist movement, including reformers or stability props. A therapist can also help people feel more confident while recovering, providing motivation and altering movements to measure progress.

The post Pilates Exercise for Rehabilitation after Surgery or Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post How to Prevent and Treat Personal Training-Related Injuries appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Functional Personal Training Exercises for Everyday Movement Patterns appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Healthy Snack Ideas for Personal Training Enthusiasts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Personal Training for Busy Professionals: Time-Saving Tips and Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Utilizing Technology and AI in Modern Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/utilizing-technology-and-ai-in-modern-sports-coaching/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39796 The post Utilizing Technology and AI in Modern Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Technology has changed almost every area of modern life, and sports coaching has been no different. By using data analytics and wearables, virtual reality training and AI (artificial intelligence), coaches are using technology to tell them how best to improve player performance, develop strategies, and even reduce the risk of injury.

From video analytics to performance tracking, technology in sports coaching has transformed how teams train, prepare, and compete. With the increasing competition in sports and the rise in pace, adopting technology has become vital for a team to stay ahead.

Data Analytics and Performance Tracking in Sports Coaching

Data analytics is one of the biggest advancements in sports coaching. Coaches and analysts now compile huge amounts of data about player performance, game statistics, and opponent strategy. By utilizing this data-driven approach, coaches can make more informed decisions and individually tailor the training process to each athlete.

Coaches can use performance tracking tools such as GPS devices, motion sensors, etc., to measure three-dimensional speed and endurance measurements and even to get real-time movement patterns. These metrics aid in recognising strengths and weaknesses, allowing for tailored training regimens that enhance overall performance.

TrojanBricks This type of analysis prepares gamers with skills to enhance performance via constant feedback on activities within the game using video analysis software that delivers gameplay footage without losing any frame, enabling coaches to prepare for the candidates with both technical and tactical execution.

Predictive modelling is another important element of data analytics in sports coaching. A machine learning algorithm analyses historical data to predict fatigue, potential injury risks, and the ideal training loads for players. This algorithm responds ahead of time to minimise injuries and improve recovery times while keeping athletes at their peak performance throughout the season.

Data-focused analytics play a crucial role in modern-day sports coaching as teams now have access to evidence-based decision-making that can contribute to better outcomes on the field, personalised training strategies, and more efficient equipment and facilities usage. Data-driven analytics lab: Monitoring of their fitness–Athletes like to track their progress and performance with precision.

Wearable Technology and Athlete Monitoring for Sports Coaching

Sports coach apparel has fundamentally changed the game by providing  biometric analysis of athlete performance in running, cycling and swimming. With technological advances, coaches can now use devices like smartwatches, heart rate monitors and GPS trackers to monitor essential metrics like heart rate, oxygen levels, hydration and fatigue levels. This real-time data aids coaches in finding an optimal range of training intensity, monitoring each athlete not to overdo themselves and, therefore, avoid injury.

Injury prevention is among the most significant advantages of wearable technology in sports coaching. Biomechanics and movement patterns allow coaches to pinpoint injury risk before it becomes severe. For instance, motion capture sensors that measure an athlete’s gait can identify and address imbalances before an injury occurs.

Monitor real-time and remote coaching of wearables and the popularity of modern sports. Particularly, this is a process in which athletics can train independently to allow for real-time data to be transmitted back to coaches — helping to keep continuous tabs on changes to performance and hold their interest, which is particularly helpful for teams and athletes who may not always have direct access to their coaches.

Recovery tracking is another prominent feature of wearable technology in sports coaching. Athletes want to optimise their recovery processes, and these devices measure all sorts of historical recovery information, such as sleep quality, muscle recovery, and stress levels. This is thankless work, but sustainable performance is one of the best reasons to recover well.

Unlike anything the world has ever seen, wearables are taking sports coaching to the next level to make it brighter, faster and more personal by adding technology to training programs. As a result, coaches can make data-driven decisions that improve performance while taking care of athletes’ health, with the final compensation of getting better results on the field.

Virtual Reality and Simulation Sports Training

Sports coaching has taken an entirely new dimension with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and simulation training. These technologies allow players to practice in hyper-realistic settings that simulate in-game experiences without real play’s physical wear and tear. Virtual reality has become a game changer regarding skill development, tactical training, and response time.

In sports coaching, virtual reality enables athletes to practice challenging circumstances in a high-pressure environment. For example, in football, quarterbacks can use VR to practice reading defenses and making split-second decisions, while soccer players can simulate penalty kicks to perfect their accuracy and composure. Such training develops cognition and game intelligence, two key factors for high-performance sports.

Simulation training includes injury rehabilitation. Athletes returning from injury, for example, can use VR to perform low-impact drills that keep their minds and muscle memory sharp while recovering. This maintains an emotional connection to sport and primes athletes when they progress to full activity.

VR allows managers to study the movements and decision-making of players in real time. Coaches review immersive footage to issue instant feedback, enabling athletes to correct laughs in a looser environment than physical training methods without the toll on the body.

In sports coaching, VR is beneficial for strategy formulation. Teams can use it to create scenarios for future matches, enabling athletes to practice their responses to various game situations, which is opponent-wise. It allows for such preparation that the team gap is often tiny on game day.

As it develops, VR technology will play an even more significant role in sports coaching. VR training provides an experience closer to what is expected in a competitive setting, meaning athletes receive the mental and physical training required to achieve their best performance.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Coaching Systems

AI redefines sports coaching through automated data analytics, improved game tactics, and better athlete training. The technology in AI-based coaching systems can analyse performance data, detect trends in the data, and offer relevant insights to coaches and sportspeople.

Game Analysis: One of the most significant uses of AI in sports coaching is that AI-powered software can comb through thousands of hours of game footage, pinpointing clutch plays, strategies and vulnerabilities in an opponent’s approach. This empowers coaches to make tactical, data-driven adjustments to ensure their team has the best chance of victory.

AI also offers personalised coaching by tailoring training programs to assist an athlete to meet specific goals. Using biometric information for individuals, performance metrics, and historical data, AI can deliver tailored training processes to optimise professional development and fitness. This level of tailoring guarantees that athletes are given the guidance they need to unlock their full capability.

Real-time decision support is another main benefit of AI in sports coaching. AI can analyse data in real-time during live games, helping coaches decide whether to change players, switch strategies or detect opposing tendencies. This real-time analysis enables faster, better-informed decision-making, which can be the difference between winning and losing.

AI is also used in injury prevention and recovery. Of course, if you can look at movement patterns and workload data and apply some more AI-driven insight around the risk of injury or how to modify your training intensity to avoid injury, this is important—it allows athletes to remain healthy and competitive!

With the rapid development of AI technology, its influence on sports coaching will expand. AI can process vast amounts of data, automate analyses, and deliver instant insights, making it a valuable tool for coaches seeking competitive advantage. Incorporating AI-driven coaching systems will allow sports teams to streamline performance, improve strategies, and maximise player development

Conclusion

Fast-paced and modern sports coaching has achieved new heights and has revolutionised with innovative technology. As data analytics, wearable technology, AR/VR, and artificial intelligence improve the precision and efficiency of coaches training and developing athletes, coaching methods will change accordingly. Its advancements will undoubtedly help coaches and teams reach new heights of success. This will truly make all the difference in the athletes’ longevity, health, and well-being, as well as provide a fantastic competitive advantage for the coaches and trainers who learn to embrace this technology. Technology in sports coaching is not an option; now, it has become necessary for success in every walk of 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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Data-driven strategies, real-time performance tracking, and personalised training plans ensure technology keeps enhancing sports coaching. On the other hand, it enables coaches to help analyse the motions of their players, keep tabs on fitness stats, and form strategies based on empirical data. Video analysis tools, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence-powered analytics allow coaches to assess athletes’ performance and track their improvement. Technology in training makes training sessions more efficient and specific to individual requirements.

Wearables track essential metrics such as heart rate, hydration, and movement, aiding coaches in optimising training loads or preventing injuries. By constantly monitoring an athlete’s physical state, coaches can determine the best way to analyse performance and recovery. They also enable athletes to train remotely while sending their coaches real-time data. However, we also have to understand that wearable technology reports performance and is an essential part of rehabilitation, tracking recovery rates that provide insights into athletes’ return to competition safely and efficiently.

VR also gives athletes near-realistic worlds to practice skills and strategies without expending physical effort. It simulates real-game scenarios that enhance decision-making, reaction time, and mental preparation. VR is especially useful for mental training, and even worse for athletes, that places them in high-pressure situations without real world consequences. It is also prevalent in injury recovery, enabling athletes to participate in low-impact drills that keep their minds and bodies sharp while recovering from those injuries.

No, AI is a powerful tool that amplifies coaching but cannot replace human instinct, experience, and motivation. AI assists in decision-making by processing data and delivering real-time information and insights. But coaching is built on mentorship, leadership and interpersonal relationships that AI will never be able to replace. Despite AI’s ability to crunch enormous amounts of performance data, coaches offer emotional support, help with strategic planning, and team management that will never be replaced

Innovative tracking devices and AI-based analytic systems quickly identify movement imbalances and tendencies to be overused, enabling the coach to customise an athlete’s training intensity and technique to counteract the threat of injury and enhance their safety on the field. These insights facilitate early interventions, allowing athletes to keep their conditioning at its peak while minimising the risk of permanent damage.

The future of sports coaching lies in even more AI-driven analytics, advanced biometrics, and virtual training tools. These technological advances will enhance performance and increase athlete longevity.

The post Utilizing Technology and AI in Modern Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Ethics and Moral Dilemmas in Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/ethics-and-moral-dilemmas-in-sports-coaching/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39798 The post Ethics and Moral Dilemmas in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Ethics and moral dilemmas in sports coaching are hard pills to swallow, yet they significantly contribute to integrity in sports and athlete development. Performance on the field is only part of a coach’s responsibility; they are also charged with instilling values like fairness, respect, and sportsmanship. Coaches face ethical dilemmas while trying to win, and the pressure to win can create ethical conflicts that play out in ways that test coaches’ principles.

From managing player discipline to dealing with doping issues, ethical difficulties come up in many facets of coaching. How these dilemmas play out can have long-lasting effects on athletes’ careers and personal development. Coaching an Ethical Sports Ethos Ethics in sports coaching encourages fair play and inclusivity, helping athletes to evolve into balanced beings.

The Role of Ethics in Sports Coaching

Sports coaching ethics involve the rules and morals that govern coaches’ decisions in terms of fairness, equity, and responsibility. A coach’s ethics guide how they act, engage with athletes, and foster the culture within a team. This ethical basis must rest on the commitment to integrity, fairness, respect, and accountability.

There are many ethical challenges in sports coaching, one of which is fair competition. Coaches must also instil in the players the importance of playing with integrity, honesty, and respect for opponents. They need to steer clear of any guidance on breaching sports ethics like doping or cheating. They do immoral things in a bid to win at any cost, even if it goes against the game spirit.

Part of ethical coaching is respecting all athletes as equals. Undue favouritism, discrimination, or harassment can damage team spirit and stifle personal development. Sports Coaching should be fair and inclusive, with athletes sharing equal opportunities to develop their skills and reach their potential.

Coaches also struggle with ethical dilemmas when it comes to injury management. It’s unethical to force an injured athlete to still compete for the sake of competition over their health. Sports coaches must balance competitive sports objectives and the welfare of players while acting ethically.

In this way, sports coaching becomes a classroom for life, emphasising character development alongside athletic performance.

Common Moral Dilemmas Faced by Sports Coaches

Coaches in sports are frequently faced with moral dilemmas that test their values and decision-making skills. Such dilemmas vary from fairness versus integrity to personal self-interest versus the welfare of athletes.

One is the moral dilemma between winning at all costs and developing an athlete. Yet, for many who find themselves in a coaching position, there is often a feeling that winning has to come first, winning at all costs. That can turn into a focus on performance at the expense of skills, ethics, and maturity.

Handling conflicts of interest is another moral quagmire. Sports coaches may find themselves in positions where relationships develop that might influence their decisions regarding athletes, parents, or sponsors. An ethical coach should know these conflicts and work transparently to minimise bias and favouritism.

Another ethical quandary concerns doping and performance-enhancing drugs. Some coaches may be tempted to ignore or even encourage such practices in the pursuit of a competitive edge, but ethical coaching is all about promoting clean sport and resisting drug use. It is critical for coaches to end illegal or unethical performance enhancement and encourage health and fair play.

Whose discipline & punishment are part of coaching in sports. It is imperative to strike a balance between the punishment of the rules and the athlete’s mental well-being. Excessive punishment can hurt confidence and motivation, while lenience can produce a lack of accountability.

We must navigate these ethical quandaries guided by explicit conduct and self-examination principles. Integrity should be the model coaches use to rate their decision-making and the program’s long-term health, which should be guided by their actions rather than the short-term outcome of a final score.

The Impact of Ethical Coaching on Athletes

The Impact of Ethical Sports Coaching: Beyond the Playing Field, Coaches Serve as Role Models and Shape Values and Behaviors. Coaches obviously do not coach in a vacuum. Ethical coaching contributes to an athlete’s journey by building integrity, character development, and a commitment to fair play.

In the sports world, ethical coaching contributes to sportsmanship. Respecting opponents, officials, and teammates are lessons that create essential sportsmanship that will help these kids grow. When coaches lead with ethics, athletes learn responsibility and ownership over their actions and that winning is not the only success metric.

Athletes also benefit from ethical coaching mentally and emotionally. REMEMBER: Athletes succeed in spaces where they feel respected, valued, and supported. A coach who considers ethical behaviour will contribute to a culture that motivates self-esteem and personal growth.

Based on ethical coaching by avoiding hacking, sabotage, and antisocial actions, This corrupt transfer of the behaviour of unethical coaches to players can create an issue in sports and, worse yet, the rest of life. Coaches serve to develop well-rounded individuals who move on to lead with integrity, are faced with repeated ethical dilemmas in their lives and professions, and are so much better prepared to navigate based on the lessons they learned from the coaches they idolised.

Ethical coaching can promote athlete safety and well-being. Ethical coaches create training regimes, workloads, and competition schedules that prioritise athletes’ health. They frown upon overtraining, putting too much pressure on yourself, and unsafe practices that could lead to injury or burnout.

Ethics baseball coaches teach young players principles that can benefit them on and off the field. Coaches shape the value landscape by demonstrating good ethical behaviour that values respect, fairness, and responsibility as much as skill and performance.

Strategies for Promoting Ethical Sports Coaching

Sports coaches need to be introduced to intentional efforts, better frameworks, and a commitment to maintaining integrity along the journey. Some strategies can help coaches see how ethical values are incorporated into the coaching philosophy and treated as the basis for interactions with the athletes on a day-to-day basis.

Firstly, establishing clear ethical standards is critical. A written code of conduct defining expected behaviours, sportsmanship principles, and disciplinary actions lays the groundwork for moral decision-making. Athletes, parents, and sports coaching staff should be informed of this code to provide transparency and accountability.

Ethical sports coaching also depends on education and continuing professional development—ethics training for coaches, workshops, and best practices in sports coaching. By unpacking ethical principles and learning to navigate moral dilemmas, coaches gain the tools to make significant decisions.

Another vital strategy is to encourage open communication. It is important to create a culture of trust where athletes are encouraged to speak up, question, and challenge ethical issues. Coaches need to create an environment where athletes can speak without being shamed, punished, or repercussions for doing so.

This is arguably the best form of ethical sports coaching encouragement: leading by example. Leaders need to be the standards for their athletes. Demonstrating integrity, fairness, and respect in all interactions establishes an example for athletes and is more likely to lead to their adoption.

Individual accountability mechanisms should be instituted. Routine self-assessment, peer review, and feedback from athletes help coaches reflect on their ethical behaviours and make changes where necessary. The [particularly relevant area on] ethics in tech is that organisations must have oversight systems to achieve ethical standards.

Advocating for character growth as well as athletic achievement nurtures good personality attributes. It also reminds athletes that victory is not just about the trophies and builds characteristics of values, self-discipline and teamwork to foster a culture where values and sportsmanship are at the core.

Conclusion

As a sports coach, you will face ethical and moral dilemmas, and how you respond to them will ultimately inform your impact on your career, athletic performance, and the sport. Thus, an ethical coach promotes equality, integrity and esteem, contributing to the construction of an athlete as a player and a person. By the same token, when coaches hold ethical considerations in high regard, they foster the conditions that allow athletes to flourish while adhering to the true notion of fair play. By doing so, coaches can ensure that their decisions have implications for values that nurture athlete growth and core tenets of fair play by supporting open communication, continuous, ongoing education and clear ethical standards. Teaching ethics through sport goes beyond winning—it’s about developing responsible, disciplined and principled human beings who take the ethos of honesty with them beyond their sport and into their life.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports coaching ethics is at the core of sports coaching as it ensures fairness, respect, and the mission, goals, and integrity of the sport. Coaches shape not just athletic performance but the moral character of their players. Ethical sports coaching allows athletes to play fair, respect teammates, and abandon dishonest practices such as cheating or dopping. Ethical coaching builds trust among coaches and players and between players and parents, creating an ambience more prone to growth. The moral stance of a coach affects the character development of athletes in the long run and prepares them to be responsible and respectful citizens beyond their sporting careers.

Coaches face many ethical challenges, such as placing winning above the athlete’s growth, dealing with injuries, treating every athlete fairly, and doping practices. Excessive focus on short-term wins can impact the choices made and be at odds with our ethical principles. Ethical challenges can also arise from conflicts of interest, such as favouritism about certain athletes. These dilemmas present a balancing act for coaches, who must put the athlete’s long-term well-being ahead of short-term competitive advantage.

One common topic on the ethical side is the issue of potential conflicts of interest in coaching involving personal relationships, sponsorships or financial incentives influencing decision-making. Steps coaches can take to navigate athlete social media interactions ethically include full transparency, clear guidelines, and equitable treatment of all athletes. Therefore, be transparent with your athletes, parents, and other stakeholders; communication will help remove favouritism. Sports coaching should set clear policies for decision-making criteria to eliminate bias. Coaches can earn trust and maintain credibility within their crews by emphasising fairness.

It can lead to high levels of stress, mental health problems, and even negative behaviours like aggression or cheating. Unethical sports coaching practices can leave athletes lacking in confidence and motivation. In addition, unethical coaching can cause physical damage, for example, making athletes compete despite being injured. Corrosive sports coaching environments can also impact an athlete’s involvement in their sport long-term, contributing to burnout or premature retirement. With ethical coaching, we create confident, disciplined, and respectful athletes inside and outside the playing field.

Sports coaching should establish clear expectations for athletes while modelling ethical behaviour and promoting positive conversations about integrity. The starting point is to work together to set team rules that focus on mutual respect, fairness and discipline. Holding team meetings frequently and continuing with one-on-one feedback can open the doors for athletes to discuss ethics and sportsmanship concerns. A code of conduct that defines acceptable behaviour and maintains accountability should also be implemented by coaches. Fostering a team and placing a premium on issues like honesty, teamwork, and discipline create a solid moral standing for the team.

On a bigger scale, sports coaching organisations act as guardians of coaching ethics. They develop ethical standards, run training programs, and oversee coaches for compliance. Organisations can provide resources to help coaches address ethical dilemmas and foster a culture of integrity. By enforcing accountability measures, organisations help build responsible, ethical athletes; rewarding ethical behaviour reinforces the importance of fair play and respect in sports.

The post Ethics and Moral Dilemmas in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Effective Time Management for Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/effective-time-management-for-sports-coaching/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39788 The post Effective Time Management for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Sports coaching involves various responsibilities, and managing time effectively is of utmost importance, as balancing training sessions, hiring assistants, developing athletes, formulating match strategy, and managing administrative tasks can be overwhelming. By managing time efficiently, coaches can get the most out of what they are trying to do and instil a routine in training that adds to the overall team performance. In an era where sports coaching is experiencing rapid growth, the greater the ability to plan, prioritise and follow through, the more success one can expect to achieve.

Sports coaches must design training plans, analyse the team’s performance, communicate with players and staff, and handle logistics. These tasks can become a disaster if not properly managed, resulting in lost opportunities, lowered efficiency, and even burnout. Implementing time management techniques enables coaches to use their hours to the fullest, catering to their progress on both short-term and long-term goals.

Planning and Prioritization in Sports Coaching

sports coaching gives priority to planning and preparing to manage the time accordingly. However, with no detailed plan, coaches can find it challenging to manage their time effectively and may have unstructured training sessions or fail to complete their tasks. Coaches can drive all these aspects into their schedule by using a more proactive approach, ensuring every part of their coaching roles is given adequate time and focus.

Essential strategies include finding purpose in each training session, game, and season. Coaches can organise their calendars and activities around what matters most to the team by creating short-term and long-term goals. Breaking these goals into daily or weekly tasks allows for periodic consistency and promises to keep the process on track.

Another important aspect of time management is prioritisation. Since not all tasks carry the same weight, highlight high-impact activities to ensure coaches spend their time and energy on the most impactful things. Delegating and organising daily activities Most coaches live structured lives and use tools like to-do lists, time-blocking techniques, and scheduling apps in their daily activities.

In sports coaching, there must also be some time saved for unexpected challenges. Flexibility needs to be built into the schedule to account for injuries, last-minute practice venue changes, or unexpected disruptions so coaches do not have to sacrifice other aspects of their lives.

By planning and prioritising their routines, sports coaches can develop a well-planned and efficient schedule that maximises productivity and improves team development. Then, they establish consistent evaluation and modification of these plans, which refines the process to achieve successful coaching over the long run.

Maximising Efficiency in Training Sessions

One of the most significant time management issues in sports coaching is ensuring that training time is efficiently spent and focused. Mismanaged training can result in valuable time wasted, loss of motivation for the athlete, and failure to train the skill. Through structured training methods, the coaches on the team can capitalise on every practice and maximise performance.

The outline for a good training session happens to be a training session plan. Sports coaching should have clearly defined practice goals beforehand that outline how important activities and drills will be structured, including the amount of time devoted to each. This ensures that every minute of training is used to the maximum effect, ensuring team goals align. Organising equipment, gathering materials, and reviewing individual athlete progress before the session also increase the ease of training for everyone involved.

Training is more efficient when there is clear communication. Keep the messages brief, reduce the time between drills, and make sure athletes know what they are trying to do. Structured warm-up and cool-down routines can decrease the risk of injury and make the most of practice. Additionally, technology can help coaches monitor progress fast and adjust as necessary (e.g., video analysis tools or performance-tracking apps).

Including tactical and mental elements with physical training is another crucial optimisation aspect. It also enables you to shape the game through long-term planning and, ultimately, improve your performance. Not only that, but while physical conditioning is key, spending time with your athletes talking about strategy, simulating games, and mentally preparing leads to better athletes. Creating conditions state: Coaches need to reserve time in training sessions to cover all areas of game preparation.

Differentiating sessions by skill level or position allows the coach to tailor drills to their respective groups to avoid wasting time on drills that are of no genuine interest or relevance to one group. Conduct training sessions based on individual/ group requirements to avoid wasting unnecessary time going through the same process and mastering the skill.

Balancing Coaching Responsibilities and Administrative Tasks

sports coaching is not limited to the field; it involves much paperwork that, if not handled efficiently, can lead to poor time management. Balancing training, game strategy, recruitment, communication, and logistical planning, coaches must also ensure that they are not bogged down by unnecessary paperwork and meetings.

Delegation is one key strategy for taking control of your administrative responsibilities. Assistant coaches, team managers, or support staff can handle duties such as scheduling, travel arrangements, and equipment management. By delegating these different jobs, head coaches can leave time for strategic development and improvement in an athlete’s actions.

Delegating is another key area that can help you manage administrative work more efficiently. Scheduling software, team communication apps, and performance-tracking tools make logistics more manageable and reduce manual data entry. For instance, cloud-based storage enables easy access to player records, training plans, and game footage, ensuring that documentation and organisation remain streamlined.

Time-blocking techniques can also help coaches set aside specific periods for administrative work that do not interfere with training and game preparation. Establishing focused times for reviewing player performance, analysing game footage, and communicating with stakeholders prevents these tasks from becoming burdensome or distracting from key coaching responsibilities.

In this way, prioritising meetings and successors ensures time is well spent. Instead of having meetings as the default answer to any issue, coaches should create regular but brief catchups between athletes, staff, and management. Well-defined communication channels and structured agendas help keep the conversation on track and time effective.

Another consideration is work-life balance, which can challenge sports coaching. Failure to allocate time for self-care can lead to burnout. Sports coaches must take the time to recharge, reflect, and expand their skills to continue delivering those results.

By streamlining administrative processes, using technology and emails efficiently, and establishing organised communication channels, coaches can focus on the true essence of their role—improving team performance and fostering athlete development. From keeping communication clear to streamlining processes, a successful approach to administration alleviates stress, improves efficiency and allows all aspects of sports coaching to run more smoothly.

Effective Time Management Strategies for Game Days

Fitting all that into time management on game days can be a challenge, but with proper planning and execution, everything will run smoothly. Good time management on game days benefits team preparation, minimises stress, and allows sports coaching to focus on getting their athletes successfully through competition.

It all starts with a pre-game script on a well-structured game day. Morning arrival to the venue, equipment builds, and last-minute briefings create an atmosphere of discipline and seriousness of purpose. Coaches must set a timetable that details warm-ups, strategic meetings, player check-ins, and in-game tweaks.

Delegation is a big part of managing your time well on game day. Having each coach take responsibility for certain aspects of the game, such as charting statistics, tracking substitutions, or even communicating with officials, allows the head coach to focus on the game’s nuances. To make sure that everything runs smoothly, with all the logistics, you need a staff to support you.

Another essential part of game-day time management is handling timeouts and breaks appropriately. Sports coaches need to use these moments sparingly, delivering short snippets of instructions and adjustments without overloading the players with information. Having key points ready and video analysis clips prepared will expedite halftime conversation.

Game assessments and debriefing processes must be time-sensitive. Though performance reviews are essential, excessively lengthy meetings will tire employees mentally. Instead, emphasising key takeaways and the need for action or feedback will provide the necessary penetration without the time burden.

Finally, game-day time management goes beyond recovery and preparation for future games. Scheduling time for cooldowns, medical assessments, and mental debriefing allows players to recover while laying the groundwork for the next matches.

Conclusion

The key to being a successful sports coach is time management. Coaches optimise their schedules, balance efficiency in training, define administrative responsibilities, and take on other game-day roles, effectively achieving a well-planned and executed training process. Following a focused framework with time management empowers coaches to alleviate stress, improve productivity, and ensure their ultimate success as coaches. Sports coaching is all about being efficient, organised, and rewarding through a focus on priority and systematic planning techniques.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Their time should be spent on the few factors that affect whether the team wins: player training, game strategy, and player development. Time management tools like scheduling apps and to-do lists can help organise their day. Many coaches utilise assistants or support staff to take on the more administrative aspects of the job, so they find themselves coaching more. Coaches stay organised and can pivot quickly by routinely evaluating priorities and modifying plans.

Coaches should prepare a detailed session plan with drills, objectives, and time allocations. This will minimise downtime and maximise engagement. Utilising onboard performance-tracking technology aids in evaluating progress and implementing data-driven modifications. Training within specific skill groups and using goal-oriented drills maximises time and the effectiveness of number-one training.

Passing off tasks such as scheduling, travel planning, and paperwork to assistant coaches or team managers lightens the load. Documenting and communicating can be made easy with the help of technology, including team management software and cloud storage. It gives you dedicated blocks of time for administrative tasks, prevents it from spilling over the coaching time, and allows you to balance your workload to meet the requirements.

There should be a pre-game for coaches, with warm-ups, team tactics, etc. Tasking support staff with duties such as substitutions, equipment management, and statistics tracking ensures the overall success of the program. Timeouts should be used through more strategic means, and post-game debriefs should focus on important key takeaways, ensuring efficiency.

Establishing a boundary between coaching and when you are also a person is key to avoiding burnout. Self-care, time to relax, and time to develop professionally all enhance effectiveness as a coach in the long run—regular use of delegated scheduling balances personal and professional commitments.

Technology can increase efficiency by automating scheduling, tracking athlete performance, and streamlining communication. Video analysis, wearable fitness trackers, and management software enable coaches to make data-driven decisions and streamline workflow. Scaling with digital tools cuts admin time and thus enhances coaching effectiveness overall.

The post Effective Time Management for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Benefits of Practicing Yoga for Physical and Mental Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/the-benefits-of-practicing-yoga-for-physical-mental-health/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39701 The post The Benefits of Practicing Yoga for Physical and Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Yoga is an integrated activity that supports corporeal and mental wellness. Its components include weighted strength training, yoga exercises, fall prevention movements, core stability movements, and breath control. Yoga has been an essential practice for many centuries and is an integral tool for our health. Recently, there has been a rising interest in natural and effective wellness solutions, and the yoga balance approach to the body and mind has become more popular.

Yoga exercise is different from other forms of physical activity, as it involves more than improving muscle tone or endurance. It includes breathwork and meditation, which regulate emotions, boost self-awareness, and reduce anxiety. People of most fitness levels can practise yoga, and it can be easily modified to fit your specific needs, making it the most accessible practice of all.

Physical Health Benefits of Yoga Exercise

Yoga exercise is one of the most famous ways to improve health. Flexibility, strength, balance, and overall bodily function improve through consistent practice. Unlike high-impact exercise, which can strain joints, yoga is a low-impact type of movement that supports mobility while lowering the risk of injury.

Better Flexibility & Mobility—Yoga poses generally involve stretching and lengthening muscles, increasing flexibility over time. As one keeps practising, one gains better flexibility, freeing the body from stiffness and tension. This can be especially useful for athletes, ageing adults, and recovering from injuries.

More Strength and Stability—Although yoga can seem like a slow-moving activity, holding postures requires quite a bit of muscle work. Poses like the Plank, Warrior, and Downward Dog help build core strength and stability. Holding these poses strengthens your overall posture, decreases the risk of falls, and improves joint health.

Improved Heart Health – Some yoga workouts, including Vinyasa or Power Yoga, offer aerobic exercise that raises heart rate and increases circulation. Yoga helps lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol, and support heart health by lowering stress-driven inflammation.

Better Posture and Alignment—Our bodies can become accustomed to naughty postural positions, whether sitting for long hours or performing repetitive movements. Yoga helps align the spine and strengthens muscles that support good posture, reducing back and neck pain.

Yoga can be part of a fitness routine, providing long-lasting physical benefits that include improved mobility, stamina, and vitality.

Mental Health Benefits of Yoga Exercise

Yoga is a physical workout and an essential tool for mental and emotional preparation beyond physical well-being. Many people enjoy yoga because it reduces stress, enhances concentration, and achieves tranquility. The balance created from the mind-body connection that yoga promotes is invaluable for mental health.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction—Yoga promotes mindfulness and deep breathing that engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. This process is key to reducing cortisol, the leading stress hormone, allowing for a more calm and focused mind. Regular practice of yoga asanas can assist a person in adapting to such types of stress and anxiety.

Better Emotional Regulation – Yoga can help you identify your thoughts and feelings. Through the meditative aspects of yoga exercise, practitioners learn to notice their emotions and not immediately react to them. You become more emotionally aware, which enables authentic self-expression, leading to healthier coping strategies for circumstances which may be challenging.

Improved Concentration and Cognitive Function—Yoga practices include breath control and meditation, which enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Yoga encourages you to stay present now, resulting in increased thought clarity that can give way to creative flow and reduced brain fog, making it an ideal practice for students, professionals, and anyone hoping to function more productively.

Improved Quality of Sleep – Studies show that yoga practitioners experience better sleep and reduced insomnia and pre-sleep anxiety. Gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises soothe the nervous system, preparing the body and mind for restorative sleep. Regular yoga can result in longer, deeper, more restorative sleep cycles.

Practising yoga exercise daily will impact the foundation for mental stability, strength, balanced emotional stability, and, ultimately, a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Yoga for Stress Management and Relaxation

Today’s lifestyle leads to excessive stress and physical and mental tiredness. Yoga exercise is a natural and effective way to reduce stress, relax the mind, and promote mindfulness. It offers practices that enable people to move through life’s struggles more effectively and with more insight.

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques—Yoga focuses on breath regulation (Pranayama) to calm the mind. Deep, controlled breathing signals the body that it’s okay to relax, melting away stress and anxiety. Alternate Nostril Breathing and Ujjayi breathing deepen mindfulness and soothe the nervous system.

Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness—Much stress stems from fears about the past or future. Yoga encourages practitioners to be present in the moment, focusing on breath, movement, and whatever sensations arise. This practice of mindfulness develops awareness and teaches experiencing stress with greater equilibrium.

Releases Physical Tension – Stress often results in tight muscles, headaches, and fatigue. Yoga poses and postures assist in eliminating accumulated tension from the body, especially on the shoulders, neck, and lower back. Restorative yoga positions like Child’s Pose and Savasana promote deep relaxation and restoration.

Quench for the Soul – Whether it is a physical practice or an earnest tone, yoga is proven to heal physically and emotionally. Both do an excellent job of clearing out our mental garbage cans, resulting in an improved mood and a more steady state of emotion.

By incorporating deep breathing, intentional movement and stillness, yoga is a powerful means of stress management and reestablishing balance within  the body and mind.

 How Yoga Enhances Overall Quality of Life

Yoga exercises help physical and mental health and create a dynamic perspective on life. Those who practice yoga regularly feel more self-aware, better connected with themselves and those around them, and find deeper meaning in their lives.

Enhanced Self-Awareness and Mindfulness—Yoga promotes self-reflection and contemplation. Spending time self-reflecting allows people to understand their thoughts, habits, and behaviours. It leads to growth and positive changes.

Meaningful Connections and Community—Many people practice yoga in group settings, which fosters a sense of belonging and support. The people you practice yoga with, whether in a class or an online community, are resourceful connections and provide shared experiences for meaningful connections.

More Energy and Vigor – Regular yoga increases overall energy levels through enhanced circulation, reduced fatigue, and improved mental clarity. In contrast to methods of higher-intensity exercise that may cause the person in question to feel depleted, yoga creates a recharging effect, or in other words, an energy boost, to the system.

Building sustainable lifestyle habits—Yoga encourages healthy habits that go beyond the mat. Practice can lead to better food choices, improved sleep hygiene, and a more mindful way of life, which in turn leads to more sustainable living.

When yoga is seamlessly woven into daily life, it cultivates physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional resilience, resulting in a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Conclusion

Yoga exercise practice has many benefits, both physical and mental. It is a comprehensive tool for holistic wellness, addressing various aspects of physical flexibility and strength, stress relief, and emotional balance. Doing yoga regularly translates into a permanent better quality of life. Yoga promotes self-awareness and inner tranquillity through mindful movement, breath control, and relaxation techniques. From beginners to advanced practitioners, committing to yoga exercise will help you use your body, get your mind right, and live a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about yoga and its impact on your health and wellbeing.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 Explore the rewarding path of becoming a certified Yoga instructor. Unleash your potential and inspire others on your journey with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s comprehensive Yoga program.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Yoga helps maintain good  physical health by improving flexibility, strength, balance, and posture. Regular practice lengthens and strengthens muscle systems to increase mobility and alleviate stiffness. Many yoga poses work the core and help with posture and spinal alignment. Furthermore, yoga also improves heart health by reducing blood pressure, improving circulation, and strengthening the heart. Unlike high-impact exercise, yoga has a low impact and is gentle on the joints, so it is suitable for everyone, regardless of age and fitness level. Including yoga exercises in a routine helps individuals prevent injuries and build muscular endurance, and it also helps them maintain vitality in the body.

Yes, the practice of yoga is a very effective way to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. Combining deep breathing, mindfulness, and movement helps reduce cortisol, the primary hormone of stress, promoting increased relaxation and emotional regulation. Yoga is focused on the present, allowing practitioners to avoid overthinking and improving mental clarity. Studies show that yoga leads to better sleep quality, less severe symptoms of anxiety disorders, and enhances emotional resilience. Yoga practitioners who consistently incorporate this practice into their lives may experience enhanced well-being as they are in a better mood and feel more aware of their bodies.

Gentle styles like Hatha, Restorative, or Yin Yoga are best for beginners. Hatha yoga teaches basic poses and breathing techniques slowly, making it accessible to all fitness levels. Restorative yoga is more about relaxation and deep surrendering; on the other hand, Yin Yoga works explicitly with deep connective tissue that increases flexibility. Vinyasa yoga, which connects breath to movement, may also be appropriate for beginners when taught moderately. Suitable beginner classes help build confidence and create a base to explore more advanced forms of yoga exercise.

Whether it is yoga practice once a week or Doing yoga three to five times every week, it yields noticeable benefits for both physical and mental well-being. However, even two days a week can increase flexibility and decrease stress. Daily short practices of 10-20 minutes can also help maintain relaxation and mindfulness. You have to do it consistently, and with time, regular practice at this exercise contributes to general strength, balance and well-being. Yoga trains your health to keep fit and acts as a stress buster and a meditation. If you accompany yoga with you, practising daily in your daily routine will also become a significant health benefit for you in the long run.

Yes,By increasing metabolism, awareness of the body, and laughter, yoga exercise helps combat stress that contributes to overeating and thus supports weight management. Active styles such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga offer a cardiovascular workout that burns calories and increases lean muscle. Styles of yoga, such as Restorative and Hatha yoga, which are gentler, help to moderate stress hormones that can lead to emotional eating. Yoga exercise helps develop a healthy approach towards food where the individual pays attention to what they eat and how they eat.

Long-term benefits of yoga exercise practices include greater flexibility, strength, cardiovascular health and mental clarity. Yoga builds awareness in the body, improving posture and movement efficiency over time. It provides mental benefits by promoting mindfulness, emotional balance, and stress reduction, which leads to an improved quality of life. Regular yoga supports strong immune functions, regulates sleep patterns, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like hypertension and arthritis. Yoga also helps develop a strong mind-body connection, fostering a sense of mindfulness and encouraging self-care and holistic wellness.

The post The Benefits of Practicing Yoga for Physical and Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise for Children & Teens: Building Healthy Habits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise and Preparing for Fitness Events appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise for Corporate Team Building Settings appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise & Nutrition: Best Strategies for Optimal Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Exploring Sports Nutrition Essential Knowledge for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Exploring Exercise Psychology Insights for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Personal Training for Beginners: Starting Your Fitness Journey appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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.

The post Exercise Prescription Principles and Guidelines for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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.

The post Dynamic vs. Static Stretching: Best for Fitness Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The difference between Pilates Mat vs Pilates Equipment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/the-difference-between-pilates-mat-vs-pilates-equipment/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39452 The post The difference between Pilates Mat vs Pilates Equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Not only does Pilates enhance the core strength and flexibility of the human body, but the method also focuses on posture, breath, and body awareness. One of its most potent benefits is versatility; practitioners can choose between two primary forms of practice—Pilates mat work and Pilates equipment. These include principles common to both forms but varying practices, viciousness, and tools, creating a different experience for learners of all skill levels.

The primary “equipment” for Pilates Floor exercises is your body and a few simple props, making it an affordable and accessible option that can be practised virtually anywhere. It requires a lot of strength in your core, balance, and body control and concentrates on performing fundamental movements that develop a solid foundation. In contrast, Pilates exercises are performed on equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair, which adds adjustable resistance from springs and pulleys. We can customise it further, offer more exercise variability, and provide additional assistance or a more formidable challenge.

The Benefits of Pilates Mat Work

A rundown of what even the most experienced Pilates will encounter includes Pilates at the mat, the base of the Pilates foundation. It relies on core stability, interactivity, alignment and balance throughout each specific series of controlled and sequenced movements. Unlike equipment-based Pilates, Mat work can be done on just a mat, making it one of the most accessible and economical options for practising Pilates. It’s ideal for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals and seasoned practitioners seeking to strengthen their foundational skill set.

Mat-based exercises are focused on core engagement, with moves such as the hundred, the roll-up, and the plank working the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. These exercises train th

e deep stabilising muscles, which leads to better posture, stability, and body awareness. Along with core-strengthening exercises, Floor exercises include dynamic stretches like “spine stretch forward” to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Mat Pilates is one of the most appealing forms of practice due to its accessibility. No equipment is needed to do it almost anywhere—alone, in a group class, or outdoors. It’s also an excellent introduction for anyone new to Pilates, allowing them to build strength and confidence before moving on to equipment-based classes.

Matt’s work may appear simple. However, it does offer difficulty for those at any standard of skill. More advanced moves, like the “teaser” or “side plank,” require a lot of strength, flexibility, and control, so Floor exercises offer a practical and diverse workout. Pilates mat work focuses on core control, allowing you to perform a range of moves that will engage multiple muscle groups regardless of your fitness level. Since it is performed on the ground, it can be portable wherever you are. Whether you are building your foundation or looking for a fun challenge, Floor exercises provide the fundamental benefits of Pilates in a flexible format.

The Enhancing Workouts with Pilates Equipment

Exercises can also be performed using Pilates equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Spine Corrector, which add resistance, support and variety to the movements. Whereas Floor exercises use the person’s body weight as resistance, the equipment enables adjustable springs and pulleys to add resistance and intensity. It can be tailored to the individual as a form of resistance training.

The Reformer, perhaps the most popular Pilates equipment, uses a sliding carriage and springs to provide resistance. This means you can fine-tune the intensity and range of motion for anyone at any fitness level. Footwork or leg circles on the Reformer are some exercises that provide core engagement, strength building, and postural alignment.

Pilates on equipment is beneficial for people with injuries or mobility problems. The Cadillac, for instance, has straps that can support lifts for stretches and strength exercises, enabling users to focus on movement patterns without stress. Springs and straps help with movement, allowing the user to establish proper form while building strength.

Pilates equipment also introduces movements that are unique to it and not possible with Floor exercises alone. The Wunda Chair, for example, addresses balance and stability, and the Spine Corrector is designed to impact the thoracic spine for ideal posture. The equipment also helps with variety so you can get a full-body workout that fits your needs and goals.

Equipment-based Pilates may require a studio and is usually more expensive, but it is customised and versatile like nothing else. It’s great if you want to deepen your practice, rehab injuries, or add more variety to your exercises.

The Key Differences in Focus and Intensity

Despite their different focus, intensity levels, and benefits, mat work and equipment-based Pilates share a common foundation. Knowing the differences may make it easier to decide which is best for you and your fitness adventure.

Pilates mat work focuses on body awareness, core strength and balance. Because it uses your body weight for resistance, the movements demand that you stabilise and control them without external support. This develops deep strength in the core, as well as overall coordination. Working without it also fosters mindfulness: you have to concentrate on accurate movement and alignment.

Counter Church uses springs, pulleys, and straps to allow for different types and levels of resistance in your workout. This resistance works the muscles differently, enabling muscle targeting while maintaining proper alignment. Because of its resistance and support, equipment-based Pilates makes for better Pilates rehabs than mat classes.

Mat work can be deceptively tricky regarding intensity, particularly for more advanced practitioners. Exercises like the “roll-over” or “jackknife” demand remarkable strength, flexibility, and control. However, Pilates equipment can provide a broader range of intensity levels, gentle assistance, and advanced resistance levels. Reaching these fitness levels through the program makes it appropriate for people of many fitness levels and goals.

In the end, floor exercises and Pilates equipment each have upsides. While mat work lays the groundwork for core strength and body control, working with equipment adds resistance and variety, giving the workout a different flavour. While both forms can be beneficial, adding a little to your routine is a safe way to provide balanced strength and flexibility and recover overall fitness.

Incorporating Both Forms into Your Routine

To get the most out of Pilates, it is advisable to add mat work to your routine in addition to equipment-based Pilates. Both forms provide complementary benefits for a balanced workout, improving strength, flexibility, and body awareness.

Begin with the basics of Pilates mat work. Concentrate on mastering basic moves like the “hundred,” “roll-up,” and “spine stretch forward.” These practices will strengthen your core, help with alignment, and develop the body awareness necessary for more advanced work. Another advantage of Floor exercises is that they allow you to practise at home , thus making it simple to keep your Pilates routine consistent.

Once you’re familiar with the basics, try all-volunteer equipment-based Pilates. Training with the Reformer or Cadillac can make a week more fun and hit trouble areas that need to be built up or rehabilitated. Another advantage of the equipment is that it usually provides more progression, as the resistance can be adjusted to suit your goals.

Most Pilates studios offer hybrid classes, combining Floor exercises with equipment exercises. Such sessions are a good way to taste both forms, with an instructor guiding you. For instance, a class could consist of core-focused mat exercises followed by Reformer movements to foster strength and flexibility.

When incorporating both methods into your routine, consistency is imperative. Strive for two to three sessions a week, mixing mat work and equipment-based workouts. This full-body workout will enhance your overall fitness, muscle tone, posture, and mobility.

Floor exercises and equipment-based Pilates are part of it, so you can experience the full spectrum of all the benefits this exercise approach offers. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, melding these practices will assist you in achieving your fitness goals while remaining strong and balanced.

Conclusion

Whether practising on a pilates mat or using machines, exercises enhance strength, adaptability, posture, and well-being. In contrast, floor exercises focus on body awareness, core strength, and accessibility. At the same time, equipment- or apparatus-based Pilates- brings resistance, variety, and advanced customizability to help take your practice to the next level. Knowledge is power — knowing the difference between these forms allows you to cater your practice to your needs and goals. With the combination of Floor exercises and equipment-based Pilates in your routine, you can form a well-rounded workout that lays a framework but can also advance. Pilates offers a well-rounded and diverse way to reach your fitness goals, whether training at home, in a studio, or going back and forth between the two.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 Explore the rewarding path of becoming a certified Pilates Instructor. Unleash your potential and inspire others on your journey with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s comprehensive Pilates Instructor program.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates mat work focuses on exercises completed on a mat using your body weight for resistance. It focuses on core strength, alignment, and controlled movements without additional equipment. Pilates equipment involves using specially designed machines such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair. These machines rely on springs and pulleys to supply incremental resistance and provide additional support or challenge based on your needs. Reformer and chair-based Pilates offer more options, allowing for better customisation in a workout, making it suitable for rehabilitation or advancement in training.

Pilates Floor exercises can be as practical as equipment-based Pilates based on your fitness goals. Mat work emphasises core strength, flexibility and control of the body, providing a total body workout with minimal props. Floor exercises at an advanced level can be challenging, demanding a considerable amount of strength and control. “Equipment-based Pilates provides different advantages, including customisable resistance and support, which can benefit those with injuries or fitness goals. Either form works fine — the choice is yours based on preference or need.

Both types are appropriate for novices, though mat Pilates is often considered the best entry point. Floor exercises introduce the essential elements of Pilates, including core engagement, alignment and controlled breathing, at the ground level — no fancy apparatus required. As beginners become stronger and more confident, they may wish to progress to mat-based pilates to provide a broader range of movements. Equipment is more supportive and customisable, which can also help beginners with special needs or mobility issues.

Pilates equipment delivers adjustable resistance, which is ideal for all fitness levels. It improves strength, flexibility, and alignment and supports those with injuries or limited mobility. The Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair have specialised exercises that can’t be done with Floor exercises alone, such as leg presses or spring-assisted stretches. Depending on your personal goals and capabilities, resistance that can be adjusted up or down also allows for more progression. Its variety and customisation make it a great addition to your mat work.

Yes, Incorporating mat work and equipment-based Pilates exercises provides a diverse workout that helps improve core strength, flexibility, and overall body fitness. Mat work builds fundamentals and body awareness; equipment provides resistance and variety that will challenge your muscles differently. Many studios also have hybrid classes that combine both so that you can experience the benefits of each—split mat and equipment sessions to hit different muscle groups for a plateau-proof balanced result.

That makes Click List generally more affordable than traditional Pilates (the machines!). Mat work tends to be more cost-effective as well. It requires a mat and minimal props and can be done by individuals or a group in a studio space. In contrast, what Sara Meeks, a Pilates teacher, physical therapist and author of “The Pilates Method: A Guide to the Equipment,” calls equipment-based Pilates often necessitates a studio setting because of the cost and size of the machinery.

The post The difference between Pilates Mat vs Pilates Equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Role of Video Analysis in Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/the-role-of-video-analysis-in-sports-coaching/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39390 The post The Role of Video Analysis in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Video analysis has revolutionised sports coaching methods, opening many doors for coaches and athletes to gauge performance, refine techniques, and develop winning formulas. With in-person observation, coaches may be unable to pick up on in-game nuances or practice details. Still, video analysis gives a coach no choice but to capture the moment and then re-watch and discuss moments of the game at their leisure. This degree of detail allows athletes to see their movement, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and determine what changes will make a difference.

Video analysis is especially useful for sports coaching because it makes it easier to communicate what a coach explains with what the athlete perceives. In addition, it serves an important role in strategy development, enabling teams to analyse opponents and plan for games more effectively. Whether it be for injury prevention or developing a culture of collaboration, video analysis is now a critical component of sports coaching in the 21st century, enabling athletes and teams to reach their full potential through smart, data-informed decision-making.

Enhancing Performance through Detailed Feedback

Video analysis in sports coaching allows for detailed, visual feedback. While watching gameplay or practice sessions in person is useful, video helps coaches and athletes slow down the action, replay important moments, and recognise specific areas to address.

For example, video analysis can help a soccer coach flag an athlete’s positioning during defensive plays, and a tennis coach can analyse the biomechanics of a player’s serve. Such minute details are usually lost during live observations. Using video, coaches can analyse complex motions frame by frame to clarify the mechanics of an athlete’s performance.

Visual feedback also benefits visual learners by showing the effects of improvements instantly. Video analysis tools frequently offer annotations, slow-motion replay, and side-by-side comparisons with elite athletes or your previous best. This can also make the process of receiving feedback more fun and efficient, which leads the athlete to internalise the corrections faster.

This method also creates accountability. By having visibility into their performance, athletes are more easily able to take ownership of their progress. The drive lies within the clarity of connecting effort, technique, and outcomes through video analysis. Video analysis provides a neutral perspective of performance, making sports coaching more accurate and effective.

Strategic Development and Game Preparation

Video analysis is an integral part of strategic development and game preparation, so it has become a cornerstone of modern sports coaching. Scouting players should involve analysing how they perform against opponents. This understanding helps teams create customised strategies that leverage their competitive strengths and mitigate potential weaknesses.

In basketball, a coach may study opponents’ defensive rotations for exploitable gaps; in football, the game film can be analysed for trends in play-calling or formations. Likewise, in soccer, video analysis can reveal an opponent’s preferred passing lanes or set-piece patterns so coaches can design countermeasures. With this knowledge, athletes and teams can approach competitions confidently, ready to adapt to whatever playing situation develops.

Video analysis helps athletes know their opponents and understand their individual roles within a larger tactical framework. Footage shows how our actions help the team achieve its goals, and coaches can also leverage this. In soccer, for instance, a midfielder can observe how their strategies during transitions help their offence and their defence. This clarity bolsters collaboration, tactical awareness, and overall cohesiveness.

Video analysis has several critical applications, one of which is pre-competition scouting. For example, teams look at recent plays to predict how a team will approach them and who they should target or lockdown.  Tracking an opponent’s shot selection or movement patterns offers a psychological and tactical advantage for individual sports.

Video analysis keeps sports coaching qualitative and data-driven. On the other hand, coaches can use video insights to complement performance metrics and devise game plans that account for every angle of prep. Implementing strategies that drive them towards self-improvement ultimately creates an environment where both athletes and teams can consistently progress in achieving their peak performance levels.

Developing Technical Skills and Preventing Injuries

Video analysis is a powerful aspect of training for technical skills refinement , injury reduction, and health benefits for sports coaches. By recording and reviewing footage, coaches can break down techniques, look at biomechanics in action, and deliver split-second corrections to improve efficacy (how well something works) and efficiency (how much energy is used to do something).

For example, a swimming coach may use a specialised underwater video recording technique to assess an athlete’s stroke and provide feedback related to the positioning of the athlete’s hands or the alignment of their body. Likewise, a track coach can quantify athletes’ mechanics to hone their intentional technique and improve energy expenditure. This essentially means perfecting movements, with an increase in performance and a decrease in overexertion.

Video analysis also drives injury prevention. Coaches can identify biomechanical inefficiencies or suboptimal techniques predisposing the athlete to injury. For example, if a cyclist may be straining too hard on their shoulders while pedalling, video footage can show them an area that needs improvement before pain turns into an injury. Using video, interventions could be made early to prevent injuries, which can shorten athletes’ careers and impair athletes’ peak physical health.

Video analysis plays a vital role in helping athletes see the visual and relate the observations to their physical characteristics. Playback allows athletes to internalise feedback and make corrections. When gymnasts record their progress, they can compare their form to that of an ideal execution, giving them a greater understanding of the necessary fixes.

The incorporation of video helps make sports coaching more analytical and proactive. Coaches can create drills and exercises catered directly to their athletes’ areas of weakness, and athletes can better understand how to prevent injury and improve technique. By enhancing all aspects of athlete performance and well-being through this holistic approach, you enable optimal performance in the present and sustainable success long into the future, all without compromising health in the process.

Fostering Team Communication and Collaboration

Sports coaching is highly communicative  , and video use can hugely support this process. Watching films together provides coaches and players a perfect opportunity to have an open dialogue about execution, fundamentals, and areas for improvement.

For teams, video sessions are your chance to align everyone on a shared vision. A good topic here might be mentioning specific examples of teamwork in action, whether a smooth passing play for an attack or a coordinated defensive effort — steps that would go a long way. These conversations assist athletes in interpreting their roles and understanding the contribution of their conduct to collective performance.

The other significant advantage of video analysis is that it can bridge communication gaps. Visual aids help coaches provide a clearer understanding of those concepts that would otherwise be ambiguous, leading to a situation where the coach is delivering a message but not all athletes understand when, in fact, the language used can be learned in a style appropriate to the athlete. For example, rather than telling athletes where they should be during a play, evidence has shown that providing this information through data tends to be much more effective.

Video-based analysis also enables peer-to-peer learning. Athletes can also exchange each others’ performances, offer constructive feedback, and take inspiration from their teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. This nature of teamwork facilitates respect amongst each other and develops relationships that create teamwork.

Based on published articles, the topic is trust. The video also provides transparency to the feedback because athletes can see what coaches are looking at. Not having bias reduces miscommunication, allowing the athletes to perceive it as positive feedback and not much of a critique.

At the core, a better analysis of video is a better way to communicate. It ensures that everyone, from coaches to athletes and support staff, is on the same page and working toward common goals. “The outcome is a more connected group and an opportunity to improve no matter what skillset we are working on.”

Conclusion

Video analysis in sports coaching has been a game changer, providing coaches and athletes with an innovative approach to performance, strategy, and teamwork. With data-driven insights, strategic growth, technical improvement and sound communication — video analysis results in zero room for error in any facet of training. Video helps individual athletes in biomechanical analysis and technical coaching. Based on what has been discussed above, biomechanical analysis helps direct them to improve the area that needs to be considered. It builds cohesiveness and communication for teams and aligns everyone around a shared vision of success. Video technology also empowers coaches and athletes to become their very best, whether in the throes of competition, improving their skills, or scouting the opposition.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

A performance video review introduces a new paradigm in sports coaching by offering a detailed evaluation of performance that is not captured in real-time. Coaches can slow down video, study movements frame-by-frame, and spot strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing work. This helps athletes get better clarity on their performance and make specific tweaks. Reviewing performance footage also provides a means to compare one’s performance with elite-level athletes or performances from events in a previous four-year cycle, providing a reference point for improvement. It also aids in strategy development, allowing coaches to review opponents and prepare more thoroughly for competition.

Performance video analysis is an essential tool for developing strategy in  sports coaching. Analysing tape allows coaches to recognise opponents’ tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses to develop plans of attack designed to take advantage of those shortcomings. For instance, studying a basketball opponent’s defensive rotation might expose places to attack, or a soccer team’s passing patterns could indicate countermeasures. Performance video review: allows them to see themselves used in high-level strategies, providing the tactical context needed to understand their role better. It assists with scouting before a competition, allowing teams to anticipate and prepare for opponents’ actions. In individual sports, performance video analysis lets you learn about your opponent’s technique, giving you a mental advantage.

A coach or athlete can utilise performance video review to dissect movement patterns, explore how they could become inefficient, and apply their corrections to improve performance. Some coaches with more advanced knowledge of this technique prefer footage to break the setup down to the smallest part to allow their athletes to employ it. Best of all, data at your fingertips includes things for a swimming coach, such as stroke mechanics through underwater footage, or for a running coach, stride length with foot placement for optimal performance. Video reviews of performance give athletes extra visual feedback so they can see how feedback corresponds to execution. This speeds up the learning process and builds confidence when they see their improvement for themselves.

Yes, Video-recording performance can help sports coaching prevent injuries. Coaches can look at the footage in several ways to find faulty body mechanics or inefficiencies that might lead to injuries. For example, a baseball pitcher’s throwing motion may show high shoulder stress that can be altered with corrective measures before an injury can occur. Likewise, a running coach would assess stride mechanics to find imbalances that could lead to overuse injuries. Video reviews of performance can also be used for targeted adjustments to improve efficiency and ensure that performance is conducted in a way that minimises strain on vulnerable areas.

Key information imparted in performance video review is the basis for discussion and thought-provoking analysis that improves communication in sports coaching. It connects verbal instruction to physical performance, which helps athletes translate theory into action. For example, a coach might show an athlete footage of their positioning during a play, explaining what they need to work on more clearly than the spoken language could convey. The team conversations about footage drive collaboration and enable athletes to visualise their roles as part of more extensive blueprints. Work in teams developing peer-to-peer feedback for performers, reinforcing team bonds and respect through performance video review sessions.

Performance video review helps teams prepare for upcoming games by analysing opponents’ play styles for tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. With this information, sports coaching can develop data-informed game plans that capitalise on weaknesses and nullify the other team’s strategies. “From the perspective of the game, for instance, breaking down a football team’s offensive playbook can give insights into tendencies that would guide what defences might attack specific weaknesses. Reviewing an opponent’s defensive alignment can also reveal ways to attack in basketball. Performance video review is also part of scouting efforts, allowing teams to know what opposing teams will do and prepare for specific play outcomes.

The post The Role of Video Analysis in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Periodization and Training Planning for Peak Performance in Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/periodization-and-training-planning-for-peak-performance-in-sports-coaching/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39391 The post Periodization and Training Planning for Peak Performance in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Periodisation and training planning are fundamental tools for coaches to create great programs that help their athletes achieve peak performance. Periodisation divides the training calendar into defined periods, each with its own goals, such as developing base fitness, practising sports-specific skills, and recovering.

This training plan must ensure that the daily and weekly activities are coherent with the larger picture of the periodised training structure, from the macro to the micro, helping the athletes along their best-estimated pace towards their goals. Combined, these approaches assist coaches in managing workload, tapering, and optimising athletes to compete optimally in critical contests. Through periodisation and training planning, sports coaches can develop sustainable programs that encourage performance, mitigate injury, and improve mental health.

Understanding Periodization in Sports Coaching

Periodization is the systematic arrangement of athletic training to reach maximum performance during specific times. Sports coaching separates the training calendar into phases with different aims and focuses: the preparatory, competitive, and transitional phases.

This preparatory phase aims to lay the foundation of an athlete’s fitness. This phase focuses on the development of strength, endurance, and technical skills among trainers. A basketball player, for instance, might focus on cardiovascular conditioning and basic shooting mechanics. Key Features include Moderate Intensity with an emphasis on capacity (not peak)

Training in the competition phase focuses on performance optimisation. During this stage, sports coaching emphasizes skills, however more sport-specific, tactical preparation, and physical preparation. Practices imitate competition as the intensity builds.

The transitional phase is the next step after the competitive season. It enables athletes to recover, mitigate against burnout, and work on their weaknesses, as highlighted in competition. Training is light, where sports coaches will focus on a bit of activity on the pitch and mentally recharge.

Periodisation creates balance over workload and recovery by breaking training into phases. This methodical approach has prepared athletes to perform at their best and minimised the risk of injury and mental fatigue, providing a sustainable route to success.

The Role of Training Planning in Sports Coaching

Fundamentals of training planning theory, research, and application of training periodisation are the cornerstones of effective sports coaching to align daily and weekly training activities with periodisation goals. A session should always have a purpose or a goal to achieve, and at its heart, training planning ensures that this happens concerning the athlete’s physical, technical, and mental development.

All good training plans start with goal setting. Coaches work with athletes to help define long-range goals, like reaching peak fitness, executing particular skills, or succeeding in a championship. These grand goals are subsequently compartmentalised into smaller, quantifiable milestones. For example, a sprinter may aim to shave a fraction of a second off their 100-meter sprint every month. When goals are actionable and broken down into steps, athletes remain focused and can track progress over time.

Progress monitoring is another significant element of the planning phase of training in sports coaching. Measuring improvement requires regular assessments, whether power output, agility, endurance , etc. Evaluation feedback helps keep the plan relevant and identifies areas where changes should be made. Coaches can scale the intensity, duration or focus areas when progress stalls to get the athlete back on track.

Flexibility in planning the training is just as important. Athletes regularly face struggles, from injury to scheduling problems. Sound sports coaching adjusts to such situations at the expense of long-term goals. If an athlete, for example, gets a minor injury, the plan would go in a different direction but include low-impact exercises while staying conditioned.

Training planning combines structure and adaptability, meaning a strong roadmap for success. Sports coaching adopts specific objectives, periodic assessment, and flexibility so athletes can stay focused, resilient, and ready to go at their optimum when needed. A carefully planned fitness regimen goes a long way in performance and towards achieving physical and mental health in the long run.

Benefits of Periodization and Training Planning in Sports Coaching

Periodisation and training planning are revolutionary tools for the sports coach and provide several advantages, not only in terms of maximising performance. Having these methods in place ensures  that athletes are training progressively and that they can expect to peak at the right time.

The most crucial advantage is timing peak performance to perfection. Periodisation breaks training into time blocks, each serving as a step toward a goal. In the preparatory phase, a base fitness level can be established (athletes); sport-specific skills can be developed in the competitive phase, and recovery can occur across transitional phases. With this method, athletes peak both physically and mentally in time for the most decisive competitions and have, in total, a state for things that should give athletes an edge over other competitors.

Another key benefit is injury prevention. Structured training plans prioritise balance between work and recovery, minimising the risk of overtraining or overuse. By interspersing periods of rest and active recovery, we better allow for recovery, adaptation, overall health, and sustainable performance over the long haul.

Periodisation and training planning also benefit mental health. The alternating cycles of heavy training with lighter phases at the end of the block keep them interested, engaged, motivated, and, most importantly, without burnout. This variety ensures that there is never a loss of excitement or focus, thus keeping training fun and effective.

Targeted focus in each phase improves skill development immensely. Athletes focus on different aspects of their training depending on the phase that they are in, whether that is strength development, technical proficiency, or tactical implementation within sports coaching. In the preparatory phase, a basketball player may emphasise conditioning and a different aspect of his game (game strategies) during the competitive phase.

These mechanisms encourage sustainable progress and support development long into an athlete’s career. Each phase can be built on to the next, so athletes can progressively develop their abilities without compromising their health or motivation. This framework in sports coaching sets the basis for success, resilience, and consistency — all characteristics that will set the athlete up for peak performance at any stage of their competitive careers.

Implementing Periodization and Training Planning in Sports Coaching

Sports coaches interested in applying periodisation and training planning methods must take into account the athlete’s needs, goals, and competition schedule. Specific strategies can be used and applied within it.

It begins with evaluating the athlete’s current fitness and skill levels. Sports Coaching evaluations assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This information is used to plan a training strategy designed to meet the athlete’s personal needs.

Thereafter, coaches map out a periodised training calendar. This means splitting the year into macrocycles (lengthy periods), mesocycles (monthly or weekly phases), and microcycles (individual sessions). Each cycle focuses on specific objectives; events are coordinated to match the athlete’s goals and annual calendar of competitions. A macrocycle may emphasise peak performance for a season-ending championship, while mesocycles can orient around conditioning, skill development, and tactical preparation.

Recovery integration during implementation is vital. Coaches say rest days and opportunities for active recovery are incorporated into the plan to avoid burnout and support overall health. Recovery time is particularly key between elevated intensity periods.

Success also requires regular monitoring and adjustments. A sports coach monitors progress by looking at performance metrics, reviewing videos, and getting feedback from the athlete. The intention is to help the athlete, and the plan will be adjusted if there is a challenging situation.

There is communication. To ensure the training plan suits the athlete, they must work together with their positive intentions and motivation. It promotes trust, encouragement, and accountability. Specifically, because of careful periodisation and training planning, sports coaching offers a systematic, productive road to peak performance for athletic athletes. Using this approach, you will maintain momentum, reduce risk, and position yourself for more tremendous success in the long run.

Conclusion

Periodisation and Training Plans in Sports Coaching These approaches maximise performance, reduce the risk of injury, and foster mental wellness by framing training around cycles and creating milestones. This means the athlete receives a specific, and therefore optimal, stress (workload), recovery, and skill development at the right time to facilitate peak performance. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to periodisation and training planning, and coaches must be patient, collaborative, and flexible. Such consistency of progress creates honeymoons that provide permanent growth in their sporting endeavours; the flexible structuring of a roadmap ensures that.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Periodization Sports Coaching Definition Periodization is the systematic organisation of training into different periods to enable athletes to reach optimal performance at the appropriate time. There are usually three main ones: preparatory, competitive, and transitional, which target various focuses like base fitness, competition-specific capabilities, and recovery. Indeed, periodisation is essential because it provides a structure that dictates high performance and recovery levels, where competition-based workouts are alternated with recovery periods to reduce the risk of overtraining or burnout among athletes. For example, in sports training, periodisation helps to ensure steady overall improvement, increase physical and mental preparedness, and develop athletes for optimal performance at peak events.

Training planning is preceded by all the previous phases , during which you plan daily, weekly, and monthly training sessions according to the periodisation stage’s more essential goals designed to guide and frame your training cycles. It allows each session to have a focus — whether it be strength gains, endurance building or skill work. Training planning in sports coaches starts by setting long-term and short-term goals, progress monitoring, and adjustments. This provides a straightforward way for athletes to remain focused and motivated while staying adaptable to meet their challenges, be they injury or scheduling. In the end, planning for a training cycle ensures that everything done in the athlete’s development directly reaches peak performance and keeps long-term success.

Structured workloads, recovery periods, and active rest phases are embedded in periodisation and training planning in sports coaching to mitigate the risk of overtraining and injuries. These training techniques ensure recovery and an adaptation to higher demands, thanks to the alternation between high and low periods in intensity. Training plans also balance progression: athletes are not taking on more intensity or volume than they can handle safely. In sports coaching, regular and systematic progress monitoring and technique will also flag problems early, before weak links produce injuries — for example, carrying out biomechanical efficiencies in runners.

In sports coaching, periodisation and training planning can be more specific to the individual athlete by customising plans based on the needs of each athlete. Coaches start by evaluating the athlete’s fitness level, strengths and weaknesses. They then create a periodised plan, with phases that align with the athlete’s competitions and personal goals. Flexibility is key in sports coaching—plans for training are modified as needed for reasons of injury, fatigue, or shifts in priorities. The plan evolves as necessary through consistent feedback and progress monitoring, which keeps the plan working for the athlete, continuously aiding their long-term development as needed.

From Optimal Performance to Preventing Burnout: The Benefits of Periodization & Training Planning in Sports Coaching These methods ensure athletes peak when it counts by structuring training into periods that develop fitness, hone skills, and permit recovery. In sports coaching, they also mitigate injury risks through balanced workload and recovery and thus establish a sustainable training environment. A plan for periodisation and training helps with the athlete’s motivation by making sessions varied and having a clear purpose behind each session. It allows consistency, resilience, and progression of skills, resulting in better performance in competition.

Fundamental principles of sports coaching, like periodisation and training planning, relate to better mental health due to the balance of high training volumes with recovery and lighter loads. This infusion of diversity wards off a phenomenon known as mental fatigue or burnout, which can occur throughout a season and keep athletes engaged and motivated. These techniques help the athlete to have a goal and break it down into smaller bite-sized pieces that they can work towards achieving. Phases of recovery are also a time to reset mentally, lower stress and prepare the body for the next competitive challenge.

The post Periodization and Training Planning for Peak Performance in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Analysing and Adapting to Different Learning Styles in sports coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/analysing-and-adapting-to-different-learning-styles-in-sports-coaching/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39387 The post Analysing and Adapting to Different Learning Styles in sports coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

We must understand athletes’ learning mechanisms through the lens of sports coaching mastery to assist in implementing best practices in sports. All learners, including athletes, have different styles of acquiring information, learning, developing skills, and performing under pressure. Some athletes learn best through visual demonstrations, others through verbal instructions, and others through physical interaction with the task.

Acknowledging and adapting to different learning styles is crucial for sports coaches to grow performance and create a positive training environment. Personalising your approach enhances skills acquisition and strengthens the trust and communication between coach and athlete. Recognising that every athlete has unique wants and needs provides an encouraging and energetic learning atmosphere where each player can succeed.

The Importance of Understanding Learning Styles in Sports Coaching

Learning styles refer to the unique ways individuals learn, absorb and retain information. There are three main types that athletes fall into: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic types learn in different ways. Recognising and bridging these gaps are two fundamental aspects of quality sports coaching, and they afford better communication and improved training results.

What you will notice about visual learners in sports coaching is that they tend to respond more favourably to visual-based aids such as diagrams, movies, and demonstrations. These athletes leverage resources like playbooks, game simulations, and seeing professional athletes in action. These tools can help you plan sports coaching sessions for visual learners to understand tactics and strategies.

Verbal bounty runs high for auditory learners, leading you to excel in communication and debates. Vocal instructions or feedback during sports coaching assistants work very well for them. Through team discussions, one-on-one conversations, and motivational speeches, coaches can guide their growth while ensuring they remain connected and conscious.

Kinaesthetic learners learn best through hands-on experiences. Their preferred learning environment is sports coaching scenarios, where they can do drills, play a game, and get immediate feedback on their performance and skills. Coaches working with kinaesthetic learners must focus on experiential teaching and structured practice sessions.

Understanding that there are varying learning styles allows sports teaching to become more personalised — ensuring that all athletes feel motivated and able to succeed. Tailoring your strategies can lead to trust, better learning, and a stronger team dynamic.

Identifying Learning Styles in Your Athletes

analysing an athlete’s learning style is essential to effective sports coaching. By observing their behaviour, talking openly and conducting formal assessments, you can tease the engine that propels each athlete to succeed.

Learning styles are often determined by observation. Come across a sports coaching session and observe how the athletes follow different commands. Visual learners might respond better to demonstrations, auditory learners may ask more questions, and kinesthetic learners will likely improve after physical practice. Focusing on such behaviours can bring you excellent insights.

In the coaching world, communication is another weapon that helps coaches understand athletes’ learning styles. Ask the athletes how they learn best: “Do you want me to show you the technique, talk you through it, or practice it with you?” Their answers can inform your coaching strategy and help you gain insight into their entire experience.

Formal assessments such as the VARK Questionnaire to supplement your observations. These learning styles classify people as visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learners, creating a category-based framework also used in sports coaching. Though these assessments are helpful, one crucial thing to remember is that learning styles aren’t set in stone. Many athletes will see a combination of preferences, so you must be flexible in your approach.

Good sports coaching also adapts to changing needs. More seasoned athletes’ learning styles may change as they age and develop more complex skills to master. As a result, by keeping the lines of communication open and periodically revisiting what they like, you can ensure your approach to sports coaching is updated along their journey.

Adapting Coaching Techniques to Suit Diverse Learners

Adapt your learning style (this is a game-changer). A dynamic, multi-modal training strategy ensures that every athlete reaps the rewards of workouts tailored to their unique preferences.

Include video clips, playbooks and physical demonstrations of techniques for visual learners. Use apps or video software to prompt discussion about plays, which can help visual learners establish a connection between theory and action. Keep demonstrations short and to the point to streamline replicability by participants.

Auditory learners need a more verbal approach to sports coaching. They require verbal explanations, detailed instructions, and real-time commentary during drills. Auditory learners will benefit from team discussions or strategy meetings.

Kinesthetic learners are best with hands-on experience. Sports coaching for these individuals should emphasise active practice, repetitive drills, and situational games. At practice, the coach can provide immediate, tactile feedback in an activity so that a kinesthetic learner can practice and refine their skills in the moment. This group benefits from doing drills under simulated game conditions.

An overall sports coaching technique incorporating these various strategies can make training all the more energetic and violin. A drill might start with a visual demonstration, progress to verbal instructions, and end with practical exercises. It guarantees that all athletes are supported and involved, no matter how they learn. When you address the varying needs of different learners, you help foster an environment where each athlete can flourish and develop.

Building a Growth-Oriented Coaching Environment

Effective coaching in sports is also about creating a growth environment. Athletes want to feel encouraged and safe to fail, push their limits and grow.

Focus on individualised goal setting within your sports coaching sessions. Graphic representations of their goals, such as charts or progress videos, may appeal to visual learners. Verbal conversations about their milestones may be more fitting for an auditory learner. In contrast, kinesthetic learners might prefer to see a hands-on example of what they need to do to reach their goals.

Sports coaching centred on growth hinges on positive reinforcement. Acknowledge and reward accomplishments in a manner that suits individual athlete learning styles. For instance, people with a visual learning style may find visually based feedback, such as performance graphs, helpful. In contrast, verbal praise is effective for people with an auditory learning style. Kinesthetic learners may do best when physically shown their progress with movement corrections or demonstrations.

Self-awareness and self-reflection are equally vital in sports coaching. For athletes, let them know their learning styles and then advocate for ways to help them succeed. You guide athletes to understand the algorithm that is themselves, teaching them to have confidence in their own decisions and to be accountable — and transparent — so they grow, day by day, over time.

Use inclusivity to embrace an ethos of adaptability in sports coaching. As an athlete, it is critical to be flexible in learning and performance as this skill extends into life. Embrace the range of learning styles you have within your team, turning this into an opportunity to cultivate team spirit and individual respect.  A performance-focused coaching environment not only strengthens performance and the coach-athlete relationship but leads to performance, which will feed success with long-term success.

Conclusion

Understanding and using various athlete learning styles is a key tool for any sports coach. Knowing your players’ personality types will enable you to be more productive in your communication, enhance their performance by sharpening skills,  and establish a healthy team culture. You can also observe the athletes in your class understand their communication preferences, encourage them to communicate openly about their learning preferences with you and their parents and use tools like the VARK Questionnaire to identify their learning styles. Adapt your items for visual instruction, listening, or mimicry so that every competitor can be involved and inspired to perform at their top. The most effective coaches, though, stay open to new avenues, grounded in empathy for those they serve and willing to learn as they do so.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

In sports coaching, knowing more about different learning styles is essential to effectively cater to each athlete’s needs. Different athletes learn entirely differently — some visual learners take to demonstrations, auditory learners respond to verbal commands, and plenty of kinesthetic learners do best when they can find their footing through practice. Understanding these differences enables sports coaches to adapt their coaching styles and approaches for better communication, skills development, and creating an atmosphere of learning. Specialised coaching allows athletes to understand concepts better, remain motivated, and perform well. It also helps build trust and rapport, with athletes feeling valued and understood.

Through observation, communication and formal assessments, sports coaches may be able to identify athletes’ learning styles. Observation in the training sessions is essential, and coaches should pay attention to the athletes’ responses to various types of instructions. For instance, visual learners might try to learn from the demonstrations, auditory learners want a verbal explanation, and kinesthetic learners shine on hands-on drills. Another essential tool is open communication. Coaches can ask the athletes, “How do you learn better — watching, listening or doing?” This conversation helps to reveal preferences and work collaboratively

The three primary learning styles in sports coaching are visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Some students may be visual learners, and they learn best from what they see and observe. They learn from diagrams, video analysis and live demonstrations. Auditory learners do best when they hear the instructions and verbally discuss the steps with others. They excel in suitable communication environments, with coaches that give clear verbal instructions, discuss and motivate. Kinesthetic learners are the opposite, who learn through hands-on practice and physical activity. They require repetitive experiences of movements to master them fully. These are the major styles, but most athletes display a combination of learning styles and may change preferences according to circumstances.

Visual Learner Sports coaching for  visual learners needs to be directed towards visual cues and instructions. These athletes learn concepts most effectively when they see them in action. They can use video analysis playbooks and diagrams to break down strategies and techniques. Specific, clearly demonstrated movements or drills are time-effective. For example, explaining to athletes how to perform a skill slowly and in sections allows them to picture what is required. This can show how strategy is planned on whiteboards or digital platforms, measuring performance data, etc.

If you are an avisual learner, you should, in a perfect world, concentrate more on video illustrations and showing for sports training. These athletic types understand best when they see how concepts play out. They can use video analysis, playbooks and diagrams to break down strategies and techniques. Focus on clear, concise demonstrations of movements or drills. For example, by breaking down a skill into parts and showing it to an athlete visually, we make it easier for the athlete to visualise the request being made of them. Various plans, such as game plans and performance metrics, can be drawn on boards or digital platforms. Coaches should concentrate on replicating their demos and visualising the key points.

Sports coaching tackles different learning profiles in four essential ways: building inclusiveness, encouraging a trustful rapport, and fostering communication. If athletes feel that their unique needs are being recognised and supported, they will engage in training fully and perform to the best of their ability. The result is a culture of respect and collaboration, where both coaches and athletes can work together as partners towards success. Athletes also develop a better understanding of the strengths and preferences of their teammates, which enhances teamwork both on and off the field. For instance, a visual learner may back up a kinesthetic partner by showing a move, while an auditory learner might spearhead a strategy conversation.

The post Analysing and Adapting to Different Learning Styles in sports coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The role of carbohydrates in energy metabolism https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/the-role-of-carbohydrates-in-energy-metabolism/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 07:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39123 The post The role of carbohydrates in energy metabolism appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Carbohydrates are essential to human nutrition and serve as an energy source. They’re one of the three major macronutrients (proteins and fats) that compose the body. They fuel everything from basic biological processes to vigorous physical exercise. Knowing how carbohydrates influence energy intake is important for better health, weight control, and success.

Carbohydrates: The Primary Source of Energy

Carbohydrates are the best fuel for the body because they work quickly and easily to make glucose, a sugar that cells use for energy. After being eaten, the digestive system breaks down carbs into simple sugars like glucose. It gets into the bloodstream and is sent to cells, where it is turned into energy through a process known as cellular respiration. A molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) uses this energy to power biological processes and store it.

Carbs are essential when you work out. They give you energy immediately through glucose and, in the long term, through glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is the main source of energy during high-intensity activities because it is easier to get to and breaks down faster than fats or proteins. This is why runners and other busy people depend on foods high in carbohydrates to keep their energy up and their performance.

The type of carbohydrates you eat is essential for managing your energy. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains, fruits, and beans, give you steady energy because they are chewed and taken slowly. This keeps glucose levels steady and stops blood sugar from rising too quickly.

Simple carbs, on the other hand, like those in sugary snacks, make you feel energised for a short time and then lose it quickly. If you put nutrient-dense starches at the top of your nutrition plan, you can keep your energy up and avoid the ups and downs of bad food choices.

How Carbohydrates Power Cellular Respiration

Carbohydrates are the energy source in human nutrition that produces more than 90 per cent of heat during cellular respiration, which drives nearly all processes within the body. Carbs are broken down into glucose, the obligatory molecular mnemonic before cellular respiration occurs.

This process begins in the cytoplasm of cells with glycolysis, which converts glucose into pyruvate. This initial phase prepares glucose for greater energy extraction and produces a small amount of ATP, the molecule that acts as the body’s energy currency.

The next part of the process occurs when pyruvate enters the mitochondria and the Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle. The final step of cellular respiration is called the electron transport chain, and it relies on the electron carriers, including NADH and FADH2, produced in this step. Here, vast quantities of ATP are created with the assistance of these carriers, and ATP fuels cellular action, muscle contractions, brain activity, and much more.

This is because carbohydrates require less oxygen to be metabolised than fats or proteins, making them especially effective in this process and, therefore, the body’s main form of energy, especially during high-intensity sports such as weightlifting or running. Glycogen, a type of glucose stored in the muscles and liver, provides an easily accessible energy reserve in times of increased demand, such as prolonged exercise.

Considering that brain power requires nearly 100% glucose for energy metabolism, carbohydrates are also needed for brain health. Too little carbohydrate can hinder the brain’s function, leading to tiredness, trouble concentrating, and lower productivity overall. This highlights the importance of carbohydrates in overall nutrition as they serve as short—and long-term energy for both mental and physical processes.

A well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense carbohydrates assists with efficient cellular respiration, cognitive function, and general vigour. Including complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, in the daily diet can help an individual maximise energy production and also keep them physically and mentally well.

The Importance of Carbohydrates for Athletes and Active Individuals

Carbohydrates are an essential component of sports nutrition for active individuals and athletes who rely on them for energy, performance, and recovery. During exercise, muscle contractions are fueled by glucose, which is released through carbohydrate breakdown or metabolism.

The predominant source of energy for prolonged or vigorous physical exertion is glycogen, which is glucose that has been stored as energy in the muscles and liver. When glycogen stores are depleted, performance deteriorates sharply — a phenomenon sometimes known as “the wall.”

Athletes must consume carbohydrates before, during, and after exercise to spare muscle glycogen. Pre-exercise foods high in complex carbohydrates will slowly release glucose to your body for consistent energy, such as quinoa, oats, and whole grains. Simple carbohydrates, like energy gels and sports drinks, replace glucose levels during exercise, lasting over an hour, delaying fatigue and maintaining performance.

In addition, carbs are needed after exercise for recovery. Carbohydrate consumption promotes muscle recovery and replenishes glycogen stores during the first-hour post-exercise.23 This process is enhanced by pairing protein and carbs, which promotes muscle repair and prevents inflammation post-workout. This combination is essential for athletes who train regularly or intensely.

The type and timing of carbohydrate consumption are essential for peak performance and recovery. Simple carbohydrates are correct for short-term competition needs, while advanced carbs are exquisite for long-period training or competition. A well-planned diet that provides the correct carbs at the right times will guarantee the best energy metabolism, endurance, and recovery athletes can achieve.

Carbs are not merely energy but fundamental to sports nutrition and athletic performance. A diet rich in carbohydrates and adapted to match each individual’s energy requirements not only supports optimal performance but also promotes long-term health and well-being. Focusing on nutrient-dense carbs will enable athletes to achieve their fitness goals faster, help them boost energy metabolism reserves, and aid faster recovery.

Choosing the Right Carbohydrates for Optimal Health

The quantity and quality of carbohydrates in your diet are crucial in determining how your body uses energy and overall health. Nutrient-dense complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes supply essential fibre, vitamins, and minerals. By digesting slowly, these carbs help keep blood sugars stable and maintain a sustained release of energy over the rest of the day. Adding these nutrient-dense carbohydrates to your meal plan ensures a steady stream of energy that is good for the mind and body.

Conversely, simple carbohydrates — found in processed food, refined grains and sugary snacks — break down quickly and trigger spikes in blood sugar levels. These oscillations can cause low energy, higher food intake and, over the long term, health issues such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and even type 2 diabetes. The latter is essential, as eating too many refined carbohydrates has also been linked to heart disease and other chronic health problems, so making better dietary choices is essential.

Choose low-glycemic index (GI) meals when you are trying to get the most out of your carbs. Low-GI foods, such as sweet potatoes, legumes, and quinoa, release glucose into the bloodstream slowly, providing sustained energy and blood sugar tips—top foods for a balanced diet.

Allowing fibre-rich carbohydrates, like whole grain bread and vegetables, in your eating habits can reduce your risk of conditions that can lead to chronic illness and help you maintain a healthy gut. Provisioning small yet significant changes, such as substituting brown rice for white or swapping white bread for whole grain, can transform your nutrition and overall health.

Focusing on complex carbs can help prevent illness, provide long-term health, and ensure your body has a constant energy supply. By choosing these nutrient-dense foods, you can have a balanced diet that promotes energy stability and a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Carbohydrates fuel energy generation, cellular functions, physical activity and overall health. They are a necessary part of a healthy diet as they offer the energy required to uphold energy levels and metabolic functioning. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. To obtain complex carbs without the drawbacks of simple sugars, go for those high in fibre and other nutrients. A diverse diet with quality carbohydrates may facilitate optimised energy metabolism, high performance, and general health in response to activity level. By letting complex carbohydrates guide what you eat, you can get sustained energy, improved health, and peak performance, making sure your body is running the best it can.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course  is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source and are essential to energy metabolism. Carbs are complex molecules that, once eaten, get cleaved into glucose, which is sent through the blood to cells for energy production. Cellular respiration changes glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the vitality forex that fuels cellular functions. They are remarkably efficient, needing less oxygen through metabolism than fats or proteins, which makes carbohydrates the energy metabolism of choice during high-intensity activities. They also fuel the brain, which depends almost exclusively on glucose for peak performance. Carbohydrates are also stored as glycogen in muscle and liver, which provides an immediate mobilisation of energy when the need arises.

As a macronutrient, carbohydrates are essential for athletes because they help with energy metabolism, fueling performance and recovery. Glycogen from dietary carbohydrates serves as the body’s predominant exercise fuel for short- and long-duration, high-intensity work. Eating carbohydrates before activity maximises glycogen stores and gives — a continuous course of energy to power workouts or sports. Simple carbohydrate products, such as sports drinks or gels, can replenish glucose levels to delay fatigue when exercising for over an hour. Carbohydrates, after exercise, replenish glycogen stores and help recovery and repair.

Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates differ in their effects on energy metabolism. Simple carbohydrates, common in sugary snacks and processed foods, are rapidly digested, causing quick increases in blood sugar. On the other hand, real blood sugar may provide immediate energy in the short term, but the abrupt crash following a sugar high tends to leave the body hungering and fatigued. In contrast, the complex carbohydrates in whole grains, vegetables and legumes are digested more slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream in a steady stream. This slow release helps with stable energy metabolism, ensures energy crashes do not happen, and allows us to remain active longer.

Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for the brain, with glucose (derived from carbohydrates) being the brain’s primary energy source. A steady supply of carbohydrates also fuels energy metabolism in brain cells, contributing to thought processes, attention functions, and memory. The brain requires adequate glucose to function optimally; without it, we experience fatigue, poor focus, and brain fog. Restricting carbs or skipping meals cuts off glucose supply, slows energy metabolism, and clouds mental focus. Adding complex carbohydrates to your diet, in the form of fruits, whole grains and vegetables, stabilises the glucose level in the blood, which in turn ensures that the brain gets the energy required for its functioning.

Not eating enough carbs can impair energy metabolism and result in fatigue, decreased exercise performance and mental sluggishness. You mainly rely on fats and proteins for energy when glycogen stores are depleted, and carbohydrate levels are low. Although these macronutrients can help with metabolism, they are not as effective and may result in muscle breakdown and slower recovery times with high-intensity workouts. Also, insufficient carbohydrates can impair brain functioning since glucose is the brain’s primary energy source. Adequate carbohydrate intake helps maintain energy metabolism, supports muscle function, and avoids the adverse effects of energy deficits on physical and mental performance.

Low-glycemic carbohydrates — including sweet potatoes, lentils and quinoa — enhance energy metabolism by releasing glucose slowly and steadily into the blood. In contrast to high-glycemic foods that produce spikes and crashes in blood sugar, low-glycemic foods deliver steady energy levels throughout the day. This gradual release provides a constant supply of glucose that can be utilised for cellular respiration, leading to continuous production of ATP, thus avoiding any drops in energy. Low Glycemic Carbohydrates — Beneficial for athletes and active people by providing persistent fuel for performance and recovery. Incorporating these carbohydrates into your diet helps maintain a steady release of energy for metabolic processes, supports brain function, and lowers the risk of blood sugar fluctuations.

The post The role of carbohydrates in energy metabolism appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nutritional considerations for individuals with autoimmune diseases https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/nutritional-considerations-for-individuals-with-autoimmune-diseases/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39111 The post Nutritional considerations for individuals with autoimmune diseases appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders that affect millions worldwide and occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Chronic inflammation can be caused by autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which also present significant health complications. Diet is crucial to managing symptoms, minimising inflammation, and improving the quality of life for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A Foundation for Wellness

All autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases, which makes an anti-inflammatory diet the most important treatment for autoimmune diseases. This diet focuses on consuming foods high in inflammation-fighting nutrients and avoiding foods that may aggravate inflammation.

They’re full of fruits and vegetables — berries, leafy greens and cruciferous ones, for instance — rich in antioxidants, the molecules that quell errant free radicals. And good fats, like omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and flaxseeds, are beneficial for inflammation.

Whole grains include foods such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats, which provide carbohydrates without raising blood sugar and supply vital fibre and nutrients throughout the body. Yes, you should start cooking with turmeric, ginger, and other spices and herbs known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties.

In contrast, some foods, such as processed foods rich in trans fats and refined sugar, have been shown to increase inflammation and should be avoided. Excessive sugar intake—linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers—and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta can result in spikes in blood sugar, an important driver of inflammation.

This is why anti-inflammatory eating is one of the most effective nutritional approaches individuals with autoimmune diseases can use to alleviate symptoms, balance, and optimise their health. Such eating helps lower inflammation and enhance long-term wellness by preventing chronic disease, providing one example of how what we eat can impact chronic disease.

The Role of Gut Health in Autoimmune Diseases

The gut microbiome has emerged as a foundational pillar of autoimmune health, having far-reaching effects on immune function and other systems throughout our body. A compromised gut barrier, often dubbed “leaky gut,” permits damaging particles such as toxins and undigested food contents to enter the bloodstream, instigating immune reactions that can intensify autoimmunity symptoms. Gut health is thus a significant area of emphasis for people with autoimmune diseases.

Balanced nutritional habits are instrumental in keeping the microbiome and gut barrier intact. Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi add beneficial bacteria to the gut and help restore microbial diversity and balance. Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, bananas and asparagus support these beneficial bacteria and keep them alive and active.

Collagen and amino acids found in bone broth are especially helpful for repairing and strengthening the gut lining. In previously diagnosed individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is critical to prevent inflammation of the gut and overactivation of the immune system.

The presence of a healthy microbiome promotes a more robust gut barrier and more balanced homeostatic immune responses that minimise the risk of immune dysregulation. These dietary interventions not only promote digestion but also reduce inflammation, improve energy, and help manage symptoms of an autoimmune disorder.

Through these specific nutrition-based strategies to optimise gut health, everyone can work toward autoimmunity struggles and make strides toward better health. The microbiome is a key consideration in nutrition for people living with autoimmune conditions, not just according to studies on their health but also because of both short and long-term returns to microbiome health.

Micronutrient Balance: Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Micronutrient deficiencies are a common problem for people with autoimmune diseases due to malabsorption, restrictive diets, or inflammation-related disturbances in nutrient utilisation. People need to fill the gaps, as proper levels of specific vitamins and minerals are essential in increasing immune function and decreasing components that cause inflammation.

Vitamin D, one of the micronutrients, is particularly critical for regulating our immune responses (Sources: sunlight, fatty fish, fortified dairy products and/or supplements).

Vitamin C, a widely known antioxidant that assists in immune defence and collagen production, is easily found in citrus fruits, green peppers, and strawberries. Zinc, which has also been shown to play an essential role in the proper functioning of immune cells, is found in foods such as shellfish, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Magnesium, vital for muscle pain and inflammation relief, can be found in spinach, almonds, and whole grains. Selenium, a potent antioxidant, has also been shown to diminish autoimmune flare, and it’s found in Brazil nuts, eggs and seafood.

Routine blood work is essential for discovering deficiencies so that you can supplement and be guided to eat for your needs. Personalised dietary approaches guarantee that people receive what they need, enriching their health in the long run. Adequate levels of these micronutrients not only contribute to controlling autoimmunity, but they can also boost energy, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.

This point for people who live systemically challenged by autoimmune conditions is that ensuring adequate intake of these vitamins and minerals is one of the most critical nutritional considerations, with immediate symptomatic relief and long-term health benefits.

Elimination Diets and Personalized Nutrition

Autoimmune diseases are uniquely individualised, so dietary approaches must be customised to the individual. Some of these elimination diets can be useful for identifying food sensitivities or foods that may exacerbate symptoms, as no single solution will work for everyone. There are three main phases involved in an elimination diet. The initial phase is the removal phase, which eliminates common trigger foods like gluten, dairy products, soy, eggs, and nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) for 4-6 weeks.

Next comes the reintroduction phase, where these foods are slowly added back into the diet, one at a time, while checking for any adverse symptoms. From here, a personalised eating plan can be created to avoid trigger foods while maintaining nutritional balance.

Therefore, personalised nutrition with elimination diets has considerable advantages. By recognising and avoiding specific triggers, people can decrease autoimmune flare-ups and enhance digestion and energy. Halting or reversing the ageing process is not the only aspect that a personalised approach to nutrition helps; it also contributes to a holistic lifestyle that considers every person’s individuality.

It is strongly advised to work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist so that elimination diets continue to be nutritionally balanced and successful. Personalisation is among the most significant nutritional considerations for the long-term management of autoimmune disease. It leads to improved symptom management and quality of life. Such an approach helps individuals make informed dietary decisions that balance their health goals.

 Conclusion

Living with an autoimmune disease is about the overall lifestyle, and the food you eat is a significant component. It emphasises an anti-inflammatory diet, gut health, sufficient micronutrients, and personalised nutrition with elimination diets to alleviate symptoms and greatly improve quality of life. Integrating these nutritional principles into the daily routine of those with autoimmune diseases may lead to proactive steps toward better health and resilience.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course  is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition fundamentals are essential in managing autoimmune disease,  impacting inflammation, immune response, and general health. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables and healthy fats can help decrease chronic inflammation, one of the major contributors to autoimmune symptoms. Nutrition can also mitigate deficiencies of key micronutrients needed for immune regulation, including vitamin D, zinc, and selenium. Individualising a diet—such as avoiding specific triggers identified through elimination diets—can lead to considerable changes in energy, digestion and symptom control. Balanced nutrition bolsters the body’s natural defences and improves the quality of life for people with autoimmune conditions.

Some foods contribute to increased inflammation and worsen autoimmune symptoms, so nutrition is a central focal point for treating these conditions. Some of the biggest reasons behind the obesity index are processed foods high in trans fats, refined sugars, and additives. Refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries can raise blood sugar levels and, in their wake, inflammation. Some people are also sensitive to gluten, dairy, soy, or nightshade vegetables, which can all trigger inflammation. A nutrition plan that fits is one where you identify and cut out the foods that cause issues for you in an elimination diet. Gut-healing anti-inflammatory foods are key; they help keep symptoms in check and allow every other aspect of well-being to flourish.

Gut health can play a significant role in autoimmune disease management due to the gut microbiome’s considerable influence on the immune system. A damaged gut barrier — called “leaky gut” — can let harmful substances enter the bloodstream, provoking immune responses. Diet is crucial for a healthy microbiome. Probiotics from fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut add good bacteria, and prebiotics from foods like garlic and bananas help grow these bacteria. Bone broth helps repair the gut lining, and eliminating gluten prevents inflammation in susceptible individuals. Nutrition that supports the gut decreases immune dysregulation, improving symptoms and improving general health.

Elimination Diets for Autism are very effective in identifying specific food triggers that can worsen your symptoms. You cut out common culprits (gluten, dairy, soy, nightshade vegetables) for 4–6 weeks, then you add them back in so you can identify the perpetrators of your food aversions. Once triggers are identified, you can create a personalised nutrition plan to avoid such foods to ensure a balanced diet. Apart from reducing flare-ups, elimination diets improve digestion and energy levels. This kind of targeted approach ought to be done with the aid of a dietitian to assist them in utilising their dietary decisions to optimise nutrition and control their autoimmune condition(s).

An anti-inflammatory meal plan is vital for autoimmune diseases, as it reduces chronic inflammatory state, one of the significant factors contributing to the symptoms. Antioxidant-rich foods, including berries and leafy greens, counter oxidative stress, and omega-3 fatty acids in fish and flaxseeds lower markers of inflammation. Equally important is staying away from processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats. The goal is to minimise the occurrence of flare-ups while enhancing overall health and wellness through this eating method. Anti-inflammatory foods will enable people to balance their immune response, increase their energy levels and improve their overall quality of life.

People diagnosed with autoimmune diseases often have micronutrient deficiencies because of food restrictions or malabsorption. Key vitamins and minerals (vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and selenium) are required to maintain immune system regulation and lower inflammation. Nutrition individualised to these requirements can significantly impact symptom control, energy, and general health. Blood tests can detect deficiencies, which allows for targeted supplementation. By following a balanced nutrition plan that fills these gaps, individuals can build their immune defences, decrease inflammation, and better cope with autoimmune conditions

The post Nutritional considerations for individuals with autoimmune diseases appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nutrition Coaching to consider for athletes and Active Individuals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/nutrition-coaching-to-consider-for-athletes-and-active-individuals/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38837 The post Nutrition Coaching to consider for athletes and Active Individuals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Athletes and active individuals have specific dietary requirements to aid in their performance, recovery, and overall health. Good nutrition fuels workouts, helps recover from them, and minimises the risk of injuries and fatigue. One key aspect of this is nutrition coaching, where athletes are guided to tailor their nutrition to gain the greatest performance benefits.

The Role of Macronutrients in Performance: Insights from Nutrition Coaching

Macronutrients — carbohydrates, proteins and fats — are the two-pillar diet of every athlete’s regime. Each one serves a distinct purpose: to drive activity, help people recover, and support general health.

Carbohydrates

Athletes use carbohydrates as the main energy fuel. They release glucose, the fuel for high-intensity and endurance work. Complex carbohydrates (e.g. whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) provide sustained energy for athletes. It helps athletes determine how much carbohydrates they should consume based on their training intensity and duration.

Proteins

Protein is essential for the repair and recovery of muscles. Sedentary individuals require less protein than athletes to provide for muscle development and damage, so the amount needed will depend on the sport or athlete in question, and the amount of protein and the source will vary. Lean protein sources, like chicken, fish, and eggs, and plant-based ones, like tofu and lentils, are best. Nutrition coaching can assist athletes figure out how much post-workout protein to consume for optimal recovery.

Fats

Healthy fats are an essential energy source, particularly when engaging in low-intensity or long-distance activities. Including sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish provides necessary fatty acids and promotes overall well-being. This balances the intake of fats to avoid excess or deficiency of fatty acids and the Dietary Guidance of athletes through a sports dietitian.

Good dietary guidance must involve understanding macronutrient balance and how diets are designed to help athletes optimise their performance and recovery.

Micronutrient Needs for Athletes: Key Areas in Nutrition Coaching

Macronutrients are essential, but vitamins and minerals are significant to athletic performance and recovery. Nutrition coaching guides athletes in discovering and meeting their micronutrient requirements to help them stay healthy and minimise the risk of deficiencies.

Iron: helps carry oxygen in the blood and makes energy. Exercise girls and women are at an exceptionally high risk of iron deficiency. Good sources include red meat, leafy greens and fortified cereals. Dietary Guidance tracks iron levels and provides nutritional changes or supplements as needed.

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for bone health. Stress fractures are more likely to occur in athletes who partake in high-impact activities, which should lead them to have higher calcium intake, if not already. Dairy foods, fortified plant-based milk, and leafy greens deliver calcium, while sunlight and foods like salmon and egg yolks provide vitamin D. Dietary Guidance stresses the role of these nutrients in supporting bone strength.

Antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E) can help reduce oxidative stress from vigorous exercise. Antioxidants abound in foods like berries, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds. Dietary Guidance helps athletes to incorporate these into their diets to aid recovery and reduce inflammation.

Nutrition coaching can help athletes meet micronutrient needs, ensuring deficiencies do not impact performance.

Hydration Strategies for Athletes: A Focus in Nutrition Coaching

Proper hydration is vital for exercising since even mild dehydration can hinder performance and recovery. Nutrition coaching educates athletes on their hydration needs and supports them in developing strategies to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise.

Pre-Exercise Hydration

Staying hydrated before your workouts and certainly your competitions is key. Athletes should consume water or electrolyte-rich drinks 2–3 hours before exercise. Nutrition coaches can offer individualised hydration recommendations based on an athlete’s weight, activity type, and environmental conditions.

During Exercise

Fluid balance is of the utmost importance during prolonged or high-intensity exercise. Athletes should drink water or sports drinks every 15–20 minutes, depending on how sweaty and intense the workout is. Electrolytes replenish and provide carbohydrates for the energy generated from sports drinks. Dietary Guidance clarifies the type and quantity of fluid you may need during training or competition.

Post-Exercise Hydration

After your workout, you need to rehydrate, and this is vital for recovery. Replenishing fluids with electrolyte-rich foods or drinks restores fluid balance and helps muscle recovery. Great recovery starts with nutrition coaching, which focuses on replenishing the fluids lost from sweat.

Dietary Guidance ensures optimal performance while mitigating potential dangers of dehydration and heat-related conditions through the personalised use of hydration strategies.

Meal Timing and Recovery Nutrition: Key Elements of Nutrition Coaching

When and what we eat are crucial aspects of our diets. Meal timing and recovery nutrition are essential for maximising performance, energy levels, and muscle repair. It promotes the timing of your meals for maximum results.

Pre-Workout Nutrition: The right foods eaten before a workout give the energy needed to perform better. Suppose you go a few hours without food. In that case, any pre-workout meal should revolve around easily digestible carbohydrates and moderate protein to fuel activity but not weigh you down—for example, a banana with peanut butter or a small bowl of oatmeal with fruit. Pre-workout meal plans are customised based on an individual’s preferences and activity types in nutrition coaching.

During Exercise that lasts more than an hour, carbohydrates facilitate the preservation of energy levels. Sports drinks, energy gels, or small snacks like dried fruit can offer quick fuel. Athletes seeking nutrition coaching can discover how to choose what is best for their training or competition needs.

Post-workout nutrition centres around recovery by replenishing glycogen stores and repairing muscles. The recommended recovery routine is to get a mix of carbs and protein within 30–60 minutes of exercise. Examples are a smoothie made with fruit and Greek yoghurt or a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread. This recovery window is one of the key focuses of Dietary Guidance to facilitate muscle repair and dissipate soreness.

Dietary Guidance can optimise an athlete’s performance by addressing meal timing and recovery strategies to fuel them, mitigate fatigue and enhance performance.

Conclusion

Performance, recovery, and overall health depend on nutrition strategies specialised for athletes and those who are generally more active. Nutrition coaching helps athletes create individualised plans to fine-tune their macronutrient intake, meet their micronutrient needs, maximise hydration, and optimise meal timing. Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite athlete, proper nutrition is the foundation of success.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course  is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athletes require the best Dietary Guidance as it tailors dietary recommendations to consider performance, recovery, and general health. Sports-specific training contributes to a unique set of nutritional demands aligned with the athlete’s pursuit of their specific sport alongside the time dedicated to a varied intensity of workload through training. Dietary Guidance guides them to understand that macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and meal timing become factors whose importance can be measured in performance.

The building blocks of an athletic diet are macronutrients — carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The energy comes from the carbons, the proteins that help with recovery and muscle repair. Healthy fats provide sustained energy for endurance activities. Dietary Guidance helps athletes work out their proper macronutrient ratio based on their training routine and goals. We need to eat complex carbohydrates before training and lean proteins afterwards, and coaches prescribe when we should eat and what we should eat to get optimal fuel to run and recover for top performance.

Certain micronutrients and antioxidants, to name a few—are essential for athletic performance and recovery, all of which can help promote grain intake. Iron transports oxygen, calcium, and vitamin D to keep bones strong, and antioxidants prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress. Dietary Guidance assists athletes in pinpointing potential gaps and integrating foods containing these key nutrients, including leafy greens, dairy products, and berries. They also help athletes conclude whether supplementation is required and when to ensure their micronutrient intake is well balanced, optimising the micronutrient supply and allowing the athlete better health and performance.

Hydration is essential for athletes, as slight dehydration can compromise performance and recovery. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports muscle function, and minimises fatigue. With nutrition coaching, athletes can develop individualised hydration strategies pre-, during, and post-exercise. Water or electrolyte drinks are recommended, depending on individual sweat rates, activity intensity, and environmental conditions. With hydration being crucial, nutrition coaching helps athletes deliver the best performances without allowing forces like cramps or heat exposure to become a concern.

The timing of your meals is an essential component of performance fuel and recovery. Fueling your body with the right foods at the correct times keeps energy up and helps repair muscles efficiently. In contrast, pre-workout meals contain more carbohydrates and protein to optimise energy utilisation, while post-workout foods work to restore glycogen stores and support muscle recovery. Athletes following nutrition coaching can receive nutrition advice to implement specific meal timing strategies to improve health and performance, such as eating a smoothie post-workout or snacking on a carbohydrate-rich food before training. A nutrition plan will aid the athlete in achieving optimal performance and recovery.

Nutrition coaching can promote optimal nutrient timing, hydration, and consumption of anti-inflammatory foods. Coaches often emphasise the importance of drinking a mixture of carbohydrates and protein within the recovery window (30–60 minutes post-exercise) to refill glycogen and repair muscle. Maintaining proper hydration and electrolytes is also critical. Furthermore, nutrition coaching advises the intake of anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, berries, and nuts that facilitate quicker recovery.

The post Nutrition Coaching to consider for athletes and Active Individuals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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.

The post Fitness Endurance Training for Long-Distance Running or Cycling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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.

The post Different Types of Exercise and Their Impact on Fitness Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Designing an Effective Fitness Training Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post CrossFit Training: Pros, Cons for Fitness Training Success appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Applying Practice with Evidence-Based Fitness Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Common nutrient deficiencies and how to address them https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/common-nutrition-deficiencies-and-how-to-address-them/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38785 The post Common nutrient deficiencies and how to address them appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Nutrition is equally important for maintaining good health overall, and low levels of specific nutrients can dramatically affect physical or mental well-being. Even with a plethora of food options, most people do not get enough to adequately supply the body.

The Importance of Balanced Nutrition in Preventing Deficiencies

A balanced diet can avoid a variety of Nutrition deficiencies. It helps provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and macros it needs to function properly. However, health problems, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle choices may make it difficult to obtain all necessary nutrients.

Modern meals typically include many highly processed, high-calorie, but low-nutrition foods. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of in the long run, which will decrease energy, suppress the immune system, and cause organs to function at reduced capacity. Of course, certain groups, such as vegetarians and vegans or those who are chronically sick, are likely to have some deficits.

Healthy adults can reduce their risk of inadequacies by focusing on good nutrition, including whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Regular check-ups and nutritional tests should be done to identify and address any vitamin deficiencies to maintain overall health.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies and Their Impact on Nutrition

Individual dietary Nutrition deficiencies have effects appropriate to the imbalances of nutrients/energy substrates being missed, and many of these shortfalls are familial. Some of the Most Common Issues Are:

Iron is an essential mineral that our bodies don’t produce, and it’s one of the most common deficiencies in the world. This can lead to anaemia as well Anemia Tiredness and weakness, fatigue and lethargy, and pale skin are the most prominent symptoms. Haemoglobin is necessary to manufacture iron, and haemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. The body, considering iron, cannot do new haemoglobin.

You may suffer from Vitamin D deficiency as most countries get very little sunlight, and it is recommended that the amount of sun that reaches your skin is at least 15 minutes. Insufficient vitamin D weakens bones, can cause joint pain, and reduces immunity towards infection. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which strengthens the bones and helps their growth. Thus, sunlight exposure and food rich in vitamin D are crucial.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: B12 helps in red blood cell formation and nerve function. A lack of this vitamin may cause you to get tired more often and have poor memory, as previous researches show having a B12 deficiency could affect the brain. Because B12 is mainly derived from animal products, vegans and vegetarians are in the gap of lacking it.

Lack of magnesium: More than 300 enzymatic processes in the body use magnesium. A lack of it can cause muscle cramps, depression, and irregular heartbeats.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies Through Improved Nutrition

Correcting Nutritional Deficiency: The primary technique of eating healthy is changing what you eat. Eat a variety of diets with good nutrient quality; it can assist you in refraining from short-changing fats. Below are some of the tested methods to address common scenarios.

Treating iron deficiency: Animal and plant foods are high in iron. There are two types of iron: haem and non-haem. The easier absorbed comes from heme-containing foods such as red meat, but you also find it present in fowl & fish. Vegetarians can still eat non-heme iron sources, which include beans, spinach, and grains fortified with iron. They are absorbed better if you eat them with vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges or bell peppers.

Eliminate vitamin D Nutritional Deficiency: You need to be outdoors, as sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D. Full-fat dairy boost, such as salmon and its oily counterparts (mackerel), egg yolks, and the same goes for full-fat cheeses and yoghurts. Those who do not receive enough sun exposure or live in areas with long winters will need to supplement.

Getting More Vitamin B12: For those at risk of B12 insufficiency (like vegans and vegetarians), fortified grains, nutritional yeast or plant-based milk with added B12 can be health-helpful. A healthcare source may recommend supplements or B12 shots for those who have difficulties eating enough to meet their needs.

Fourth, Getting More Calcium: Dairy foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt are rich in calcium. Eat fortified plant-based dairy, legumes, and greens like kale and cut-out cheese. Vitamin D sources are best eaten with high-calcium foods.

How to prevent magnesium Nutritional Deficiency: Include magnesium in your diet, with nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, and whole grains being good sources. You could also eat avocados or bananas. Cooking methods like boiling can keep magnesium levels in vegetables high.

How to Fix Iodine Nutritional Deficiency: The simplest and most effective way to ensure you obtain enough iodine is to include iodised salt in cooking. Other sources include seafood, dairy, and seaweed—modulation, of course, as large amounts of iodine can interfere with thyroid function.

The best way to correct any deficiencies and improve your health in the long term is to eat a balanced diet with enough variety and pay attention to your individual needs.

Supplementation and Monitoring in Nutrition

The most effective way to address vitamin Nutrition deficiencies is to change your diet, but occasionally, supplements are also necessary. Supplement and monitor daily to stay healthy.

When you need supplements: For those unable to get the nutrients they need strictly from their diet, supplements are a good way of filling that missing gap. Pregnant ladies may take folic destructive and iron considerations to help improve the newborn child. Individuals who need to avoid eating any food, such as vegetarians, may also benefit from taking B12 pills.

Before planning what to supplement with, talk with your physician or nutritionist. They may determine your proper type and dose based on blood tests and how you usually eat. Take advice from a professional because too much nutrition can be harmful.

Systematic nutrition screenings: Routine examinations and blood tests will be key to early detection of problems, which hopefully can be resolved easily. Medical professionals can adjust food suggestions or vitamin doses on the fly simply by monitoring you.

Changes to your lifestyle: Vitamin Deficiencies Are Not That Simple to Fix—changing your Diet Alone Will Not Help. For instance, improved meal planning, reduced booze consumption, and stress management will all help nourish the body pre- and post-training.

Supplements and dietary modifications can help address nutrition deficits, helping people attain the best possible health while monitoring for improvements.

 Conclusion

Whilst it is perfectly normal to fall short of a few specific nutrients, you can quickly address this by eating adequate amounts of all the nutrients required for optimal health or modifying your diet slightly and, in some instances, taking supplements. You can control your health by recognising the signals of iron, vitamin D, and calcium deficiencies. Regular tracking and expert nutrition advice will help you enjoy your healthy lifestyle in a way that still feeds you.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course  is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

Nutrition Specialist.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

The nutrients that people do not get enough of more often than others are iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and salt. Low iron can result in anaemia, leaving you tired, weak, and washed out. Vitamin D: Reduced bone density, arthritic joint pain, and reduced immunity! If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, then not getting enough vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia, impaired brain function and nerve damage. Inadequate calcium intake puts you at risk for osteoporosis, a disease associated with weak and brittle bones. A lack of magnesium will lead to muscle cramps and even mental health issues. Without enough iodine, your thyroid functions worse, and you feel tired and gain weight.

Your body is like a car—it needs the appropriate fuel to run properly and efficiently! The more different whole foods you eat, the more nutrients your body will receive. This includes fruits and veggies (the foundation of our food plan), lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats. For example, vitamin C comes from orange foods and fresh veggies, while calcium comes from dairy products. This kind of balanced eating is also less likely to be filled with artificial foods that are largely devoid of nutrition.

This is a common nutritional deficiency in many of us, but it can be rectified by consuming iron-rich foods.  Heme iron, in red meat, poultry, and seafood, is absorbed by the body much more quickly. Non-heme iron sources also help, especially for vegans and vegetarians. Beans, spinach, and fortified cereals are a few examples of good iron food sources. Iron is better absorbed when you eat it in the presence of vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or bell peppers). Tea and coffee also have chemicals that inhibit iron absorption, so it is a good idea to avoid drinking such beverages while eating.

Vitamin D: You require vitamin D to absorb calcium, support healthy bones, and allow your defence system to function effectively; in fact, vitamin D deficiency leads to weaker bones and joint pains and makes you more prone to diseases. The natural treatment of vitamin D deficiency is a fine sunbath because UV rays cause the skin to synthesise vitamin D. Therefore, it comes to fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks and dairy products enriched with this substance. People who don’t get enough sun or cannot eat certain foods may also need vitamin D pills.

The body uses magnesium in more than 300 enzyme-based processes, including turning food into energy, keeping muscles working correctly and sending messages between nerves. If you have been battling with muscle cramps, mental health issues and irregular heartbeats, there are other signs of not enough magnesium. To avoid deficiency, you should eat magnesium-rich food, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains or dark, leafy green vegetables (like spinach). The same goes for avocados and bananas. Cooking them the way we cook vegetables can also help retain their magnesium.

Supplements can keep certain people from getting nutrient deficits, for whom even the nutrients in their food aren’t enough. Vegans and people otherwise at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency may consider getting their daily requirement from tablets or fortified foods. For example, expectant mothers often need folic acid and iron pills to assist in the gestation of their babies. Talking to a doctor or nurse before taking vitamins would be best.

The post Common nutrient deficiencies and how to address them appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Benefits of Mindful Eating Practices in Nutrition and Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/benefits-of-mindful-eating-practices-in-nutrition-and-health/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 07:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38782 The post Benefits of Mindful Eating Practices in Nutrition and Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Mindful eating isn’t just about paying attention to your food. It involves going through the entire eating cycle, step-by-step, from choosing what to eat to savouring every mouthful. By being aware of your meals, you can fix your stomach, prevent overdose, and improve your eating habits in harmony with food.

The Connection Between Mindful Eating and Better Nutrition

Mindful eating promotes better nutrition by making individuals more conscious of how the food they consume impacts their bodies. By being mindful of what you eat, you’re more likely to select healthy, nutrient-rich foods.

If you earmark the tastes, textures, and smells of whole, untreated foods, you will come to enjoy them more. This way, you will automatically eat less sweet, salty, and extremely processed food. Dessert can accommodate a sweet tooth with little added sugar by pairing natural sugar with fresh fruit.

Conscious Eating also involves paying attention to when your body tells you it’s hungry or full. It prevents you from eating excess food and ensures that your food intake meets your body’s nutritional requirements. This approach tends to yield improved weight and overall dietary health over time.

If you make thoughtful eating a part of your everyday life, you can develop healthy nutrition that supports your body and mind.

How Mindful Eating Enhances Digestive Health in Nutrition

One of the loveliest aspects of considerate consumption is that it aids digestion, a central element of health and nutrition. Mindfulness, when practised around food while eating, increases the likelihood that you will chew your food well, the first phase of digestion.

Proper chewing breaks food into tiny pieces that stomach enzymes can more effectively act on. This means you will encounter less common stomach issues such as bloating, pain, and gas. Slowing down your food allows your brain to communicate with your stomach so you know when you are full before overeating.

You feel more relaxed as you eat, which is key for digestion. Stress and distractions, such as eating in front of a computer screen, can trigger fight-or-flight responses, which can exacerbate digestion even further. By focusing on the food and creating a calm environment, you assist your digestive system in breaking down your food better.

Mindful eating improves digestion, which enhances vitamin absorption and ensures your body is gaining as much nourishment as it can handle from the foods you eat. This, in turn, leads to better overall nutrition.

Mindful Eating and Emotional Well-Being in Nutrition

Diet is closely related to mental health, so eating mindfully is as good for your physical health as it is for your mental health. Many individuals turn to food to cope with anxiety, emptiness, unhappiness or boredom, which can sometimes exacerbate overindulging or poor food choices.

Conscious Eating can help you escape this spiral: It will make you more aware of how you feel and help you develop a healthier relationship with food. Knowing more about what physical hunger feels like compared to what mental hunger feels like can help you eat with greater awareness.

Recognising those emotions is one step toward addressing them and not using food to avoid them.” Instead of reaching for a snack when you’re feeling anxious, you could go for a walk, do some deep breathing or do something else to help you feel better.”

Conscious Eating also helps you register a greater appreciation of your food, which can enhance your mood and overall dinner experience. When you think about where your food comes from and how much work went into making it, it’s nice to feel connected and grateful.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Mindful Eating into Your Nutrition Routine

Eating carefully doesn’t have to be difficult to do regularly. Taking a few simple precautions is good for your health and diet.

Eliminate distractions: Focus on your food instead by switching off computers, putting your phone away, and ensuring the dining room is quiet. This allows you to appreciate the entire act of eating.

Eat slowly and chew each mouthful well: This makes it easier for your body to process the food and enjoy the flavours, so chew each bite slowly and in small amounts. This practice helps you recognise when you are full and prevents overeating.

Notice hunger and satiety cues: Pause before each meal to note how hungry you feel on a scale of 1–10. Periodically check in with your body while eating to note when you feel full enough.

Use all of your senses: Notice how your food looks, smells, smells, and tastes. Getting engaged with all your senses makes meals more enjoyable and satisfying.

Show your gratitude: Say “thank you” for your food momentarily before you eat. Deliberating on the labour someone put in to prepare the food connects you with and appreciative of them.

Work on small things: If you do not feel like having even one thoughtful meal daily, start with at least one. Work on making this a habit through eating breakfast, and soon, you can aim to do it for all counter-standard meals.

When implemented, these tips can turn Conscious Eating into a habit that will become a part of your nutrition plan for good. ”And in the long run, this will dividends your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Intuitive Eating is a groundbreaking, life-changing practice of honouring yourself and eating what you want when your hunger calls. Mindful eating brings about positive changes in the mind and body, making you healthier and brighter. From better digestion to mood swings, being more aware of your food choices has advantages.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course  is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

Nutrition Specialist.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

Conscious Eating is all about being present in the moment of eating and aware during physical and mental consumption. The guideline also encourages people to listen to their bodies and eat based on hunger, choose foods that are nutrient-rich, and savour every bit. By being proactive in making healthier choices, Conscious Eating can lead to overall better nutrition and reduced processed/sugary food intake.

Conscious Eating also helps digestion by encouraging people not to eat too quickly and chew on food properly. As compared to eating food without chewing it, when you chew your food, stomach enzymes have an easier time digesting it once they are in its small size. By eating peacefully, you will save stress, and therefore, digestion and nutrient intake can be much better. This also helps you recognise when you’re full, preventing overeating. Practising eating mindfully allows your body to process food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, significantly contributing to health and nutrition.

Many people consume more than they need to because of reasons other than hunger, and mindful eating can control it. If they can differentiate between physical hunger and mental cravings, people can cope with feelings without using food. Learning more positive methods to work through worry and hard feelings, for example, going out for a walk or rehearsing restfulness, can help people become less dependent on food as their stress-handler and get a better diet and a healthy relationship with meals.

Conscious Eating will consider how the food they put in their mouths works within their bodies before eating. Being mindful when you eat can lead to choosing more whole and raw foods, such as veggies, fresh fruits, and lean meats. Eating whole foods rich in nutrients becomes tastier when you take the time out to taste and chew each morsel. If you have never participated in #mindfuleating, your desire for rich, salty or highly processed foods will inevitably decrease. This helps you eat a better diet.

You can incorporate mindful eating into your lives as part of your eating habits. If you want to eat mindfully, practice not having computers and phones with meals. Eating in a relaxed and unhurried way helps you digest the food better and know when your body is satisfied, so eat slowly, chewing every bite. This means noticing when you are hungry before you start eating and making sure that happens whilst you are eating. Feel the colours, the scent, or taste using all your senses. Being grateful for your food reaffirms your positive relationship with the food and better eating habits overall.

It promotes a sustainable and healthy eating habit. E(motion) dating = poor digestion and mindful eating leads to increased nutrient absorption and lower incidence of common stomach issues. It controls portion sizes, prevents you from eating more than you should, and keeps your weight in check. Eating mindfully reduces mealtime stress, helps maintain a happier state of mind, and prevents you from eating emotionally.

The post Benefits of Mindful Eating Practices in Nutrition and Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Antioxidants and Free Radicals: Nutrition Benefits https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/antioxidants-and-free-radicals-nutrition-benefits/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38779 The post Antioxidants and Free Radicals: Nutrition Benefits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and accelerate ageing and chronic diseases. Antioxidants are essential to health and prevent the damage they cause. These mighty chemicals are among the key players in quality controlling a balanced diet by guarding against reactive stress and improving overall health.

Understanding Antioxidants and Free Radicals in Nutrition

In order to understand antioxidants and their importance for the body, we must first understand free radicals and how they work in tandem with them. Free radicals are unstable molecules formed naturally by the body’s processes or through exposure to smoke, smog and ultraviolet light.

These molecules rob electrons from normal cells in order to stay stable, resulting in oxidative stress. Chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders are expected to form as a result of oxidative stress when not controlled well. It also harms cells and causes inflammation over time.

Antioxidants block this process by donating free radicals electrons. They stop them from doing harm without themselves becoming unstable. This process reduces further cell damage and protects the body as a whole.

Vitamins (C and E), minerals (selenium and zinc), and phytochemicals (flavonoids and carotenoids) all work as antioxidants. These are very helpful to be added to your nutrition plan, which helps keep you balanced and remain healthy for a longer time.

By eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, you are supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to fight against oxidative damage and remain healthy.

Key Sources of Antioxidants in Nutrition

The very first step for reaping the benefits of antioxidant is to keep your option on nutrient dense foods. Foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds — and even certain beverages — are rich in antioxidants, which is good news since you can easily add them to your diet.

Fruits & Vegetables: Berries such as strawberries and raspberries have a good source of flavonoids and vitamin C. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are good at providing lutein and beta-carotene essential for good eye health. Citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, provide vitamin C, which is beneficial for skin health and immune function.

Seeds and nuts: Almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts are rich sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cell membranes and reduce inflammation. These foods also include good fats that help absorb fat-soluble antioxidants.

Drinks: Green tea is loaded with catechins, powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and promote heart health. Coffee and red wine have antioxidants and can be good in moderation.

Legumes and whole grains: Beans, oats, and quinoa are rich in phenolic compounds — which neutralize free radicals — and support gut health, reducing the risks of chronic diseases.

To promote overall health, your nutrition plan should include a well-balanced variety of antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants offer numerous health benefits beyond fighting free radicals, providing protective and therapeutic effects for your overall well-being.

Health Benefits of Antioxidants in Nutrition

Antioxidants play a crucial role in nutrition by reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables support heart health by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation, while lycopene in tomatoes is linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Better Immune System Function: Vitamins C and E are vital components of a balanced nutrition plan. They boost the body’s natural defenses, reduce inflammation, and encourage white blood cells to strengthen immunity against diseases.

Better Skin Health: Antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E protect against damage from UV rays, smog, and aging. These nutrients in your nutrition help the body produce collagen, keeping your skin flexible and wrinkle-free.

Brain Health and Cognitive Abilities: Flavonoids and polyphenols, integral to good nutrition, are linked to a reduced risk of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They also enhance memory and brain function.

Slowing Down the Aging Process: Oxidative stress accelerates cellular aging, but antioxidants, when included in your nutrition, help purge free radicals, slow aging, and boost energy levels.

By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your nutrition plan, you can extend your lifespan, improve quality of life, and support overall well-being. A diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, and other antioxidant sources is a simple yet powerful way to promote long-term health.

How to Maximize Antioxidants in Your Nutrition Plan

It’s important to balance them within your nutrition plan in order to truly benefit from the heightening health benefits of antioxidants. A few tips to help you get the most antioxidants:

Adopt a “see-a-rainbow-eat-a-rainbow” strategy: The more colors of fruits and vegetables you can incorporate into your nutrition, the better. Each color offers its own vitamins and antioxidants — red foods such as tomatoes and cucumbers contain lycopene, while orange foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene.

Eat fresh and whole foods: Consume whole and fresh foods in your dietary plan. Spinach, for instance, is significantly richer in vitamin C when served fresh than when cooked because heat can render some antioxidants ineffective.

Pair foods for synergy: Some vitamins may work better together. For instance, lycopene in tomatoes is best absorbed when combined with olive oil and consuming vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich vegetables maximizes the absorption of nutrients in your diet.

Minimize exposure to oxidative challenges: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, but spending less time around oxidative stressors like air pollution, smoking and excessive alcohol will make them work better.

Incorporate some antioxidant-rich beverages as cocoa, herbal teas and green tea are a great fit to your nutrition plan. Pick unsweetened kinds so you don’t get added sugars.

In terms of supplementing, while antioxidant supplements do exist, your food sources are actually best for your nutrition. But too much supplementation can have negative effects, so consult a doctor before taking any pills to your regimen.”

However, by consciously including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, you can protect your body, support overall health, and improve your health outcome.

Conclusion

Antioxidants are crucial for overall health because they have to battle free radicals. Following a healthy diet, these robust chemicals can contribute to safeguarding you against chronic diseases and enhance the health of your skin and brain while slowing down ageing. If you feed your body plenty of phytonutrient-rich colourful fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, and whole carbs, it will receive all the nutrition it needs to grow. You can maximise the benefits of antioxidants and lead a healthier, more active life by choosing wisely regarding food and focusing on balance and variety.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers qualifications that are accredited and endorsed both locally and internationally. The Nutrition Course is  designed for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to find be a professional Nutritionist.

Nutrition Specialist.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

Antioxidants are respecters of free radicals (free radicals are chemicals that damage the body). Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to ageing and chronic diseases. Antioxidants can be found in nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They can be critical for maintaining your health. They prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to diseases like heart disease, cancer and neurological disorders, by removing free radicals.

Antioxidants are good for your health because they reduce reactive stress and inflammation. By protecting cells and improving the heart, they reduce the risk of diseases in the long term, such as diabetes or heart disease. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E enhance immune function. Beta-carotene, meanwhile, maintains healthy skin and shields it from UV damage. Antioxidants also improve brain activity and reduce the risk of neurological disorders. Eating antioxidant-rich foods is good for your health and helps you live longer.

Many nutrient-rich foods are also highly antioxidants and extremely easy to incorporate into your diet. Blueberries, strawberries and oranges are rich in flavonoids and vitamin C; broccoli, spinach and kale contain beta-carotene and lutein. Nuts and seeds — including sunflower and almond seeds — have vitamin E. Beverages such as green tea contain catechins, chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties.”

Without sufficient antioxidants, your body will suffer increased reactive stress, which damages cells and accelerates the ageing process. All this unbalance increases the probability of getting long-lasting diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological illnesses. Lacking vitamins can lead to a weaker immune system, making the body more prone to getting sick. Over time, a lack of antioxidant-rich foods could result in bad skin, slower wound healing and worse brain function.

Consume many colourful fruits and veggies to reap the most antioxidants from your food. Berries, citrus fruits, veggies and leafy greens contain various antioxidants that work together to guard the body. What are fresh up your little tummy prepared, and more of you have the vitamins than those in prepared foods? Combining foods like tomatoes and olive oil increases your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Also, drinks high in antioxidants, such as plant drinks and green tea. They can also help you adhere to your nutrition plan.

Even though we can find antioxidant pills, food is the best source of oxidants. Natural foods, such as nuts, fruit and vegetables, contain many nutrients, fibre, and other vitamins that tablets lack. Sometimes, if you are taking high pills, vitamins can be harmful or cause problems. For example, taking a lot of vitamin E can interfere with blood healing. Eating a colourful and varied diet will allow you to reap all the health rewards of antioxidants without running the risk of too much supplementation.

The post Antioxidants and Free Radicals: Nutrition Benefits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise for Community Engagement Charity Events appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise and Low-Impact Workouts for Joint Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Group Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Team Chemistry & Cohesion Strategies in Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/team-chemistry-cohesion-strategies-in-sports-coaching/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38413 The post Team Chemistry & Cohesion Strategies in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

How well a team interacts and plays together is often the deciding factor between victory and defeat. While teams are more than their talent and skills, what distinguishes great teams is that they work together toward a common goal. Creating team spirit and harmony in sports requires coaches to draw up strategies with communication, trust, and mutual respect topping the charts.

Building Trust and Communication in Sports Coaching

Trust and the ability to communicate are essential to successful teamwork. If sports teams are to cooperate, Sports coaches must ensure that players feel free to communicate, express their ideas, and even rely on each other.

Trying to Have a Conversation: You should be honest with your coaches and friends. An open environment: In coaching team sports, this can be crucial, as you need each member to discuss the issues openly, be they good news stories or feedback, without fear of judgment.

Team-building activities Involve exercises to build faith and teamwork. These activities help people bond outside the pitch, leading to success on the field as they engage in trust falls, group problem-solving challenges, and team outings.

Give the conversation full attention: Learning to listen actively starts with a commitment to attention, so coaches need to demonstrate how that is done when they talk with their players. This reflects sportsmanship and motivates players to display it, creating an atmosphere of reciprocal understanding.

Handling Conflicts: There are always arguments in any teamwork, but how conflicts are tackled determines a team’s performance. Disagreement is healthy, but coaches must ensure everyone gets the opportunity to communicate and find a solution that best benefits the team.

By prioritising trust and open communication, coaches can build a collaborative environment where athletes feel connected, valued, and inspired to work together — walking away as one cohesive unit.

Setting Shared Goals and Values in Sports Coaching

As in sports coaching, clarifying the goals and getting the fundamentals right encourages teamwork for success. Regardless, a common goal gives players a purpose and promotes teamwork.

At the beginning of each season, coaches and athletes should develop short—and long-term goals, such as developing skills, winning titles, or creating a healthy culture. Athletes with set goals have purpose and motivation.

It is one thing to have the ideas of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship, but teaching these principles as a team is essential. Instilling these values and rewarding athletes who practice them breeds accountability and community.

However, your role can also determine how effective you are at teamwork. When athletes know how their contributions help the team’s mission, they feel appreciated and committed to the work, improving teamwork.

Progress evaluations are essential for maintaining alignment and motivation. Validating the minor wins keeps up morale, and varied techniques still get you to your team goals. This feedback loop, due to these techniques, fosters growth and improvement.

Common goals, Fundamental beliefs, and Roles Artificially construct a team. Sports teaching helps to bring teams together, harmonising them for better social interaction and higher performance. This approach maximises team potential, creating a win-win, achievement-oriented climate for all athletes.

Enhancing Collaboration Through Effective Leadership in Sports Coaching

At the heart of many successful teams at work and in sports is leadership, the invisible glue that binds people together in trust, collaboration, and mutual support. Coaches and team leaders shape a team-first culture. Good leaders motivate athletes to work for team aspirations.

One of the best ways to get teamwork going is by doing it yourself. Doing so encourages athletes to do the same. You promote respect and sportsmanship, not just by talking about it but also by modelling appropriate behaviour.

Athletes’ buy-in is increased by trust in captains or leadership groups. They mentor and enhance teamwork among peers in their group, influencing leaders.

Another example of a leadership trait is positive peer support. Teamwork is built from shouting during practice or after mistakes. The athletes work towards getting better because they care for one another.

Constructive criticism is needed for growth and cohesion. Sports coaching feedback should be specific and involve praise and areas for improvement. This approach gives athletes leads and empowers the relationship between coach and player. Athletes Have to Collaborate, Respect, and Succeed Together—Spirit Strong leadership in sports. Leadership is somewhat all about coming together and winning.

Maintaining a Positive Team Culture in Sports Coaching

Team spirit keeps people on the same page. As a sports coach, you must create and maintain this atmosphere to ensure your athletes feel valued, inspired, and bonded with their peers.

Fostering Accountability:  Athletes need to hold themselves and one another accountable to the team’s rules and objectives. It would help if coaches called out behaviours that undermine teamwork while rewarding behaviours that strengthen it.

Focusing on Fun and Enjoyment: Competing is excellent, but they are unlikely to continue if the players do not enjoy executing it. Incorporating a splash of silly, whether drills or team-building games, into sports practice fosters relationships and keeps spirits high.

Providing Emotional Support: One of a coach’s pillars should be the emotional health of their players. Whether personal problems or sport-related issues, helping your players through challenging times builds bonds of trust and the feeling of togetherness in a team.

In Sports coaching, positive team morale ensures that athletes perform well and have fun so they return in the long run for more play and better teamwork.

Conclusion

Essential team harmony, chemistry, and synergy exponentially increase any sports group’s efficiency. Conversely, coaches must understand that they must devote time in their practice plans to areas such as communication, a shared vision of success (goals), sound leadership, and an effective team climate. Just like listening to a great song, a sense of togetherness has its impact.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

To accomplish this, sports coaches want team chemistry as the atmosphere for players to work together better, trust each other, and perform at a higher level. A team that works together sees the interest of the team over the individual’); Coaches can refocus team-related distractions into motivation, connectivity, and support where building chemistry between athletes may prevail. Unity, improved communication, and the fact that disputes can get resolved quickly also create a strategy for how to play the game better. A sense of trust in teammates and coaches is essential for athletes to take risks, bounce back from setbacks, and remain laser-focused on their objectives.

A positive team culture is essential for motivating, trusting and enjoying athletes as Sports coaches. This can be done by recognising individual and team accomplishments, delegating ownership of team values and focusing on enjoyment. Morally boosting light-hearted drills or team-building games and immediately addressing lousy behaviour will keep everyone together. When challenging moments arise, the coaches exude empathy and understanding, making an athlete feel valued as a human being, not just as a cog in the competition wheel. An influential sports coaching team culture works hard yet maintains the possible joy for athletes.

One key aspect of sports teaching is building trust and communication to unite the team. One way that coaches can build trust is by encouraging athletes to talk about their issues. Activities such as challenges and outings build teamwork and improve communication and connections. Coaches should demonstrate active listening and respect for their athletes. Sports teaching also needs constructive dispute resolution to avoid losing trust in your relations. Trust and communication come first, and coaches encourage teamwork and collaboration through others.

Bringing athletes together to pursue shared objectives and ideals is the key to success in sports coaching. Team goals, whether in the form of skills to work on or milestones to reach, unite athletes. Team Behaviour and Culture Third, team behaviour and culture are guided and directed by respect, perseverance, and teamwork. These common aims and values in sports coaching provide accountability for the athlete and place the team above the sport. They are improved by focusing on a common goal, teamwork and performance.

Leadership is critical in sports coaching to foster team spirit. A coach and team leaders show respect, discipline, and teamwork. Athletes follow suit when you lead by example, establishing a positive team culture. Having captains gives athletes a voice and also encourages accountability. A culture of mutual support and feedback boosts sports coaching teamwork. Leadership allows athletes to stay on the path toward their respective aspirations, operate with consideration of one another, and act in perfect harmony together, which boosts motivation and output.

Sports coaches must sustain a positive team culture to keep athletes motivated, trusted and enjoyed. They can accomplish this through commendations of personal and group excellence, positive reinforcement regarding accountability to the standards laid forth by the team, and an emphasis on enjoyment. Fun drills or team-building games improve spirits; positive reinforcement of undesirable behaviour ensures group cohesion. Coaches who show empathy and compassion in challenging times create connections with athletes, resulting in higher feelings of value. A thriving sports coaching team culture enhances effectiveness while ensuring optimum athlete satisfaction.

The post Team Chemistry & Cohesion Strategies in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports Psychology and Its Relevance to Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/sports-psychology-and-its-relevance-to-sports-coaching/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38409 The post Sports Psychology and Its Relevance to Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Evidence-based coaching methods are increasingly popular in sports, and the development of mental toughness, focus and self-determination in elite athletes is now a central role of any modern coach. Success in sports, with results often between fractions of a second, can depend just as much on mental preparation as physical. By applying aspects of sports psychology in their lessons, coaches will be able to make well-rounded players, meaning they will have a complete package of physical and mental members of the team.

Enhancing Performance Through Mental Conditioning in Sports Coaching

Sports psychology highlights mental conditioning as a means of improving performance. Mental conditioning is a common technique among sports coaches for helping athletes stay focused, break through mental barriers, and deal with the pressure of performing consistently.

Visualization and imagery assist the athlete in performing their skills, strategies, and outcomes as if they have already performed them, thus making them feel that much more prepared and confident. It also helps them gain confidence when readying for competitions, as visualising success aids performance.

How Sports Coaches Train Concentrated Nature: Athletes must be able to stay focused under pressure, and sports coaches must instil confidence in learning. Through mindfulness and concentration drills, players can learn to concentrate on the task without getting distracted, thus improving their accuracy and execution.

Goal-setting, psychology in sports, gives athletes concrete targets and a strategy. Sports coaches set realistic, small targets to motivate and steer players, monitor progress, and sustain motivation. Mental conditioning is a technique sports coaches use to help athletes prepare mentally for high-stakes conditions.

Building Mental Toughness and Resilience in Sports Coaching

Sports psychology can help an athlete cope with competitive sports’ physical and mental challenges. It also enables athletes to be adaptive, focused, and driven toward recovery. Indeed, sports coaches can help athletes deal with pressure and adversity by instilling mental toughness.

The growth mindset—the belief that talent can be cultivated with effort—is a must in sports coaching. This approach teaches athletes that a challenge is a learning opportunity, not something to be avoided. This method develops mental fortitude to overcome challenges they will endure in competition.

Sports coaching usually involves pressure and tension from important games to complex practice. Musical improvisation is a controlled environment for presenting complex skills without much practice in high-stress conditions, meaning athletes learn to work under pressure.

Athletes who are resilient understand that failure is a part of the improvement process. Coaches cannot assist athletes in analysing hurdles, growing, and recovering. This is a constructive approach to failure, and it reinforces positive future-focused thinking and resilience. Rather, mental toughness in sports coaching is built on consistency and reinforcement. In tough circumstances, resilience binds the motivation for proper performance.

Boosting Motivation and Self-Confidence in Sports Coaching

It is always true that sports performance depends on self-confidence and motivation. Sports psychology allows these athletes to maintain the motivation and confidence they need to be at the top of their game and perform well in important competitions.

Motivational and self-belief factors enable athletes to stay consistent under challenging conditions as sports coaches. It exists naturally within you or comes from the outside as an internal motivation reward.

Sports coaching can help build intrinsic motivation by focusing on the individual, having fun, and improving oneself. Certainly, trophies and accolades play a significant role, but inherent motivation keeps athletes going.

Athletes are trained in positive reinforcement, such as kudos and pats on the back, to enhance self-confidence. Coaches build players’ confidence by highlighting their achievements and efforts.

Sports Coaching, considered from the perspective of sports psychology, encourages a positive and constructive motivational environment where athletes have the confidence to tackle practice and competition with enthusiasm, determination, and positivity. This significantly enhances performance in the short run and success in the long term.

Managing Stress and Emotional Well-being in Sports Coaching

The mental health of athletes is a crucial part of the much-neglected aspects of sports coaching, and many researchers have worked on it. Sports psychology, however, also includes stress management and emotion regulation, all the emotional parts of the mental game that are essential for an athlete’s well-being and mental coping with training and competition.

Stress Management Tactics: It is normal to experience stress during a competition, but excessive stress harms performance and causes burnout. Sports psychology teaches players skills, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness, that aid them in coping with stress. In sports coaching, these strategies help athletes maintain cool composure under pressure.

Emotional Regulation Skills: Athletes must be able to regulate their emotions to maintain the calm mindset necessary to perform. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring (reframing negative thoughts) and visualisation help athletes gain significant control over their feelings and focus.

Burnout is a danger in sports: Players who undergo significant stress and pressure to excel are also at risk for burnout. However, with some attention, coaches can prevent athletes from burnout by ensuring ample rest, balanced training, and a conducive environment. It proposes that early signs of burnout be identified and changes made in training to ensure long-term health, as argued by exercise psychology.

Considering mental health while coaching sports allows coaches to create a more well-rounded and healthy practice environment, benefiting athletes not only by improving their performance but also by enjoying playing a sport.

Conclusion

Sports psychology enhances a coach’s ability to coach by zeroing in on mental toughness, drive, focus and emotional resiliency. Players use the cognitive skills they learned in sports psychology while competing, which gives them an advantage. It helps them orchestrate their desired peak performance, health, and motivation.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise psychology is the science of how we perform: it is about motivating, focusing attention, bouncing back when your feet hurt, and managing stress—all critical for finer sports coaching. Incorporating Exercise Psychology Concepts Into Your Sports Teaching To Help Athletes Develop Mental and Physical Visualization, Setting Objectives, and Stress Management enables athletes to cope with pressure and perform under pressure. Coaching based on sports psychology makes a more balanced athlete by improving the idea of mind and body.

It is often the mental conditioning that Exercise psychology relies on, which helps players to concentrate, cope with pressure and break past their psychological barriers. Athletic coaches, for instance, employ visualisation as a mechanism for athletes to rehearse and move closer to desired states ahead of competitions. Mindfulness and concentration methods apply to high-pressure situations for athletes. Next, setting goals gives the athlete some direction and a purpose. By incorporating mental conditioning, sports coaches can ensure athletes deliver peak performance during competitions and enter tournaments without any burden of stress.

Sports coaches must have critical mental strength to help athletes navigate obstacles and high-pressure environments. Sports coaching focusing on mental toughness encourages athletes to keep trying and adapting. When athletes are encouraged to adopt a growth mentality, they view challenges as opportunities for learning — awareness which develops mental toughness. For example, positive self-talk, regulated breathing, and mindfulness help athletes focus and deal with stress in high-pressure situations. Losing happens, and coaches can demonstrate how to rebound by teaching athletes lessons on failing.

Regarding exercise psychology, internal and external motivation are addressed as a way of boosting your confidence through sports teaching. And even a treacherous journey can be softened by intrinsic motivation — passion, hunger for personal development and satisfaction. Sports coaches are aware of this—hence the use of realistic target setting and reinforcing progress, however small, to enhance self-belief. The more effort, hard work & achievements that coaches recognise provide athletes with the desire to continue.

Coaching stress, emotions and the like are part of sports psychology as well. During the day, athletes remain calm using techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation. How reframing negative thoughts can help athletes focus. Addressing emotional well-being is a great way for sports coaches to avoid burnout and allow students to train and be competitive. Stress management techniques used by the coaches make the athletes feel important and cared for. This method enhances performance and reduces depression, allowing athletes to enjoy the game. The coaching of athletics becomes more holistic when stress and emotions are part of the package, and vice versa. Athletes develop coping skills beyond athletics.

Exercise psychology is essential for coaches in improving performance, resilience and focus, teamwork, and life skills. In the context of sports coaching, exercise psychology helps athletes find ways to cope with their stress, set goals, and bounce back from failures while contributing to personal development. It creates a spirit of confidence and self-control they can exercise in every area of life through mental toughness and emotional regulation innate in exercise psychology. Sports coaches know that for players to adapt and develop, they need to have a growth mentality.

The post Sports Psychology and Its Relevance to Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Motivating Athletes: Key Techniques for Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/motivating-athletes-key-techniques-for-sports-coaching/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38404 The post Motivating Athletes: Key Techniques for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Coaching sports: section 4 of 4 Motivation is a key component of athletics, which has implications for athlete development, performance, and retention. An inspired player will not only perform better themselves but also make the team stronger. How to Motivate Athletes: Top Tips for Sports Teachers on Fostering Resilience, Enthusiasm, and a Strong Work Ethic in Their Players.

Setting Clear and Achievable Goals in Sports Coaching

One of the most fundamental ways coaches motivate their players is by developing explicit and achievable objectives. Goals provide athletes with direction, keep them focused, and give them a tangible sense of achievement.

These goals should be SMART (i.e., clear, measurable, attainable, relevant, and with a due date attached). This provides players with something tangible to aim for.

Short-term and Long-term Goals: Testing for short-term targets, such as mastery of a specific skill or ramping up the practice intensity, helps give players small objectives and challenges them to remain constant in their training. They keep themselves motivated for seasons to come by keeping one eye on the goal of winning an event or beating their best.

Involving Participants in Goal Setting: When players are involved in goal-setting, they take more responsibility and ownership. Goals linked to something an athlete cares about will keep the athlete motivated longer.

As a sports coach, setting goals is not just an opportunity to keep your athletes focused; it also provides a direction for success, which ensures that your athletes’ purpose is strengthened as well, resulting in an increase in confidence.

Providing Constructive Feedback in Sports Coaching

Feedback on athletes can motivate them, but it must be provided positively. Athletes learn where they excel and what they need to work on, all done with positive reinforcement and constructive comments. In coaching, the positive and constructive aspect of feedback ensures that it does not become discouraging.

Specific and Actionable Suggestion: A vague “need to improve next time” is insufficient. Provide actionable steps instead, such as “working on footwork during drills” or “practising a shooting form to become better at it.” Explicit instructions hone an athlete in on what to do

Feedback in Time: Effective feedback in sports teaching is provided at the appropriate time. When mistakes or gains are immediately discussed, perhaps during practice or right after a game, athletes can adjust while the experience is still fresh.

In sports coaching, constructive feedback tends to nurture a growth mindset. This allows athletes to view problems as ways of improving and not give up on growth.

Building a Positive Team Culture in Sports Coaching

Team climate is an important aspect of sports coaching, and it significantly influences the motivation of athletes. Players play best knowing they are valued, cared for, and part of a team focused on unity. In team sports, creating an environment in which camaraderie, admiration, and support are prioritised can be a powerful motivator.

Empower Team Encouragement: Inform the athletes that mutual support is vital, whether rooting for your teammate in competition or celebrating each other’s victories. This back and forth is crucial; team members who feel supported and valued tend not to stop working.

Open communication: As a sports coach, if you effectively maintain appropriate communication, the athletes will feel comfortable discussing their issues or anxieties. Building trust through honesty makes sure that they are in a safe spot.

Celebrate Your Team Wins Schedule time to celebrate wins, big and small (e.g. a solid practice or victory in a game). Acknowledging a team for its efforts increases motivation and instils pride in everyone.

In sports coaching, a good team culture allows every player to work harder and improves them as a unit; this forces athletes to perform at their best for themselves and others.

Developing Mental Resilience and Self-Discipline in Sports Coaching

Some tough days are involved, and mental resilience and self-discipline go a long way toward keeping athletes always motivated. Training mental strength or mental muscle aids athletes in getting over a loss and remaining focused and driven.

Supporting Coping Mechanisms: Help athletes navigate stress, failure, and adversity. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and boost focus, enabling an athlete to remain motivated in the face of pressure.

Promote Self-Discipline: Motivation is a consequence of self-discipline, particularly in training sessions that are tough to get through or may feel like repetition. Force athletes to create schedules, train hard, and become accountable. Coaches can promote consistent, focused practice.

Developing a Growth Mindset: Coaches show athletes that mistakes are an opportunity to learn. They Emphasise effort and growth over perfection. This mentality spurs the athlete to improve instead of focusing on success.

By emphasising mental toughness and self-discipline, athletic coaches can inspire athletes and help them endure challenges in this competitive sports environment.

Conclusion

The psychological tendencies that make motivation are an essential component of sports coaching as they profoundly impact performance, development and overall enjoyment of the sport. By helping set goals, providing constructive feedback, fostering a positive team culture and teaching resilience, sports coaches can create an atmosphere that bridges a path to the passion, discipline and dedication essential in an athlete.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Motivation is an integral part of sports coaching that helps athletes perform better, be consistent and make steady efforts. Doing harder in practice, staying focused in the tournaments and growing their skill are traits in highly motivated athletes. Sports coaching motivation is not just pumping the athlete up before a game but developing an ownership of long-term progress and perseverance. A motivating coach can bring together a team of skilled, mentally strong, self-disciplined players pursuing focused goals.

Coaches use goal setting to give direction and purpose to athletes. Ensuring athletes set attainable goals allows coaches to help them improve their game and maintain high spirits in practice sessions. In agile project management, in the case of sports coaching, short-term goals, such as working on a talent, help motivate athletes by targeting specific actions, whereas long-term ones, such as becoming the champion, help maintain focus. Goal setting allows athletes to take ownership and responsibility, creating motivation. It ensures athletes stay motivated, as regularly reviewing these goals and celebrating successes does.

Feedback is a powerful motivator to coach athletes to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Encouraging athletes through positive reinforcement, along with some specifics for improving performance, shows athletes motivation, which is helpful. When sports teaching feedback is timely, detailed and actionable, it enables athletes to respond while the experience is fresh. Rather than just telling you, for example, to try harder, a coach might offer tips on your foot placement or breathing techniques to optimise performance. Praise an athlete for their achievements to reinforce self-esteem and inspire effort.

Team culture is known as the facilitating agent in building a great environment to thrive and inspire athletes, especially in sports coaching. When sportspeople feel part of a good team, they are more committed, work harder, and give each other more support. To build a good team culture, sports coaches encourage mutual support, communication, and shared values such as respect, effort and resilience. They applaud both individual and collective successes for teaching teamwork and pride. It creates a community where players feel appreciated, which encourages participation.

Athletes are trained to mentally be prepared for all the failures and pressures of playing a competitive sport. Inspiring athletes to deal with stress, perform under pressure, and bounce back from failures ensures they remain motivated. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation and positive self-talk allow athletes to concentrate. By reframing challenges as learning and growth points, sports coaching with a growth mindset encourages athletes to persevere through adversity. One can see how coaches would encourage self-control by repeating the above, as success is nothing more than a product of practice and hard work — it all can’t come easy.

As a coach, keeping athletes motivated requires self-discipline. It keeps athletes running in their routines, forces them to fight through the hard practices that come with training, and allows them to maintain their laser focus towards their goals when external motivation subsides. Coaches can use very high ideals to foster self-discipline by helping create clear goals, encouraging athletes to adhere themselves to routines (in a productive way), and teaching them how to be accountable for their success. By developing self-discipline, athletes learn how to manage their time well and not procrastinate so that they can continue putting in the work over the long term.

The post Motivating Athletes: Key Techniques for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Injury Prevention and Management for Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/injury-prevention-and-management-for-sports-coaching/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:30:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38392 The post Injury Prevention and Management for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Injuries happen; that’s the nature of sports, but there are many things we can do to prevent injuries and reduce their impact when they do. A coach’s long-term effective success lies in prioritising your players’ health and safety. Coaches can play a vital role in injury prevention and appropriate management when an injury occurs, as well as being crucial to an athlete’s rehabilitation.

The Role of Proper Training Techniques in Sports Coaching for Injury Prevention

One of the best ways for a sports coach to prevent athletes from getting hurt is to stress the correct way to train. Many injuries are due to overuse, poor technique, or insufficient conditioning. Organised and knowledge-based coaching can solve all of these issues.

Warm-ups and cool-downs: A warm-up prepares your body for vigorous exercise by improving muscle elasticity and blood perfusion. It reduces the likelihood of sprains and strains. Cool-downs allow the body to recover by reducing the heart rate and preventing it from tightening. The coaches should use dynamic stretches and light workouts while warming up and perform static stretches during their cool-downs.

Correct Form and Technique: Athletes who use incorrect techniques are more susceptible to injury, particularly in sports requiring significant impact and collision. When a sports coach must teach how to perform even simple moves, such as lifting weights, running, or throwing properly, proper teaching and repetition are imperative.

Strength and Conditioning: Strong and conditioned muscles better support joints and protect against injuries. Coaches should include sport-specific strength and conditioning routines.

However, by emphasising proper training, sports coaches can make the gym safer for their players to thrive while reducing their chances of injury.

Identifying and Addressing Early Signs of Injury in Sports Coaching

Sports coaches need to catch and treat injuries in their early stages. Athletes often overlook signs, and many injuries worsen over time, causing extended recovery periods with long-term consequences. Now and then, these coaches have to be vigilant regarding the fitness of their players when an alarm bell is rung.

Pain Awareness Education: Pain is a constant experience in an athlete’s day, but there is a difference between performance pain and injury. Athletes need to learn about the differences to help them manage the discomfort associated with effort and when enough may be enough. Sports coaches explain these differences to promote athletes’ early reporting of difficulties.

Routine physical exams or check-ins help coaches identify muscle imbalances or limited motion that lead to injuries. A problem may be small but left unaddressed; it will only grow larger.

Fostering Open Dialogue: Athletes need to be able to discuss pain and discomfort. When there is trust and open communication between sports coaches and parents, concerns are resolved quickly.

Wearable fitness trackers or motion analysis tools help coaches monitor players’ performance and detect inconsistencies, such as a change in gait or irregular distribution of workload, that may indicate a risk of injury.

Recognising and addressing early signs of injury can minimise downtime while avoiding further harm through sports coaching.

Effective Injury Management and Recovery Strategies in Sports Coaching

No matter how good your prevention is, injury can occur. These ailments most certainly need to be managed by sports coaches, and the athlete needs to be helped in recovering from it to play the sport for a longer time and be fit mentally and physically as a fiddle.

Coaches cannot treat an injury on the spot without basic first-aid knowledge. Acute injuries may benefit from RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), which can reduce swelling and prevent further injury while waiting to see a doctor.

As a sports coach, you also work with physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and doctors, ensuring an accurate diagnosis of treatment regimens for the athlete. Based on professional advice, you prevent additional injuries.

Rehab and Return to Play: Pain-free treatment is not enough, but strength training and mobility are needed for a safe return to athletics. As this is an essential part of rehabilitation and to prevent re-injury, sports coaches should avoid forcing athletes back into training and competition until they are ready.

Mental Assistance for Post-Injury: Injuries can lead to frustration and anxiety in athletes. Coaches should try to emotionally support the players and communicate as much as possible to keep their spirits high during rehabilitation.

Those sports coaches who deal with injuries appropriately promote rehabilitation, prevent re-injuries, and ultimately develop strength and resilience in players.

Promoting a Culture of Injury Prevention in Sports Coaching

Avoiding injury works well as part of a team working on something bigger than itself. Sports Coaches need to focus on education, knowledge, and accountability that encourages athletes to take responsibility for their health and safety.

Educating Athletes About Injury Risks: Coaches need to educate their athletes about the most common injuries in their sport and how to prevent them on an ongoing basis. Learning to stay fit can often be through workshops, team talks, or guest speakers.

Highlighting the Value of Rest & Recovery: Rest is a critical component of health, as it allows the body to recover and adapt to training stressors. Regarding recovery, coaches should instruct their players to prioritise sleep, hydration, and food.

Encouraging a Team-First Philosophy: When coaches work with athletes, enabling them to know that the team matters more than their performance makes pushing through pain or injuries easier. Suppose players are given a way to ensure that their long-term health benefits the team; they will prioritise prevention and recovery.

A culture where injury prevention is the ultimate priority exists in a sports coaching context. This allows athletes to prioritise health and understand the value of long-term care, enabling them to play sports for a long time.

Conclusion

Injuries are among the most significant obstacles players face, and knowing how to manage and prevent them has been an essential requirement of sports coaching. This ensures not only good health for your players but also long-term success. The power of coaches in reducing injury risk and recurrence through appropriate training, early identification of injuries, appropriate injury management, and a culture of prevention cannot be understated.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

In sports coaching, injury prevention is necessary to minimise time off from training and competition caused by injuries to athletes and potentially severe long-term health effects. Taking care of their physical health, confidence and overall well-being through a proper injury-prevention process ensures complete fitness. In sports coaching, reducing overuse and form concerns comes down to warm-ups, proper approaches and balanced training. By utilising a systemised approach to preventive measures, coaches can enhance performance and longevity, allowing athletes to become more aware of their development and success.

Just like sports coaching, which employs warm-ups, strength-building and cycles of shape-correction to minimise injuries. Warm-ups also help to improve flexibility and reduce strains, while strength and conditioning support joints and prevent overuse problems. Teaching athletes proper running, lifting, and throwing skills can prevent many of these injuries resulting from poor form (e.g., hip flexors). Injuries in sports training can often occur through overtraining, so coaching involves managing training loads and rest intervals. Sports coaching enhances the physical priming of athletes, which in turn reduces the risk of injury.

Tracking athletes’ performance, pain, and physical limits gives coaches the edge to look out for injuries. We can prevent things from worsening by encouraging athletes to report discomfort early on. Muscular imbalances and limited range of motion can bring about common problems that coaches can distinguish over time with physical evaluations or honest communication during sessions. In sports coaching, performance data can be tracked with wearable technology, and any aberration in trends or outliers relevant to injury prediction can also be noticed.

Sports coaches must deal with the injuries through rehabilitation and help athletes return to play safely. Effective rehabilitation involves engaging physical therapists to design an individualised recovery program that integrates physiotherapy, strength, and mobility work. As a coach, you should focus on getting the athlete back to training and honing their reintegration into sessions so they may do so without risk of re-injury. Coaching plays a huge role in helping players recover psychologically through motivation and communication.

Education, resting time, and team play can help prevent injuries through sports coaching. Coaches should teach athletes to avoid common injuries through proper technique, conditioning, and rest. This promotes recovery, including sleep and nutrition, both of which improve health and performance in athletes. Sports teaching that prioritises health over wins focuses on open communication and getting athletes not to play through pain. The best coaches are the ones who embody these values and build a safe environment where athletes understand how to stay healthy.

Coaching good injury management through sports also brings mental support where needed, as injuries can break an athlete down and take a toll on their confidence and mental state. Disabled athletes can also benefit from the encouragement by keeping in touch. Coaching can also increase positivity through reframing recovery as a growth opportunity and focusing on minor, incremental improvements. Training athletes to feel appreciated and supported, significantly when injured, promotes team spirit.

The post Injury Prevention and Management for Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sport Coaching Styles and Their Impact on Athlete Performance https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/sport-coaching-styles-and-their-impact-on-athlete-performance/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38233 The post Sport Coaching Styles and Their Impact on Athlete Performance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

_

The next one is using tiny successes to teach sports: celebrate! It gives them confidence through celebration and new goals to aspire for. Being dedicated as a teacher and athlete is excellent, but being flexible with how you train to suit the changing needs of an athlete shows commitment and builds trust between coach and athlete. Fitness coaching needs to know people, too. Those aware of the mind and body limits can assist players better, making training sessions more enjoyable.

The Authoritative Style in Sports Coaching: Structure and Discipline

Sports coaching in a dominant or directed way emphasises structure, control, and black-and-white guidelines. Coaches who deliver this style generally have higher expectations from their players and expect them to follow their orders correctly.

This style generally comes to mind when one visualises teaching situations for high-intensity sports where accuracy and methodical technique follow-through are critical, such as gymnastics, competitive swimming, or martial arts.

While the authoritative approach can teach athletes about discipline and hard work, it may not be effective with every athlete and doesn’t necessarily inspire them similarly. Forceful teaching often works well with athletes who perform best in highly structured environments, crave honest assessments and thrive on specific challenges.

This approach may be too rigid or stressful for younger players or those who prefer to express themselves artistically or independently. However, the fitting attitude of learning enables children to learn foundational skills and create a firm sense of authority. Orde is optimal for players who respond well to structure and direct instruction.

The Democratic Style in Sports Coaching: Collaboration and Input

In democratic teaching, everyone makes decisions, and players are encouraged to participate. Sports coaching involves conversations with athletes about their goals, training plans, strategies, etc. The athletes feel more like owners and accountable for their work.

The democratic approach trains older players or teams that value suggestions and personal development. It is also used in games like football, basketball, and rugby that require the players to strategise, cooperate, and be adaptive.

A democratic teaching style develops confidence in the players about their teacher, so they speak up, discuss their anxieties, and learn to be leaders. This can lead players to feel more motivated and involved since they will feel like their voice matters. The open nature seems to keep the players comfortable and confident, and it helps them deal with difficult choices—both over and off them.

This collaborative approach can also lead to longer decision-making times, which may be undesirable in fast-paced or competitive environments where rapid responses are necessary. To have the best success in sports teaching with the democratic style, a good balance should be struck between what athletes say and what coaches say.

The Holistic Style in Sports Coaching: Supporting Personal Development

The holistic or person-centered teaching style focuses on the player as a whole regarding their mental health, performance, and emotional development. The setting is positive and nurturing, incorporating each player’s physical, cognitive, and social aspects within this type of Sports coaching.

However, the holistic method is best applied to young athletes’ learners or people who are still in the developmental stage, such as children. The rationale behind this is that it promotes awareness of one’s limits and stamina and healthy training approaches.

Holistic pedagogy prepares players to cope with pressure, chase realistic goals, and discover intrinsic motivation, all of which contribute to achieving excellent outcomes in the long run. Coaches help their players feel safe and comfortable thinking about themselves and developing as human beings.

The players learn to cope with problems and failures in a healthy manner, establishing Mental Toughness skills during these sessions. However, the overall style may not lend itself well to competitive swaggers who require extensive order and typified achievement.

This technique works in sports teaching. It is designed for long-term growth, a hardcore mindset, and player welfare in real life. It is ideal for junior sports and development programs.

The Laissez-Faire Style in Sports Coaching: Encouraging Independence

A hands-off, or laissez-faire, best practice allows for a lot of freedom in training that can be molded by the individual. All of this is possible without allowing much-needed leverage to alter the direction of the coaching. You have a model that will enable players to direct their development but provide assistance and guidance when necessary.

Coaches frequently employ this with somewhat more advanced athletes, who have a clearer idea of specific goals and needs and daily schedules/rituals. Elite champions and senior players prefer it.

Their hands-off teaching encourages players to be as extreme in their hard work and motivation as possible. They know that if you want to play football, you will need to train alone, and for that, you have to find a drive within yourself.

This style is excellent for kingpin players with tons of internal steering. However, this approach is complex for a novice or a player who is still developing because they often lack the resources and confidence to practice correctly.

Conclusion

Players’ performance, motivation, and development vary with teaching style. The authoritative style of sports coaching engenders discipline, attention, and a precise mechanism that enables the athletes to notch up their technical skills and performance. However, this may not be true for the players’ freedom or creative input. In contrast, letting players make decisions makes them more confident and engaged, leading to increased motivation (and team cooperation) with the concept of a democratic way of teaching.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

The four Fitness coaching styles are authoritative, democratic, holistic and laissez-faire. The authoritarian style emphasises structure, rules, and specific directions, making it an excellent choice for athletes who perform best when things are structured. By contrast, democratic decision-making in a collaborative fashion motivates and engages athletes. Athletes increasingly embrace holistic coaching, which assists with psychological and physical growth. This method frees naturally motivated athletes to self-guide while teaching them responsibility and discipline through laissez-faire.

Authorities give players structure, discipline, and a pathway for the sport. This coaching approach encourages talent and work ethic to a degree but also raises the bar regarding expectations and player compliance. This method also provides consistency and precision in gymnastics, swimming, and other disciplines. Athletes who respond to immediate feedback and clear-cut expectations may perform better and become technically proficient in an authoritative style. This might not work for every athlete, especially if they want more freedom or innovation.

When athletes are part of the decision-making process, this power dynamic shifts as it shows that the players matter and have ownership; democracy in sports coaching! This coaching method allows athletes to voice their opinions, set goals together and collaborate on training programs, which helps motivate and keep them accountable. Such an approach builds trust, provides autonomy over players and enhances the relationship between coach and athlete. The democratic style of leadership and sense of respect that comes with it lends itself well to sports such as football and basketball, which have strategic components that require players to work together.

By utilising a more rounded approach, sports coaches will have positively impacted an athlete’s physical and emotional state. With this approach, coaches help athletes grow in their mental health, human development and emotional balance. This approach allows adolescents to become more self-aware, mentally tough and well-adjusted in preparing for training and competition. This proposed framework is holistic, considering stress management, goal-setting and intrinsic motivation within the context of developing a solid mental base for sustainable peak performance.

Another form of Fitness coaching is what I would call laissez-faire, in which players are left alone to practice and develop. Athletes can take control of their progress with support provided only when necessary through this training technique. This approach can certainly work for all elite athletes who are naturally driven and know their goals and training requirements. Many things can be learned during sports, and the idea behind laissez-faire sports coaching is to encourage youngsters to take charge of their training with a degree of informed self-discipline, independence and responsibility.

Sports coaching influences motivation, development, and adaptation impacts athlete performance. Where the authority style brings discipline and technical skill to athletes who flourish in a controlled environment, this kind of democratic decision-making is an effective way to motivate and engage athletes and fosters confidence and cooperation. That holistic approach assists with stress management and helps build and maintain resilience, which athletes will need over the long haul. Laissez-faire helps independent, experienced athletes who will be blocked by supervision and self-independent work themselves more productive.

The post Sport Coaching Styles and Their Impact on Athlete Performance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Goal Setting and Planning in Sports Coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/goal-setting-and-planning-in-sports-coaching/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38219 The post Goal Setting and Planning in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

_

As players advance, they must be able to set goals and plans so that they will gain confidence while developing their top-level performance skills. As Gretzky said, players need well-defined, structured targets to keep them focused and in the game. Effective planning makes sure that these objectives are fulfilled in a truly efficient and sustainable manner. When teachers are familiar with setting goals and creating plans and strategies for achieving these goals, athletes can work harder and be better.

The Importance of Goal Setting in Sports Coaching

Goals are essential in sports coaching, as they provide players with a focal point and an avenue for development. Trainers set simple, quantifiable, feasible, relevant, and due goals; they help their players visualise attaining the goals and pose realistic benchmarks.

In sports teaching, there are three types of goals: result (winning a championship), performance (increasing your stats), and process goals (improving the ability to perform or developing mental toughness).

One way to be more motivated is to do things for awareness, like thinking a lot and preparing yourself to have all the knowledge or experience to make you more confident and responsible.

Coaches extensively use fitness goals to motivate players when training or competing gets hard. A growth attitude, a choice of goals to set your actions towards, is the ultimate freedom that empowers players to take ownership of their achievements.

We can see this in sports if we teach knowing the goals—achieving something to be part of a medium-term goal gives people direction and encourages them to enjoy their small wins so they wish to keep striving for their personal best.

Effective Planning in Sports Coaching: Creating a Roadmap for Success

In Sports Teaching, the goals set are just organising plans to attain those selected goals. Sports coaches plan for practice, games, breaks, and performance objectives to help keep players “on target” during the season. Coaches should examine players’ current athletic abilities, physical state, and desired outcomes to create a plan that tests their limits without burning them out.

A decent plan often contains a periodisation, an organised approach of splitting training into phases (preparatory, competitive and rest/recovery). Furthermore, one does so with distinct objectives, intensities and points of emphasis for each step. It helps to peak at the right time without overtraining. Plans that include cross-training, skill drills, mental fitness and recovery strategies can all help athletes breakthrough at every stage of growth.

Sports coaching plans also must be flexible. Otherwise, an athlete may injure themselves, causing a problem that the coach did not foresee; therefore, they will need to modify how they plan for their athletes to progress safely and steadily. Proper planning makes practices run much smoother and ensures that each practice helps the player achieve their goals.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Goals in Sports Coaching

Having a plan and goals is just the start of teaching within the sports. Coaches need to continually assess progress and adjust goals as needed to continue their players’ progression. Assessment means that teachers assess how players are performing, determine where they need to improve, and address any concerns as they arise.

Performance tracking can encompass a variety of numbers—times, scores, or an assessment of skill combined with commentary on mental and physical execution during the riding. Tracking progress not only helps athletes see the positive movement in their training, but as we mentioned earlier, it keeps their mood high and inspires them to keep working hard.

Knowing how far athletes have come from previous workouts has proven an effective motivator for committing to their efforts. Teachers may have to alter a student’s plan or goals if an athlete is progressing faster than planned—or slower—to maintain uniform standards, which is challenging but fair.

If, for example, a player reaches a target before planned, the coach can keep them engaged by setting new ones or making their training more challenging. Open dialogue between coaches and athletes will instill trust, ensuring that all parties agree with expectations. Coaches track their progress and change goals.

Building Mental Resilience through Goal Setting in Sports Coaching

A benefit from the goal-setting process in sports teaching that is not often considered yet leads to action on how students can become more mentally tough. It is a given that when people are working toward big goals, they will have failures.

Good sports coaches use these times as mental building blocks for their athletes. By providing players with smaller goals, coaches assist them in developing resilience over time, working on tasks within their reach that are building blocks towards larger goals.

Every win, every change they implement to solve a problem, is a confidence booster and teaches them that when the going gets tough, you must simply carry on. You are also to teach your players how to accept failure in a healthy manner. If players do not achieve a goal or suffer a defeat, teachers can help them reflect on what has happened, identify how they might learn from it, and plan the next steps.

Such an approach transforms errors into opportunities, reinforcing that losing is essential for improvement and success. Positive feedback, mental training routines, and visualisation techniques are powerful tools to enhance an athlete’s cognitive ability to cope with stress.

Conclusion

As with all successful sports coaching, goal setting and preparation are melded to help players reach their potential and succeed; coaches introduce athletes to SMART objectives and preparation. Tracking progress keeps athletes focused and facilitates necessary adjustments, ensuring a living plan tailored to every athlete’s journey. Creating the mental toughness required to deal with losses and approach challenges confidently is also a coaching goal.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports coaches need to set goals to give players direction, drive, and a framework to improve over time. SMART goals assist in monitoring progress and maintaining motivation for your sport. Objectives in sports coaching may be the result (winning a tournament), performance (improving personal bests), or process condition (focusing on technique). Each inspires confidence and responsibility; each is a step forward. Goal-oriented coaches help athletes celebrate small victories when putting them through tough training.

In sports coaching, planning is crucial because it allows the athletes to achieve their goals. Following the goal-setting process, coaches can set training plans, competition schedules, rest times, and performance targets to help players stay on track. Fitness coaching employs periodisation, which consists of stages: preparation, competition and recovery. These phases focus on specific components of their performance, minimising fatigue and ensuring they are at optimum readiness during important competitions. An effective Fitness coaching plan cares for the athlete’s fitness, skill development and long-term goals. Plans must account for injuries and unforeseen changes in the competition schedule.

Progress tracking is essential as it keeps players motivated and, on a path, which means something was put down to measure. Times, scores and skill assessments are how coaches measure progress. Coaches use this data to identify the strengths and weaknesses and how training plans may be improved. Frequent reviews of progress show athletes how far they have come, building enthusiasm and commitment to the task. Monitoring provides comprehensive feedback on physical and mental performance, which assists athletes in understanding their progression. To keep an athlete’s goals challenging but attainable, sports coaches may adjust targets if milestones are reached early.

Goal setting in Fitness coaching advances through incremental challenges to the players, gradually aiming for mental toughness by achieving minor and significant goals. More modest goals function as confidence-builders so athletes can learn to cope with disasters, strengthening mental toughness. Setting goals teaches players to break through barriers from time to time to grow. This coaching technique gets players to debrief failures, gain perspective on them and focus on long-term goals.

In sports, coaches set result, performance, and process goals. For example, winning a competition or placing in a tournament (outcome goals: motivate by setting the bar high). Performance goals: time, precision, and/or competence personal bests. Such goals aid athletes in reaching milestones and measuring growth, as they are tailor-fit to both talent and advancement. Process goals focus on behaviours that enhance performance, such as technique or mental focus.

Goals should change continuously to challenge the players. Athletes are assessed based on how they perform and feedback to see whether they are succeeding towards hitting their goals — lots of numbers are involved, and some comments are from coaches. If an athlete hits a goal early to maintain momentum and advancement, the coach may create new, more challenging goals. If development is slower than anticipated due to injuries or technical problems, the coach may be re-evaluating the timeframe and goals in order not to set up for disappointment. Sports coaches have to be adaptable because no two athletes develop similarly, and training regimes have to cater accordingly.

The post Goal Setting and Planning in Sports Coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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.

The post Fasting and Fitness Exercise: Pros and Cons of Working Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

_

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.

The post Benefits of Regular Fitness Classes for Physical and Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates for Weight Loss and Toning: Sculpt Your Body with Precision https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/pilates-for-weight-loss-and-toning-sculpt-your-body-with-precision/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=37732 The post Pilates for Weight Loss and Toning: Sculpt Your Body with Precision appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Pilates, developed in the early 20th century, is a tried-and-tested compact reformer ideal for anyone looking to tighten their physique or accomplish an excellent core workout.

To that end, while Pilates is not cardio and will never be as high intensity from a calorie-burning point of view, its other benefits, such as loss of fat mass and gain in muscle mass over time, can still lead to significant body composition.

How Pilates Aids in Weight Loss

Pilates might not immediately come to mind if you have trouble losing weight. Still, it is an effective way to do so and offers other physical advantages that will make your body undergo drastic changes. It is a low-impact exercise that can cause weight loss by toning your musculature, burning calories, and boosting your metabolism.

Pilates: Controlled pulses that use several muscle groups at once help increase strength while burning calories. The leaner your muscle mass, the more calories your body burns, even at rest.

Movements like The Hundred, Leg Circles, and Plank in Pilates tone the core muscles throughout your body. Building muscle revs up your metabolism and can assist with weight loss over time.

Better Posture and Alignment—Pilates is a core-focused workout that emphasises proper alignment of shoulders, hips, and knees. Proper posture reduces muscle imbalances that can result in less easy movement in everyday tasks.

This will ensure that your body is in proper alignment for everything you do, making you more efficient (using less energy) during any physical activity. It will also allow you to train longer and harder before fatigue sets in.

Pilates Exercises for Toning

Pilates is a social exercise for sculpting the body and developing long, lean muscles. While a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight, Pilates is an excellent way to tame your muscles and look better. Here are some Pilates movements that target fat-prone areas and develop lean muscles.

The Hundred: This famous Pilates exercise targets your heart as you pound your arms up and down while keeping your core engaged. You lie down on your back and raise your legs while pulsing your arms up and down—it is also a good leg workout. I love to use the Hundred to help me develop resistance to Pilates, and it also works best for my abs.

Single-leg stretch: This is a leg and ABS strengthening workout. Draw one knee to your chest while your opposite leg is extended as you lie on your back. Use your core to turn your legs as you exchange legs every time. This not only works on your abs but also on your lower body and is an excellent exercise for gaining a flat stomach.

Pilates Plank: The plank is also a significant weight loss and strengthening workout; you often use it in many workouts. It works on your core and shoulders as they gain strength and balance, works out your arms and legs, obliquely holds a plank position for your muscles, and burns a few calories.

Leg circles: As you hug your leg, as mentioned above, hold one leg up to the ceiling and make a tiny circle. Draw the right leg in the air and work down to the core. This exercise works on muscles and makes your leg lean. If done every day, it will also help tone muscles, balance, and posture.

The Benefits of Pilates for Body Sculpting

Many people use Pilates to lose weight, but one of the best reasons for doing so is that it conditions and sculpts your body. In contrast, Pilates isolates specific muscle groups, creating toned, lean muscles rather than bulky ones. Exercises like this can help you tighten and tone your arms, legs, and core.

Full-Body Toning: Pilates simultaneously tones multiple muscles so that you (and your legs, arms, core, and back) are working simultaneously. Some exercises, like roll-ups, double leg stretches, side kicks, etc., can help you get a body filled with strength and health by working every muscle part of your body, building it, and toning it. Pilates gives a little more definition to the muscles, and it is easier to keep your body petite.

Building Longer Muscles—For those who don’t know, traditional exercise regimes that include strength training can lead to muscle bulking up, whereas Pilates is all about creating long and slim muscles. Therefore, the design reflects a leaner and smoother body. Several Pilates moves, such as the “Swan Dive” or “Leg Pull,” concentrate on stretching and improving motion. This is also why Pilates practitioners appear long and lean.

Stronger Muscles Starting Pilates increases your muscle strength, so you can do each move longer without burning out. This, in turn, prevents your muscles from becoming as tired, allowing you to burn extra calories and tone more over time. Pilates—which targets your core like crazy—lengthens the muscles and repeatedly lays back into smaller, stabilising muscles throughout a movement.

Combining Pilates with Cardio for Weight Loss

Pilates is one of the best exercises for building and toning your core. Doing it without cardio will help you lose a few pounds, but you can accomplish even more with aerobic exercise.

Examples include running, cycling, swimming, and even fast walking—generally types of cardio—which are great ways to burn calories at high rates. These can be a complete fitness regime, along with Pilates, that helps you reduce your body fat and tone up.

Interval training: Interval training is a perfect way to exercise and incorporate Pilates. Alternating short, arduous fitness (spin, running) with Pilates movements is a great way to maintain your heart rate and muscle development. This type of exercise gets rid of fat and strengthens and tones muscles.

Pilates Fusion Classes: Many gyms now offer classes that combine Pilates with another type of training (barre, cardio circuits and HIIT are all very popular). These classes fuse the body-shaping benefits of Pilates with intense, calorie-burning cardio. Most people, however, are looking for some form of fat loss, weight loss, and body toning.

Why you should do Pilates on rest days: If you’re already doing a lot of cardio, Pilates is the perfect way to keep moving, even during your rest. Low-impact and gentle movement naturally build core strength and flexibility without the wear and tear of high-impact fitness workouts.

Conclusion

Pilates for Weight Loss and Pilates for Toning Pilates helps build lean muscle, core strength, and flexibility to provide your body with a balance of strength, which promotes muscles and contributes to weight loss. The controlled movements and requirements to engage core muscles in Pilates shape your body and allow for better physical performance in conjunction with other exercises that burn more calories.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you are then please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates does help you lose weight, just not in the same way that high-intensity cardio exercises will. Pilates is about building long, lean muscle, which increases your metabolism. It helps people shed off extra flab by developing more robust and firmer muscles over time (52-54). This results in the body utilising more calories even at rest. Pilates might not have the rapid calorie burn of running or cardio cycling, but it can contribute to fat loss if you follow a sensible diet and combine it with other forms of exercise, such as jogging.

The Hundred Single-Leg Stretch Plank Leg Circles will help tone your body! These exercise routines work for many muscle groups simultaneously and build lean muscle, making your muscles look better overall.

  • The Hundred– This exercise is fantastic for getting your core nice and firm, including the abs.
  • More Core-Focused, and Any exercise that engages their core muscles helps tone them down. –The Single-Leg Stretch is effective for toning the lower body.

It will help tighten and tone your legs, hips, and core muscles and increase flexibility in the lower body. Incorporating these exercises into your daily Pilates practice will tone and strengthen your body while creating lean, long muscles.

Pilates and exercise work quite differently regarding weight loss, but it can be a good combination if you have access to both. Running, cycling, and swimming are heart-healthy activities because they will lead you to lose fat in no time as you burn more calories after each action. Pilates is more about developing lean muscle, increasing metabolism and allowing the body to burn Class 1 calories over an extended period. Cardio burns calories more frequently and faster, but Pilates helps you keep improving your balance, strength, and flexibility over time, which will help you perform better in other activities.

Pilates is excellent for toning up some areas of your body, notably the core. Most exercises directly affect deep abdominal strength, giving you a flat, toned stomach. Exercises that work the abs, obliques, and lower back muscles include “The Hundred,” “Plank,” and “Roll-Up,” which will strengthen and tighten the middle. Pilates Is Not Just the Core. It is effective on the legs, arms, hips, and more.

Pilates is excellent if you are getting literate about weight loss and want to tone your body. Pilates is great because it can be adapted even for your fitness level. Its simplicity and safety made it a viable option for people new to fitness. The calculated movements and focus on alignment with good posture also lower the potential risk of injury while keeping those new to Pilates safe to build strength and flexibility slowly. Pilates is excellent for beginners or those who are already fit. It is for newcomers to fitness who want to develop core strength, balance, and muscle tone. Adding more complex tasks to your workouts can increase your difficulty as you improve.

Pilates, on the other hand, we suggest you do at least three to four times a week if you want to see any actual tone and weight loss results. Consistency is vital when it comes to building lean muscle and overall strength. The frequency at which you will practice Pilates is also up to your goals when exercising. Two to three times a week should be enough to see results if you do Pilates and other forms of exercise, like running and strength training. Four to five weekly lessons allow faster results, ideal if you do Pilates primarily for weight loss/tone-up.

The post Pilates for Weight Loss and Toning: Sculpt Your Body with Precision appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga Teacher Training: Becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/yoga-teacher-training-becoming-a-certified-yoga-instructor/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=37726 The post Yoga Teacher Training: Becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Yoga is now recognised globally for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. With a growing number of individuals looking to explore and grow their yoga practice and pass the benefits of yoga on to others, becoming a certified yoga teacher has become an appealing route. Yoga teacher training (YTT) is a program curated to train and prepare upcoming instructors for teaching yoga classes while walking students toward wellness.

Understanding Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)

Yoga teacher training is an intense school where you learn philosophy, techniques and how to teach yoga in detail. YTT programs are generally categorised by hours. The most common ones are 200-hour and 300-hour programs. You shall typically begin by completing a 200-hour YTT to become an RYT. If you want to go even further, there is the 300-hour YTT for more advanced training.

Detailed anatomical information and meditation training might be handy in a Yoga instructor training (YTT) course to incorporate into gross anatomy. During this practicum, they also learn to prepare lessons, guide students, and build an inclusive classroom environment. Some teaching programs also involve experience leading a mock class and being observed by real teachers who provide feedback.

Most of YTT goes over yoga’s practical and philosophical parts, such as ancient texts such as The Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras. It offers an integrated approach to yoga teacher training so that by benefitting from the deeper understanding of pranayama alongside the more physical asanas, individuals are qualified not only in asanas but also in living yogic principles — kindness, generosity and self-awareness — if they choose a career-based on yoga.

What to Expect During Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga teacher training is life-changing and demanding. Most YTT programs are intense, whether full-time immersion over weeks or months. Training includes these crucial elements:

Anatomy and Alignment: Safe yoga instruction requires anatomical knowledge. You’ll learn about the musculoskeletal system, how postures influence muscles and joints, and how to help students through safe alignment in each pose throughout YTT. This information prevents harm and lets you change postures for pupils with different capacities.

Yoga Class Sequencing: Classes that flow seamlessly from posture to pose help students improve strength, flexibility, and balance. YTT will teach you how to build successful sequences for students of all ability levels and target different body parts. Explore how to adjust sequences for relaxation, strength-building, and mindfulness class topics.

Pranayama and meditation are essential to yoga; instructors must know how to use these approaches in their lessons. YTT will teach you to lead students through pranayama and meditation techniques to boost energy and mental clarity.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor

Advantages of being a certified Yoga instructor Benefits of getting Yoga instructor certification

Take Your Practice Further: Only dedicated learning and practices can physically, mentally, and spiritually teach you yoga. This knowledge elevates your profession and hence helps you guide others.

 

Pass the Yoga Gift On: You can train to become a Yoga mentor to share the joy of experiencing these transformative powers with others. Yoga can encourage less stress, fun, good health, and peace of mind. Teaching yoga is a delight to help others become healthier.

There are a range of job offers from the certification of yoga instructor. Teach in yoga studios, fitness centres, schools or corporate wellness programs and inspire others: a certification makes you more reputable and employable. Other possibilities include private lessons, retreats, seminars or specialised programs.

Self-Discovery: The advancement of the physical rewards of being a Yoga instructor is about personal change and growth. YTT push you to the front line, out of your comfort zone and learn about yourself. YTT graduates often speak of a transformative experience that allows them to live more truthfully and purposefully.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor

If you are ready to embark on the path of becoming a certified yoga instructor, these are the steps:

Choose a YTT Program: You must first select a YTT school that works with your dates, aims, and kind of yoga. Check reviews, consider other schools and teachers, and decide whether you want to do a 200-hour or 300-hour program. Find a Yoga Alliance Recognized School. It’s one of the more recognised certifications in yoga.

Complete Your YTT Program: When choosing a program, ensure you do your YTT. YTT is supposed to be challenging mentally and physically. It requires dedication, concentration, and an inward look. Speak to your teachers and the other trainees, ask questions at every opportunity, and learn as much as possible.

Join the Yoga Alliance. After completing your YTT training, you can become a RYT—Registered Yoga instructor—with the Yoga Alliance. This internationally recognised qualification is a feather in your teaching credentials. You don’t need to join the Yoga Alliance—at least not yet—but it is nice if you want to teach.

Different opportunities are open if you have completed your yoga training, like Start Teaching Start by teaching lessons at your schools, clubhouses or community centres. You can attract customers by providing one-on-one sessions or classes for a few people. Once ready, start by teaching at camps or retreats and build your confidence.

Conclusion

Life-changing and Career-advancing Yoga Mentor Training! Becoming a certified Yoga mentor will teach you more about yoga and its benefits. It is a fantastic career where you can earn something from it. Whether you teach at a studio, offer workshops or begin your own yoga business, certification equips you to change the lives of your students. As you work towards your certification, remember that Yoga is an ongoing lifelong practice of growth and self-discovery.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Ready to take your love for yoga to the next level? Explore the rewarding path of becoming a certified yoga teacher. Follow this link to discover our comprehensive yoga teacher training program. Unleash your potential and inspire others on their wellness journey.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

The entire Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) syllabus provides the experience to enable students to receive their yoga instructor licensing. Anatomy, asanas, pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy are covered under YTT. Typically, YTT programs are 200 or 300 hours, the most common being a 200-hour course as the “basic” level for new teachers. How to structure and sequence classes Keeping students safe through the postures Using mental and spiritual yoga themes How to book – Contact us here! Field-based teaching and learning are a part of the course designed for class leadership confidence.

Here are some reasons you might want to get a Yoga mentor certification. If you want to elevate your yoga practice and development, here is why Yoga mentor training benefits you: Yoga mentor training develops a new approach to practising both physically, mentally and spiritually. You become more aware and connected to your body and mind —contributors issued. Certified professionals have a lot of scope and options at work. You can never have enough options: private workshops, yoga studios, fitness centres, health retreats and corporate settings.

A Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) curriculum includes everything you need to know to become a competent yoga teacher. This is known as the group, which helps in learning Yoga Asanas and how to teach them Anatomy and Physiology. Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga philosophy are essential for an entire yoga class. One of the things that we learn in YTT programs is sequence construction, or how to create a flow for students at different levels. You will practice teaching and receive feedback to grow more confident.

Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) length, depending on curriculum The 200-hour YTT is “IF”. It’s popular and can be done in several ways. Intensive (full-time, immersion) programs are three to six weeks long, and part-time or evening/weekend programs run for many months to combine training with other obligations. A 300-hour YTT for High-Level Training follows it. Formatting some of these takes months. Many YTT programs offer blended learning, where students can study in-person or online. For either intensive or extended program, YTT demands devotion and regular practice.

After becoming a certified Yoga mentor, an instructor can choose from numerous types of careers. The most common way is to teach in your neighbourhood’s yoga studios, health clubs, and wellness centres. Many licensed instructors teach specialised groups, such as corporate wellness initiatives, schools, and community centres. This is because of the personal care that private lessons provide for the needs of students. Yoga instructors offer seminars, retreats, and speciality classes for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with other physical limitations.

Yoga Alliance membership is not a requirement but is recommended for professional teachers. Yoga Alliance is a global registry for Yoga mentor training and teachers. Registering as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) means you completed an application that fits their criteria, which can have some value in boosting your teaching skills. Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor means you have been fully trained and have excellent knowledge. They are in high demand at yoga studios and fitness centres, as well as by companies: continuing education, liability insurance, and a global yoga community for Yoga Alliance members.

The post Yoga Teacher Training: Becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates for Neck and Shoulder Tension Relief: A Path to Comfort and Mobility https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/pilates-for-neck-and-shoulder-tension-relief-a-path-to-comfort-and-mobility/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=37706 The post Pilates for Neck and Shoulder Tension Relief: A Path to Comfort and Mobility appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Some of the worst tension you can get is neck and shoulder pain, which is usually brought on by poor posture, being under a lot of stress, or just spending far too long hunched over your computer. This discomfort can manifest as pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, limited day-to-day life experiences and overall health. Pilates can help relieve tension in that part of our body and avoid muscles and stress. Pilates gives us a chance to feed the health back of this area simply for control core, robust and aligned posture movements.

How Pilates Targets Neck and Shoulder Tension

It is a low-impact exercise which helps improve, strengthen, and stretch your body while keeping it aligned. Alignment and stability are the keys to Pilates, which is one of the things our instructor took on board. Better posture and a more stable core can help reduce stress on the neck and shoulders.

Your neck and shoulder muscles will likely become stiff or sore if you don’t stand straight. This is especially true if your head inclines forward. Pilates, which both realigns the body and aids in balance, lessens strain on these muscles.

For example, Pilates exercises that focus on strengthening your upper back and shoulders and stretching the neck force you to eliminate all possible stress. Core exercises help strengthen the spine and improve overall balance.

This keeps your upper body from collapsing and prevents your shoulders from hunching forward, contributing to a lot of stress in the neck and shoulders. Pilates is also about slow, intentional movement, which can help calm and relax your body and thus loosen up those areas more.

Pilates also includes stress-reducing breathing exercises. Using the diaphragm for deep breathing keeps you from tightening up your muscles and helps circulate your blood faster, which means they can pick up the repairs and alleviate neck and shoulder and neck pain. Pilates, on the other hand, deals with physical and mental stress by giving importance to breathing and set movements.

Pilates Exercises for Neck and Shoulder Relief

Pilates Service Movements Many movements in the Pilates service can target needs and shoulders. Still, even without that focus, The Spine Corrector Barrel facilitates movement throughout the entire back — neck to hips. These exercises gently stretch and strengthen neck, shoulder, and Neck and Shoulder muscles. Best on Neck and Shoulders: Pilates workouts for tension relief

Begin neck stretches by sitting or standing tall with relaxed shoulders. Tilt your head slightly to one side, near your shoulder (without lifting it). Pause for a few breaths, then proceed with the other side. This simple exercise will help soothe a tight neck while improving mobility.

Isolation of Scapula: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet planted flat on the ground. Your arms should be raised straight over your head towards the ceiling. Lowly draw your shoulder blades to slide into those back pockets.

Then, please take a few seconds to breathe, relax, and do them again. This exercise is excellent for this purpose, as it helps us improve our posture and reduce pain in the upper body that often comes from weakness in these muscles between the shoulder blades.

Cat-Cow Stretch: Stand on all fours in a table pose—Inhale in, arcing your back up and lifting your head and chest (Cow Pose). Round your spine, tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose), and exhale. This helps stretch and mobilise the spine, decreasing stress on your neck and shoulders and enhancing flexibility.

The Role of Posture in Neck and Shoulder Tension and How Pilates Helps

The way you hold yourself can affect stress on the neck and shoulders. Slouched posture and forward head posture tighten neck, shoulder, and Neck and Shoulder muscles. Strain can build up and become chronic pain, stiffness, and tension.

The reasons behind poor posture are fixed, as Pilates develops the muscles that support the spine and align it correctly.

Pilates focuses on postural alignment by strengthening the core. It cushions the upper body by maintaining a neutral position, locking shoulders in place, keeping your head aligned, and away from those pesky neck pains.

 Using muscles in the core group, the spine is stabilised, and posture is corrected. Exercises such as the plank and roll-up from Pilates make movements familiar in daily life, like sitting down or standing up, much more accessible.

Pilates strengthens the core, lengthens the spine, and lifts the chest to fight against slouching. Spine & Flexibility Swan Dive and Spine Stretch Forward help lengthen the spine and improve alignment, thus reducing upper body tension.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Pilates for Tension Relief

Not only is Pilates great for the physical, but it also has mental and emotional benefits that aid in stress reduction. Upper body pain is often tied to stress and tension that tighten muscles. Pilates reduces pressure through a string of controlled movements and deep breathing.

Breathing deeply from the diaphragm helps decompress the nervous system and release tension. It also reduces upper back and neck strain. This increased oxygen flow helps the muscles relax and heal.

Meditative aspect: Works towards greater body awareness as Pilates is unforgiving of tension. This can be another philosophy massage therapists share with Pilates practitioners, as they may purposefully emphasise how stretching, breathing, and movement are all connected.

Pilates, a physical and mental practice, helps the body out holistically through motion and mindfulness. It reduces tension by strengthening muscles and decreasing emotional and mental stress. Routine Pilates could boost clarity of mind, stress, and wellness.

 Conclusion

Pilates is a gentle approach to stretching and strengthening upper body muscles, alleviating stress. Pilates workouts lower stress, improve posture and increase upper body mobility. Core strength and alignment treat lousy posture, which commonly causes upper back and neck pain.

Mindfulness and breath control in Pilates relieve mental and emotional strain and physical tension. Relaxation and stress reduction via deep breathing and regulated motions ease upper body strain.

Pilates may enhance mobility and relieve upper back and neck stress. Doing Pilates regularly may strengthen your body, improve your posture, and decrease the stress and tension that cause these issues. Pilates may help you move more freely and pleasantly by alleviating upper body discomfort from poor posture, anxiety, or misuse.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you are then please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates movements, which are gentle and controlled on neck, shoulders and upper back muscles, can help reduce stress. Stress, muscle imbalances and bad posture all cause tightness in these areas. Pilates stabilises the spine and releases upper body stress while working on the core. Pilates moves such as shoulder rolls and neck Stretching gently stretch and release tight muscles, while other moves like scapula isolation engage shoulder blade muscles. Pilates emphasises deep, gentle breathing, which lengthens and relaxes the body, alleviating stress and increasing blood flow after breaks to freshen muscle arms.

Several Pilates routines, such as Neck stretches, soothe tight muscles, improve flexibility, and Reduce pain. Shoulder Rolls – These help to reduce stress and increase circulation in the upper back and shoulder region. Shoulder shrugs for scapula isolation can help those who need to isolate the shoulder blade muscles to help improve posture and reduce upper back and neck pain. Cat-Cow Stretch — Best Pilates Exercise for Spine Mobility & Upper Back/Neck/Shoulder Tension Relief They help to gently stretch and strengthen muscles, which can get stiff or sore from lack of movement.

Pilates targets core muscles and aids in improving posture. Poor posture, such as slouching and forward head position, stresses your upper back and neck muscles. Pilates can stabilise the spine to strengthen your deep core, which will help hold up the upper body and prevent shoulder slumping. They train the core and ensure you sit tall on the bike, thus reducing upper back and neck stress. Pilates stretches the whole body, explicitly lengthening the spine and opening up through the chest – suitable for any of us sitting at a computer all day.

Yes, the controlled movements and mindful breathing in Pilates are designed to leave you feeling relaxed, including stiff necks and strained shoulders caused by stress. Stress can tighten upper back and neck muscles, resulting in painful conditions. In Pilates practice, we utilise deep diaphragmatic breathing to modulate and calm the nervous system, reduce compression in the spine and relax muscles. Cat-Cow Stretch: Keeps the upper back and neck relaxed, takes you into an awareness of the mind-body connection, and stretches your mind with some Neck stretch. Pilates helps reduce stress-related muscle stiffness and upper back and neck strain by emphasising physical movement and mental relaxation.

Pilates should be practised twice to thrice weekly to alleviate upper back and neck stiffness. A routine fortifies the neck and shoulder muscles, corrects posture, and decreases stress. Pilates can relieve muscle tension quite quickly, but consistent exercises are required to ensure results over a longer time. By incorporating exercises that strengthen the neck, shoulder, and upper back, such as Shoulder Rolls, Neck stretches, and Scapula Isolation movements over time, you will improve your range of motion and decrease discomfort.

Improves Posture and Prevents Neck & Shoulder Strain- Pilates corrects terrible posture caused by muscular imbalances due to stress so that the neck and shoulders perform their work more efficiently. Pilates helps train the muscles of the core, which support your spine and can help improve posture and reduce neck and shoulder pain. Add upper-back exercises, such as scapula isolation and swan dive, to improve posture and prevent shoulder rounding. Pilates can also increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders in the long run, as places tend to stiffen up. And ease stress so all is well in purchasing the most effective protest stress.

The post Pilates for Neck and Shoulder Tension Relief: A Path to Comfort and Mobility appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Beyond Flexibility and Core Strength: The Holistic Benefits of Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/beyond-flexibility-and-core-strength-the-holistic-benefits-of-pilates/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=37621 The post Beyond Flexibility and Core Strength: The Holistic Benefits of Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

While most people think of Pilates as being flexible and building core strength, it has many other uses. Pilates is a complete workout that works your entire body from the inside out. Joseph Pilates created it in the early 1900s. Now, it is being lauded for a multifaceted approach that goes beyond nutrition and movement, which also depend on mental clarity and other general health.

Pilates for Core Strength and Stability

One of the fundamental principles of Pilates is strengthening your core, also known as your body’s “powerhouse.” Focusing on your core will improve your posture and give you better balance and stability for everyday activities, with the added benefit of a reduced risk of injury.

A powerful core – strength in the middle of your body – reinforces all movements and helps prevent lower back pain and other problems that stem from weak abdominal and lower back muscles.

Pilates trains the deep muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis to work together to create a “centre,” which is your core, from where all movement stems. Regular Pilates builds proper alignment in your body, which helps ward off injuries, particularly for athletic endeavours or labour-intensive jobs. That also makes your body more stable, improving balance (a huge plus for older adults prone to falls or other mobility problems) as well.

Mental Health Benefits of Pilates: More than Just Physical

While many rave about Pilates’s benefits for their bodies, just as significant are those who speak to its impact on the mind. This connection between mind and body decreases stress, keeps you focused, and sharpens mental clarity. Pilates not only strengthens core strength but also promotes mental well-being.

Constant high-intensity workouts can be challenging, no matter how fit you are. In contrast, Pilates emphasises controlled movements and respiration strategies that refresh and relax the body. Controlled breathing, a hallmark of Pilates, increases oxygen flow to the brain, which can reduce stress and improve concentration.

Many who practice Pilates frequently report feeling more focused, centred, and balanced after their workouts. This moving meditation helps bring awareness to both body and mind, offering support to individuals with depression or anxiety.

Pilates also encourages mindfulness, focusing on quality over quantity, which helps disrupt negative thought patterns. As a result, you walk out of each Pilates session with improved core strength and a more transparent, balanced mind.

Pilates for Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention

Pilates aids recovery and injury prevention—a benefit that is often overlooked. It focuses on core strength, balanced body movements, and controlled motions, making it especially effective in the recovery process after injury or surgery, particularly involving the spine, hips, and knees.

As a low-impact activity, Pilates builds strength without placing excessive stress on the joints, making it a safe method for rehabilitation. Pilates can be adapted to suit all fitness levels and physical limitations, making it an excellent tool for helping people regain strength, flexibility, and balance throughout rehabilitation.

Exercise modifications focus on strengthening and stabilising the injured area. By teaching proper body mechanics and core strength, Pilates also helps prevent future injuries, showing individuals how to move in a balanced and controlled manner.

Athletes often use Pilates to cross-train, boosting performance and reducing the risk of injury. Pilates sessions strengthen the core and stabilise the spine, which helps athletes better control their movements in their favourite sports.

The Role of Pilates in Improving Flexibility and Mobility

Flexibility is one of the most popular reasons people take Pilates, but unlike other workouts designed for improving flexibility, such as yoga, the type of lengthening extension that Pilates promotes also focuses on building core strength.

Committed Pilates devotees achieve dynamic flexibility by healthily manipulating the muscle matrix, often promoting sport-specific functional movement. Flexibility in Pilates is not about how far you can stretch but rather about effectively improving your range of motion and functionality in everyday life.

The exercises elongate and tone muscles while simultaneously building core strength, leading to an ideal combination of flexibility and strength. This approach enhances joint mobility, crucial for maintaining functional movement as we age. Pilates also encourages fluid, smooth motion, making the body more efficient.

Increased flexibility, combined with core strength, alleviates muscle tension and stiffness, reducing pain in the lower back, shoulders, and hips. This flexibility and core strength also enhance running, swimming, or weightlifting performance, allowing for a more excellent range of motion and efficient movement with a lower risk of injury.

 Conclusion

Pilates gives you flexibility and helps with core strength, but the benefits go far beyond that. It offers overall wellness for the body and mind. Pilates works your body and brain through intentional movement, form, and breath control, promoting balance, clarity, and serenity. Regular practice will make you more flexible, stronger, and focused, leading to better physical and mental well-being. Regardless of your fitness level, Pilates is a fantastic addition to any wellness routine, improving core strength, flexibility, and overall health. Embrace the full benefits of Pilates today.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you are then please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates effectively makes people more flexible and has a stronger core, which is why many use it for this benefit. However, there are also health benefits to consider overall due to the mind-body link. Mental clarity, balance and stress relief in a workout filled with controlled breathing, mindful movement and good form. It strengthens your balance, helps to release muscle tension, and helps you work out without injuries. Goodbye, Stress — Pilates not only relieves stress by promoting mental clarity and ease but can also create a happier, more accessible you. The more regularly you practice, the more likely inner peace and mental balance can be achieved. It signifies a holistic workout and is beneficial not solely for the body.

Pilates focuses on building core strength, which targets what some people call the body’s “powerhouse.” Pilates focuses on the deep muscles in your stomach and back and significantly helps to engage these muscles via your pelvic floor. These muscles work together to hold your body in place during movement. These core muscles are exercised by Pilates, which makes you balance and stabilise better. This can make everyday tasks easier and decrease the risk of injury. Improved core strength, better balance, and posture possibly alleviate or prevent issues such as back pain. Pilates is an excellent way to build a strong core and stability, essential for general health and valuable movement. Perfect for both athletes and beginners.

To be sure, Pilates is as a lot about working out your body as it is about quieting your mind. The targeted breathing and targeted moving are distracting on a level of mindfulness. Hence, that’s already one way this can help with stress. Pilates trains you to be more focused on the present, which is an excellent way of escaping the basis for your anxieties and woes. Pilates calms the mind by connecting it with your body. This will help centre yourself and prevent mental fatigue. Many Pilates members regularly tell me they feel more precise and calmer after class. For this reason, Pilates is a beautiful method to combat stress and give an overall mental lift.

Pilates is often prescribed for rehabilitation and risk reduction since it is a low-impact exercise emphasising controlled, modulated motions. Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels and can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of the practitioner, meaning those recovering from injury can reap the rewards. It is deep, stabilising muscle-based and focuses on improving body alignment and restoring general mobility and balance after an injury. It also enhances the muscles near vulnerable joints and helps you be less prone to injuries. A full-body workout, pilates improves flexibility and posture and develops core strength — all of which contribute to body mechanics, making it a perfect type for injurious recovery and prevention.

Pilates works on a functional range of movement or flexible active mobility instead of the usual gym exercises that focus on static stretching. Muscles become long and robust with Pilates, providing a balance system for the body. The mix of flexibility is pushing the right amount so your range of motion in moving your joints improves, which makes it much simpler to do general things like bending down and gives relief from being tight. Unlike some flexibility workouts, Pilates is not just about stretches; its controlled movements make it a brilliant strength training workout suitable for almost everyone. This means better balance and more efficient movement overall.

Of course! One of the best things about Pilates is that it is entirely scalable and can be modified to accommodate any level of exerciser, even beginners. Whether you want to get fit or improve your posture, flexibility, balance and mental clarity, Pilates is a low-impact workout that can be modified to suit your desired outcomes. They can also add Pilates to their workout days, which will help beginners with core and flexibility workouts and help them build up a good balance of the muscles strong enough to stabilise their spines and keep them away from injury. Regular exercise can benefit beginners in balancing their mental health, flexibility, and balance. Also, they may engage in a mild yet quite potent beginning of exercise.

The post Beyond Flexibility and Core Strength: The Holistic Benefits of Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What a sports manager does https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/duties-of-a-sports-manager-2/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:25:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10043 Sports managers handle the organisational aspects of their clients. Athletes themselves – as well as entire organisations – will hire agents to ensure that everything goes well off the field. To become a sports manager you will have to study a Sports Management Certification . Such a certification will definitely increase your chances of finding a job....

The post What a sports manager does appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports managers handle the organisational aspects of their clients. Athletes themselves – as well as entire organisations – will hire agents to ensure that everything goes well off the field. To become a sports manager you will have to study a Sports Management Certification . Such a certification will definitely increase your chances of finding a job.

Job description

A sports manager has numerous responsibilities which mainly revolve around their clients being able to focus on winning without having to worry about the business side of the sport. Agents will deal with contractual issues but it is up to the managers to ensure the athlete gets everything they need to keep performing at their peak.

Duties

The duties of a sports manager will usually vary depending on their clientele. Some sports managers will be responsible for a single athlete and they must keep them in good physical condition. This can vary from hiring personal trainers to resolving personal conflicts between the team and the individual athlete. “As a sports manager,” says Denise Stern, “you’ll be making deals with owners and players while keeping budget constraints in mind.”

The duties of a sports manager

The manager is also a spokesperson for their client and they make sure all their needs are met and that they’re in the best possible position to do well. They will also have to sort out any conflicts between the athlete and the media to ensure the former maintains a good public image.

When a sports manager is the manager of an entire team, the duties can be quite different:

  • The sports manager will work with an entire organisation and they will ensure that the network required for everything to run smoothly is well organised and is a well-oiled machine. This will involve working between the owners of the organisation or club and the players as well as liasing with the marketing department to ensure the team carries a positive image.

Requirements

There are many avenues you could take to become a sports manager but you cannot go wrong with Trifocus Fitness Academy. As mentioned earlier, a certification in sports management is required to become a sports manager and other courses in business or marketing are encouraged. A lot of sports managers will start out as interns in an organisation before becoming actual managers. (To find out more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Certification, follow this link.)

Trifocus Fitness Academy offers many courses other than sports management making it possible to turn your passion into your career today! Doing what you love means you will never work another day in your life.

The post What a sports manager does appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

 

The post Functional Personal Training: Training Your Body For Everyday Movement appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Adapting HIIT Workouts for Specific Goals: Endurance, Strength, and Beyond appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post Maximising Fat Burn with HIIT Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post HIIT for Beginners: Tips and Workouts to Get Started appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

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.

The post The Science of Periodization: Optimizing Training Cycles for Sports Performance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

 

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

 

 

 

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.

The post What Are Some Effective Battle Rope Exercises For Improving Endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Can I Improve My Body’s Utilization Of Carbohydrates During Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-can-i-improve-my-bodys-utilization-of-carbohydrates-during-exercise/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34878 The post How Can I Improve My Body’s Utilization Of Carbohydrates During Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

In the pursuit of peak athletic performance, one of the most vital factors often overlooked is how efficiently our bodies utilize carbohydrates during exercise. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for our muscles, making their effective utilization crucial for endurance, strength, and overall exercise success. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just embarking on your fitness journey, understanding how to optimize carbohydrate utilization can significantly impact your performance and training outcomes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the science and strategies behind enhancing your body’s ability to utilize carbohydrates during exercise. From pre-workout nutrition to mid-workout fuelling, we’ll uncover the techniques and dietary choices that can help you go the extra mile, push your limits, and achieve your fitness goals. Get ready to unlock the secrets to improved power, endurance, and athletic prowess through the power of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate Utilization Strategies For Peak Performance

Carbohydrate utilization strategies are pivotal for achieving peak performance in sports and exercise. Carbs serve as the primary fuel source for muscles during high-intensity activities, making their efficient use essential. Athletes can optimize this process through careful planning. Pre-exercise carb loading can enhance glycogen stores, delaying fatigue during prolonged efforts. During exercise, consuming easily digestible carbs in the form of gels, sports drinks, or whole foods can sustain energy levels. Timing is critical; ingesting carbs strategically helps maintain blood glucose levels and performance. Post-workout, replenishing glycogen stores with carbs aids recovery. Understanding and implementing these strategies can elevate your endurance, power, and overall athletic excellence.

Mastering Exercise Fuelling: Your Carb Intake Guide

Effective exercise fuelling centres on optimizing carbohydrate intake, a crucial element for peak performance. Carbohydrates serve as the body’s preferred energy source during physical activities, impacting endurance, strength, and overall workout results. To excel in this arena, it’s essential to prepare by ensuring adequate glycogen stores through a balanced diet featuring a mix of complex and simple carbs. Timing plays a vital role, with the consumption of a carb-rich pre-workout meal or snack 1-3 hours before exercise, facilitating optimal carbohydrate digestion and utilization. During extended or intense workouts, consider easily digestible carb sources like energy gels or sports drinks to maintain energy levels. Post-exercise, swift carbohydrate refuelling aids glycogen restoration and muscle recovery. Tailoring carb intake based on workout specifics, duration, and personal preferences ensures a customized approach to elevate your exercise performance to new heights.

Carb Intake For Workouts: Tailoring Fuel For Athletic Success

Customizing carbohydrate intake is a critical strategy for athletes striving to attain peak performance. Carbohydrates serve as the primary power source during physical exertion, impacting endurance, strength, and overall athletic achievements. The key lies in matching carb consumption to the unique demands of your training regimen. Whether it’s a high-intensity sprint, a prolonged endurance race, or strength training, your carbohydrate intake should align with your specific goals. Precise timing and the right type of carbs can optimize energy availability, enhance muscle function, and stave off fatigue. By tailoring your carb intake to your athletic pursuits, you can maximize your potential and unlock new levels of success in your sports and workouts.

Enhancing Energy During Exercise: Key Strategies For Efficiency

Elevating power levels during exercise is fundamental for achieving peak performance and sustaining endurance. To optimize power utilization, several key strategies can be employed. Firstly, prioritize pre-exercise nutrition by consuming a balanced meal or snack rich in carbohydrates 1-3 hours before your workout. This provides a readily available energy source for muscles. Secondly, consider intra-workout fuelling for longer sessions. Easily digestible carbohydrates in the form of energy gels, sports drinks, or whole foods can help maintain energy levels and delay fatigue. Proper hydration is also paramount, as even mild dehydration can lead to decreased energy and performance. Furthermore, focus on post-exercise recovery with a combination of carbohydrates and protein to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle repair. Lastly, individualize your approach, taking into account factors such as workout intensity, duration, and personal preferences. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your energy efficiency and unlock your full athletic potential during exercise.

Glycogen Optimization: Maximizing Carbohydrate Stores For Endurance

Achieving peak endurance performance hinges on effectively managing and maximizing glycogen stores, the body’s stored form of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a primary fuel source for prolonged activities like long-distance running or cycling. To optimize glycogen storage, employ strategic carbohydrate loading in the days leading up to an endurance event. During exercise, consume carbohydrates at regular intervals to maintain energy levels and delay glycogen depletion. Balancing carbs with hydration is crucial. Post-exercise, prioritize glycogen replenishment with a carb-rich meal or snack to aid recovery. Tailor your approach based on the duration and intensity of your endurance activity to ensure you have the energy reserves needed to go the distance and achieve your performance goals. Glycogen optimization is a key pillar of endurance success.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a sports nutritional coach then you need to do our Sports Nutrition Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source during physical activity, making their efficient utilization essential for sustained performance and endurance.

Consume a balanced meal or snack rich in carbohydrates 1-3 hours before exercise to ensure a readily available energy source for your muscles.

Easily digestible carbohydrates, like those found in energy gels or sports drinks, can help maintain energy levels and stave off fatigue during longer workouts.

Proper hydration is crucial, as even mild dehydration can hinder carbohydrate utilization and diminish performance.

Replenishing glycogen stores with a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack after exercise supports recovery and helps prepare your body for future workouts, enhancing carbohydrate utilization during exercise.

The post How Can I Improve My Body’s Utilization Of Carbohydrates During Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

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.

The post What Is The Relationship Between Exercise And Metabolic Rate? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

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.

The post Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Provide Guidance On Sports-Specific Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

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.

The post What’s The Importance Of Setting Fitness Goals In Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

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.

The post Can Aerobic Exercises Help Improve My Sleep Quality? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

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.

The post What Is A Kinesiologist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Yoga Helps With Reducing Stress? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/how-yoga-helps-with-reducing-stress/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34318 The post How Yoga Helps With Reducing Stress? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common concern for many. As the demands of modern life continue to escalate, individuals are seeking effective ways to find solace and restore balance. This is where the ancient practice of yoga emerges as a powerful ally. The profound connection between the mind and body lies at the heart of this ancient art form’s transformative potential, making it a natural remedy for anxiety relief. This article delves into the intricate interplay between the mind and body in the context of worry relief, revealing how yoga, with its holistic approach, offers a pathway to inner tranquillity. Through various techniques and benefits, we explore the profound impact of this ancient exercise on worry reduction and overall well-being, unveiling the ways it nurtures the harmony between mind and body.

The Mind-Body Connection: How Yoga Benefits Stress Relief

The intricate interplay between the mind and body is at the core of yoga’s remarkable capacity to alleviate anxiety. This ancient practice goes beyond physical postures; it nurtures a profound mind-body connection. Yoga encourages mindfulness, bringing awareness to the present moment and quieting the incessant chatter of the mind. Through controlled breathing and gentle movements, it triggers the relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones. This intentional harmony between mental and physical realms cultivates a sense of calm, eases tension, and enhances overall well-being. By promoting self-awareness and restoring balance, this ancient art form provides a transformative pathway to worry relief, nurturing a holistic equilibrium between the mind and body.

Reducing Stress Through Yoga: Techniques And Benefits

In the modern hustle and bustle, stress has become a near-constant companion, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Enter yoga, a time-honoured practice that offers a sanctuary of tranquillity amid the chaos. Through a harmonious blend of breath control, mindful movement, and meditation, this ancient practice emerges as a powerful tool for worry reduction. Techniques like deep, rhythmic breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering relaxation responses that counteract stress hormones. Mindful poses and stretches release tension held within muscles, fostering a sense of release and calm. Moreover, the mental focus cultivated during this exercise redirects attention away from stressors, allowing for a mental reset.

Beyond immediate relief, the benefits of anxiety reduction through this exercise modality are manifold. Regular practice enhances resilience to worry over time, leading to improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of well-being. By fostering mindfulness and self-awareness, yoga equips individuals with coping mechanisms to navigate stressors more effectively. This holistic approach to anxiety management not only brings harmony to the body and mind but also fosters a lasting sense of inner peace.

Exploring Yoga’s Impact On Stress Relief And Well-Being

The ancient practice of yoga has emerged as a sanctuary of solace in the modern chaos, offering a profound impact on anxiety relief and overall well-being. Beyond its physical postures, it weaves a tapestry of tranquillity through the intricate interplay of breath, movement, and mindfulness. This synergy triggers the body’s relaxation response, mitigating the effects of stress hormones and promoting a calmer state of mind. Consistent practice cultivates a heightened sense of self-awareness, empowering individuals to recognize and manage worry triggers more effectively. As a holistic practice, it not only alleviates immediate anxiety but also nurtures emotional resilience and fosters a deep-seated sense of inner balance, transforming lives on and off the mat.

Unveiling The Mind-Body Benefits: How Yoga Reduces Stress

Unveiling the mind-body benefits of yoga offers a profound insight into how this ancient practice serves as a powerful tool for worry reduction. Its holistic approach harmonizes breath, movement, and mindfulness, fostering a profound mind-body connection. Through intentional poses and controlled breathing, the nervous system shifts from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode, inducing a relaxation response that counters anxiety. This gentle yet impactful practice not only releases physical tension but also encourages mental tranquillity. By embracing mindfulness, practitioners learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing the grip of anxiety-inducing worries. Over time, yoga’s rhythmic flow and meditation techniques recalibrate the body’s stress response, enhancing emotional regulation and cultivating inner serenity. As the mind and body unite in the sanctuary of the mat, the transformative potential of this exercise in alleviating anxiety is revealed, offering a holistic path to wellness.

Yoga Benefits For Stress Relief: Enhancing The Mind-Body Harmony

Its benefits for worry relief lie in its unique ability to enhance the harmony between the mind and body. Through a blend of physical postures, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, this exercise creates a tranquil space where anxiety dissipates. The gentle stretches and poses release tension stored in the body, while conscious breathing calms the nervous system. Mindfulness practices cultivate awareness, helping practitioners detach from stress-triggering thoughts. The mind-body connection deepens, leading to improved emotional regulation and reduced stress responses. As practitioners regularly engage in this practice, they cultivate resilience and a heightened sense of well-being. This harmonious union of physical and mental elements within the exercise paves the way for effective worry management and a more balanced, peaceful existence.

As the demands of modern life continue to escalate, individuals are seeking effective ways to find solace and restore balance. This is where the ancient practice emerges as a powerful ally. The profound connection between the mind and body lies at the heart of its transformative potential, making it a natural remedy for worry relief. This article delves into the intricate interplay between the mind and body in the context of anxiety relief, revealing how this exercise, with its holistic approach, offers a pathway to inner tranquillity. Through various techniques and benefits, we explore its profound impact on anxiety reduction and overall well-being, unveiling the ways it nurtures the harmony between mind and body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Ready to take your love for yoga to the next level? Explore the rewarding path of becoming a certified yoga teacher. Follow this link to discover our comprehensive yoga teacher training program. Unleash your potential and inspire others on their wellness journey.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yoga serves as a powerful stress reduction tool by harmonizing the mind and body through breath control, mindful movement, and relaxation techniques.

Yoga’s mind-body connection promotes relaxation responses that counteract stress hormones, fostering a sense of calm and enhancing overall well-being.

Deep, rhythmic breathing, mindful poses, stretches, and meditation techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating anxiety relief.

Yes, regular yoga practice enhances emotional resilience, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, providing lasting tools to manage anxiety more effectively.

Yoga’s holistic approach nurtures inner peace, enhances emotional well-being, and empowers individuals to recognize and manage anxiety triggers in the long run.

The post How Yoga Helps With Reducing Stress? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

The post How Does Personal Training Help Runners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

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.

The post Can Resistance Training Be Used For Heart Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-fyD-BJ4Ow

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.

The post Can Indoor Cycling Help With Improving Lung Capacity? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

 

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

The post Are Kettlebell Exercises Effective For Targeting The Hip Flexors? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Can Barre Pilates Improve Athletic Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/can-barre-pilates-improve-athletic-performance/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34102 The post Can Barre Pilates Improve Athletic Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Barre Pilates can contribute to improving athletic performance. By incorporating elements of strength, flexibility, balance, and core stability, barre Pilates can enhance overall physical fitness, which is beneficial for athletes in various sports. Barre Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups, improving muscular strength, endurance, and coordination. It helps to build a strong core, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness, all of which can enhance athletic performance. Additionally, the focus on proper alignment and posture in barre Pilates can improve overall body mechanics, leading to more efficient movement patterns and reduced risk of injuries.

Does Barre Pilates Improve Flexibility And Mobility?

Barre Pilates can help improve flexibility and mobility. Barre Pilates incorporates a variety of exercises that focus on lengthening and stretching muscles, improving joint range of motion, and enhancing overall flexibility. The dynamic movements, stretches, and positions performed in barre Pilates target different muscle groups, helping to improve flexibility and mobility throughout the body.

The exercises in barre Pilates often involve elongating the muscles through movements like deep stretches, reaches, and extensions. These movements help to lengthen the muscles and increase their flexibility. Regular practice of barre Pilates can lead to improved flexibility in areas such as the hamstrings, hips, shoulders, and spine.

Additionally, the focus on proper body alignment and posture in barre Pilates helps to improve mobility. By strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints and improving stability, barre Pilates can enhance joint mobility and range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience tightness or stiffness in certain areas of the body.

What Specific Muscle Groups Does Barre Pilates Target?

Barre Pilates targets a wide range of muscle groups throughout the body. Here are some specific muscle groups that are commonly engaged during barre Pilates exercises:

  • Core Muscles: Barre Pilates places a strong emphasis on the core muscles, including the deep abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis), obliques, and the muscles of the lower back. Core engagement is essential for maintaining stability, balance, and proper alignment during the exercises.
  • Glutes: Barre Pilates includes various exercises that target the gluteal muscles, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These exercises help to strengthen and tone the buttocks.
  • Thighs: The quadriceps (front of the thighs) and hamstrings (back of the thighs) are actively engaged in many barre Pilates movements. Exercises – for instance leg lifts, squats, lunges, and pliés – target these muscle groups, helping to improve strength and definition.
  • Calves: The muscles of the calves, including the gastrocnemius and soleus, are activated during barre Pilates exercises that involve heel lifts, relevés, or movements that challenge the lower legs’ stability and balance.
  • Arms and Shoulders: Barre Pilates incorporates exercises that target the muscles of the arms and shoulders. Movements like bicep curls, tricep dips, and shoulder presses engage the muscles of the upper body, including the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and the muscles of the upper back.
  • Back and Postural Muscles: Many barre Pilates exercises focus on improving posture and strengthening the muscles of the upper and lower back. Movements like back extensions, rows, and spinal articulation help to develop strength, stability, and postural alignment.
  • Abdominals and Waist: Barre Pilates includes exercises that target the abdominals, including the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) and the obliques. Movements such as crunches, planks, and side bends engage these muscles, helping to improve core strength and definition.
  • Hip Muscles: The muscles around the hips, including the hip flexors and external rotators, are engaged during various barre Pilates exercises. These movements help to improve hip mobility, stability, and strength.

Can Barre Pilates Help With Balance And Coordination

Barre Pilates, with its combination of controlled movements, postural alignment, and stability challenges, is known to improve balance and coordination. The practice offers several benefits in this regard.

Firstly, barre Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, including the deep stabilizing muscles of the abdomen and back. A strong core provides a very solid foundation for maintaining balance during various exercises and movements.

Isometric holds are an integral part of barre Pilates, where you hold specific positions or movements for an extended period. These holds require both physical and mental focus, contributing to improved stability and balance.

Proper body alignment is emphasized in barre Pilates, including maintaining a neutral spine, engaging the correct muscles, and distributing weight evenly. Increased awareness of alignment helps improve postural control, leading to better balance.

The lower body is a primary focus in many barre Pilates exercises. Targeting the legs, hips, and ankles through movements like leg lifts, lunges, and relevés challenges the muscles responsible for maintaining balance and coordination.

Barre Pilates promotes a mind-body connection, encouraging you to focus on the quality of movement, breath control, and precise execution of exercises. This heightened awareness and connection improve coordination and allow for better control of movements.

The practice incorporates small, controlled movements that specifically target muscle groups. These precise movements require coordination and balance as you engage the targeted muscles while maintaining stability and proper form.

Additionally, barre Pilates often utilizes props such as stability balls, resistance bands, and balance discs. These props challenge your proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense and control its position in space. Proprioception training further enhances balance and coordination skills.

Barre Pilates can indeed help improve flexibility and mobility. The practice incorporates a variety of exercises that focus on lengthening and stretching muscles, improving joint range of motion, and enhancing overall flexibility.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you are then please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, barre Pilates can contribute to improving athletic performance. By incorporating elements of strength, flexibility, balance, and core stability, barre Pilates enhances overall physical fitness, which is beneficial for athletes in various sports.

Barre Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups, improving muscular strength, endurance, and coordination. It helps to build a strong core, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness, all of which can enhance athletic performance.

Barre Pilates focuses on key aspects such as core stability, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance. These elements are essential for athletes to perform at their best and reduce the risk of injuries.

Yes, barre Pilates can help with injury prevention in sports. By strengthening the muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing body control, barre Pilates reduces the likelihood of muscle imbalances and compensatory movements that can lead to injuries.

Barre Pilates is suitable for athletes of various sports. Its versatile nature allows for modifications and variations to cater to different athletic needs and goals. Athletes can benefit from the cross-training effects of barre Pilates, improving their overall athletic performance.

The post Can Barre Pilates Improve Athletic Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

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.

The post What Are Some Effective Ways To Incorporate Strength Training With Aerobics Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

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.

The post Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Focus And Concentration? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

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.

The post Can Suspension Training Be Used For Rehabilitation Purposes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

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.

The post Are There Any Specific Bootcamp Exercises For Improving Speed And Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

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.

The post Can Foam Rolling Be Used For Alleviating Symptoms Of Sciatica? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

 

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.

The post Can Kettlebell Exercises Be Effective For Improving Sports Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

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.

The post Can EMS Training Improve Muscle Endurance And Stamina? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Key Elements Of Defensive Strategies In Rugby Coaching? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-are-the-key-elements-of-defensive-strategies-in-rugby-coaching/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33940 The post What Are The Key Elements Of Defensive Strategies In Rugby Coaching? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

When it comes to defensive strategies in rugby coaching, there are several key elements to consider. Here are the primary components that contribute to an effective defensive approach:

  • Line Speed: Encouraging players to quickly move up as a cohesive unit to put pressure on the opposition and limit their attacking options.
  • Tackling Technique: Emphasizing proper tackling technique, including body positioning, timing, and wrapping the arms securely, to bring the ball carrier down effectively.
  • Communication: Promoting clear and effective communication among players, ensuring everyone is on the same page and able to react swiftly to defensive situations.
  • Defensive Systems: Implementing and practicing different defensive systems, such as drift defence, blitz defence, or umbrella defence, to suit the team’s style and adapt to various attacking strategies.
  • Line Organization: Ensuring players are properly positioned and maintain a strong defensive line, minimizing gaps and denying the opposition space to exploit.
  • Rucking and Counter-Rucking: Teaching players how to contest and disrupt opposition ball possession in the rucks, aiming to slow down or regain possession.
  • Turnover Opportunities: Encouraging players to identify and exploit turnover opportunities by applying pressure on the ball carrier or through strategic positioning.
  • Defensive Readiness: Developing players’ ability to anticipate and react to attacking movements, including recognizing patterns, identifying threats, and adjusting positioning accordingly.
  • Cover Défense: Training players to provide support and cover for teammates, ensuring there are no gaps or exposed areas in the defensive line.
  • Discipline: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and avoiding penalties, as infringements can provide the opposition with scoring opportunities.

What Are Some Drills Or Exercises That Can Help Improve Players’ Tackling Skills In Defensive Strategies?

Improving players’ tackling skills is crucial for effective defensive strategies in rugby coaching. Here are some drills and exercises that can help enhance tackling abilities:

  • Tackle Technique Drill: Focus on proper body positioning, footwork, and arm placement during a tackle. Use tackling bags or pads to simulate game situations and provide players with repetitive practice.
  • Tracking and Targeting Drill: Set up cones or markers to create a channel. Players must track a moving target and execute tackles with proper technique as they progress through the channel.
  • Angle Tackling Drill: Create scenarios where players must approach the ball carrier from different angles, simulating various game situations. Emphasize correct body alignment and timing for effective angle tackles.
  • Multi-Player Tackle Drill: Practice team tackling by organizing small-sided games or drills where multiple defenders work together to bring down an attacking player. This helps improve communication, coordination, and decision-making in tackling situations.
  • Reactive Tackling Drill: Use agility or reaction-based equipment to simulate quick decision-making in tackling. Randomly release a target, and players must react and execute a tackle promptly.
  • Tackle Circuit Training: Set up a circuit with different stations that focus on specific aspects of tackling, such as footwork, upper body technique, and tackling in different scenarios. Rotate players through the circuit to target various skills.
  • Tackle Bag Relay: Divide players into teams and set up a relay race where they must tackle a moving tackle bag, then pass it to the next player in line. This drill helps develop speed and accuracy in tackling while adding an element of competition.
  • Live Tackling Drills: Incorporate controlled live tackling scenarios into training sessions, ensuring players follow proper safety guidelines. Use appropriate protective equipment and progress gradually to match-like situations.
  • Tackle Decision-Making Drill: Create game scenarios where players must quickly assess the situation and decide whether to tackle or hold their position. This drill improves tackling instincts and judgment.
  • Video Analysis: Review and analyse game footage to identify tackling strengths and areas for improvement. Provide feedback to players individually or as a team to enhance their technique and decision-making.

How Can I Help Players Develop Their Spatial Awareness And Reading Of The Game?

Developing spatial awareness and the ability to read the game are crucial for effective defensive strategies in rugby coaching. Here are some methods to help players enhance their spatial awareness and anticipation skills:

  • Game Analysis: Encourage players to watch professional rugby matches and analyse the movements and patterns of both attackers and defenders. Discuss different scenarios and highlight key indicators that can help anticipate attacking moves.
  • Tactical Sessions: Dedicate specific training sessions to focus on game scenarios and decision-making. Create small-sided games or drills that replicate match situations, allowing players to practice reading the game in real-time.
  • Position-Specific Training: Tailor training exercises to specific positions on the field. For example, work with backline players on reading attacking formations, while forwards can focus on identifying potential driving mauls or pick-and-go plays.
  • Pattern Recognition Drills: Set up drills that challenge players to recognize and react to specific attacking patterns or movements. This helps improve their ability to anticipate plays and make proactive defensive decisions.
  • Communication and Awareness Exercises: Emphasize the importance of effective communication among players to share information and anticipate attacking moves. Conduct exercises that enhance players’ awareness of their surroundings and the positions of teammates and opponents.
  • Video Analysis: Use video footage from training sessions or matches to review and analyse defensive scenarios. Point out instances where players successfully read the game or missed opportunities, providing feedback for improvement.
  • Scrimmaging and Simulated Games: Organize controlled scrimmages or simulated games where players can apply their spatial awareness and reading skills in real-game situations. This allows them to practice decision-making and improve their ability to anticipate attacking moves.
  • Positional Rotation: Encourage players to experience different positions on the field during training sessions. This provides them with a broader perspective and a better understanding of attacking patterns and movements from various positions.
  • Anticipation Drills: Create drills that focus on quick reactions and anticipation, such as defenders having to read and intercept passes or anticipate the direction of an attacking run. This sharpens players’ anticipation skills and reflexes.
  • Mental Visualization: Encourage players to mentally rehearse different game scenarios and practice visualizing attacking moves. This helps develop their ability to anticipate and react effectively during actual matches.

Remember, defensive strategies should be tailored to the team’s strengths, opponent analysis, and the specific match situation. Regular practice, effective communication, and a strong focus on technique are essential for successful implementation of defensive strategies in rugby coaching.

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

Line speed is crucial as it allows defenders to quickly close the space, put pressure on the opposition, and limit their attacking options. It disrupts their attacking flow and creates opportunities for turnovers.

Teaching proper tackling technique involves emphasizing body positioning, timing, and wrapping the arms securely. Coaches can use drills and exercises that focus on technique, repetition, and safety to develop effective tackling skills.

Communication is vital in defensive strategies as it enables players to coordinate their movements, relay important information, and make quick decisions. Effective communication ensures a cohesive and organized defensive unit.

Yes, there are various defensive systems such as drift defence, blitz defence, or umbrella defence. Coaches can choose the system that best suits their team’s style, opponent analysis, and match situation.

Maintaining a strong defensive line requires discipline and organization. Coaches can emphasize the importance of proper positioning, staying connected, and closing gaps to deny the opposition space and opportunities to exploit.

The post What Are The Key Elements Of Defensive Strategies In Rugby Coaching? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Can Sports Conditioning Coaching Help With Injury Rehabilitation And Recovery? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/can-sports-conditioning-coaching-help-with-injury-rehabilitation-and-recovery/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33920 The post Can Sports Conditioning Coaching Help With Injury Rehabilitation And Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

Sports conditioning coaching is a specialized form of coaching that focuses on improving an athlete’s physical fitness, performance, and overall conditioning specific to their sport. It involves designing and implementing structured training programs tailored to the needs and demands of the sport, with the goal of enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and promoting optimal physical conditioning.

Injury rehabilitation and recovery refer to the process of restoring an individual’s physical health and function following an injury or illness. It involves a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical aspects of recovery but also the psychological and emotional aspects.

The goal of injury rehabilitation and recovery is to help individuals regain their pre-injury level of function, minimize pain, prevent further injury, and promote overall well-being. It typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach that may include healthcare professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports psychologists.

Sports conditioning coaching plays a significant role in injury prevention by helping athletes develop the physical capabilities and skills necessary to reduce the risk of injuries during sports activities.

Understanding Injury Rehabilitation And Recovery

Sports injuries can differ depending on the type of sport, intensity of activity, and individual factors. Here are some common types of sports injuries:

  • Sprains: Sprains occur when ligaments, which connect bones to each other, are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are particularly common in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes in direction.
  • Strains: Strains refer to the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. They often occur in sports that involve sudden accelerations or excessive force on muscles, such as sprinting or weightlifting.
  • Fractures: Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones. They can result from acute trauma or repetitive stress. Fractures commonly occur in contact sports or sports that involve high-impact collisions, such as football or skiing.

The Benefits Of Sports Conditioning Coaching In Injury Rehabilitation

Sports conditioning coaching plays a significant role in injury rehabilitation by helping individuals recover from sports-related injuries and regain their physical abilities.

Improved Physical Conditioning

Improved physical conditioning is another significant benefit of sports conditioning coaching in injury rehabilitation. Here’s how it contributes to the recovery process:

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: Sports conditioning coaches incorporate cardiovascular exercises into rehabilitation programs to improve overall cardiovascular fitness. This helps individuals rebuild their endurance and stamina, which may have declined during the injury period.
  • Muscular Endurance: Rehabilitation programs include exercises that target specific muscle groups to enhance muscular endurance. Slowly increasing the intensity and duration of these exercises helps individuals rebuild their muscle endurance levels, ensuring they can perform at their best during sports activities.
  • Core Strength and Stability: Sports conditioning coaching emphasizes developing a strong and stable core, which includes the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles. A strong core provides a solid foundation for movement, enhances overall body stability, and reduces the risk of future injuries.

Targeted Exercises For Injury-Specific Rehabilitation

Targeted exercises for injury-specific rehabilitation are an essential component of sports conditioning coaching. These exercises focus on the affected area and aim to promote healing, restore functionality, and prevent future injuries. Here are some examples of targeted exercises for injury-specific rehabilitation:

  • Sprained Ankle: Exercises may include ankle range of motion exercises, such as ankle circles and alphabet writing with the foot, to restore mobility. Strengthening exercises like calf raises, toe raises, and resistance band exercises can also be incorporated to improve ankle stability.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear: Rehabilitation exercises for a rotator cuff tear may involve gentle range of motion exercises, such as pendulum swings and wand exercises, to improve shoulder mobility. Strengthening exercises using resistance bands or light weights, like external and internal rotations, can help rebuild the strength of the rotator cuff muscles.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: Rehabilitation exercises for an ACL tear typically focus on improving knee stability and strength. This may include exercises like leg presses, step-ups, hamstring curls, and lateral lunges. Balance and proprioception exercises, such as single leg standing and wobble board exercises, are also important to regain stability.

Enhanced Muscle Strength And Joint Stability

Sports conditioning coaching plays a crucial role in enhancing muscle strength and joint stability during injury rehabilitation. Here are some ways in which sports conditioning coaching can help achieve these benefits:

  • Resistance Training: Sports conditioning coaches incorporate resistance training exercises to target specific muscle groups and promote strength gains. By gradually increasing the intensity and load, athletes can regain muscle strength lost due to injury and improve overall joint stability. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges, and bench presses are commonly utilized to build strength in the lower body, core, and upper body muscles.
  • Functional Movements: Sports conditioning coaching emphasizes functional movements that replicate the demands of sports and daily activities. These movements involve multiple muscle groups working together to improve coordination, balance, and joint stability. Examples include step-ups, single-leg squats, planks, and medicine ball exercises. By integrating functional movements into rehabilitation programs, athletes can enhance their overall muscle strength and joint stability in a sport-specific manner.
  • Core Strengthening: A strong core is very important for maintaining stability and transferring forces between the upper and lower body. Sports conditioning coaching incorporates exercises that target the core muscles, such as planks, Russian twists, and bridges. Strengthening the core helps improve overall body stability and reduces the risk of future injuries by providing a solid foundation for movement.

Sports Conditioning Coaching Techniques For Injury Rehabilitation

Sports conditioning coaching techniques play a vital role in injury rehabilitation, helping athletes recover and regain their physical capabilities. Here are some common sports conditioning coaching techniques utilized in injury rehabilitation:

  • Progressive Loading: Progressive loading involves gradually increasing the intensity, duration, or complexity of exercises and activities over time. This technique allows athletes to safely rebuild their strength, endurance, and mobility while – at the same time – minimizing the risk of re-injury. Sports conditioning coaches design progressive training programs tailored to each athlete’s specific needs and stage of recovery, ensuring a gradual and systematic progression.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: Range of motion exercises focus on improving flexibility, mobility, and joint function. These exercises may involve stretching, joint mobilizations, and dynamic movements to increase the range of motion in injured joints or muscles. Sports conditioning coaches guide athletes through appropriate stretching techniques and exercises to restore normal joint mobility and flexibility.
  • Neuromuscular Re-Education: After an injury, the neuromuscular system, which controls muscle activation and coordination, can be affected. Sports conditioning coaches use neuromuscular re-education techniques to restore proper movement patterns and enhance muscle coordination. This may involve exercises that challenge balance, proprioception, and coordination to help athletes regain optimal movement control.

Sports conditioning coaching plays a crucial role in injury rehabilitation and recovery, offering several benefits to athletes. For athletes undergoing rehabilitation, incorporating sports conditioning coaching into their programs can provide numerous benefits and greatly enhance their recovery journey. Injury rehabilitation and performance enhancement go hand in hand, and taking a holistic approach to both aspects is of utmost importance for athletes. A holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and various factors influencing athletic performance.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports conditioning coaching involves the guidance and support provided by a trained professional to help athletes improve their physical fitness, enhance performance, and facilitate injury rehabilitation and recovery.

Sports conditioning coaching can assist in injury rehabilitation and recovery by providing personalized exercise programs that target specific areas of weakness, improving overall physical conditioning, and helping athletes regain strength, flexibility, and stability.

Incorporating sports conditioning coaching into injury rehabilitation offers benefits such as improved physical conditioning, targeted exercises for injury-specific rehabilitation, enhanced muscle strength and joint stability, increased confidence in movement, and reduced risk of future injuries.

Yes, sports conditioning coaching can help athletes recover faster from injuries by implementing structured and progressive rehabilitation exercises that promote tissue healing, improve range of motion, restore muscular strength, and facilitate a safe return to sports activities.

Athletes of all levels and individuals recovering from sports-related injuries can benefit from sports conditioning coaching. It is particularly useful for those seeking a structured and supervised approach to rehabilitation, tailored to their specific needs and goals.

The post Can Sports Conditioning Coaching Help With Injury Rehabilitation And Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Can Soccer Coaching Help Players Develop Their Defensive Skills And Positioning? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/how-can-soccer-coaching-help-players-develop-their-defensive-skills-and-positioning/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33919 The post How Can Soccer Coaching Help Players Develop Their Defensive Skills And Positioning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

In soccer, defensive skills and positioning play a very important role in the overall success of a team. Defence is not just about preventing goals but also about controlling the game, regaining possession, and launching counterattacks.

The primary objective of the defence is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals. By possessing strong defensive skills, such as tackling, marking, and blocking shots, players can effectively thwart the opponent’s attempts to score.

Soccer coaching plays a pivotal role in developing and honing defensive skills and positioning in players. With proper coaching and guidance, players can learn the techniques, tactics, and mental aspects necessary to excel in defence.

Understanding Defensive Skills And Positioning

In soccer, there are several key defensive skills that players need to develop in order to excel in their defensive roles. These skills are crucial for effectively preventing the opposing team from scoring and maintaining a strong defensive presence. Here are some of the key defensive skills in soccer:

  • Tackling: The ability to execute proper tackling techniques is essential for defenders. This involves timing, precision, and the ability to dispossess the opponent without committing a foul.
  • Marking: Marking refers to the ability to closely track and stay connected to an opposing player, denying them space and limiting their opportunities to receive the ball or make forward runs.
  • Intercepting: Intercepting passes is a valuable defensive skill that involves reading the game, anticipating the opponent’s intentions, and positioning oneself to intercept or cut off passes.
  • Heading: Heading is important for defenders, especially when dealing with high balls or crosses into the penalty area. It requires good timing, judgment, and the ability to win aerial duels.
  • Blocking Shots: Defenders must be able to position themselves to block shots on goal. This involves having good reflexes, spatial awareness, and the willingness to put the body on the line to prevent the opponent from scoring.

The Role Of Soccer Coaching In Developing Defensive Skills

Before implementing specific training strategies to develop defensive skills in soccer, it is essential to accurately identify and assess players’ current defensive abilities. This step allows coaches to tailor their coaching approach and design individualized training programs that address each player’s unique needs. Here are some methods for identification and assessment of players’ defensive abilities:

  • Observation: Coaches can observe players during training sessions and matches to assess their defensive performance. This includes analysing their positioning, decision-making, tackling techniques, marking abilities, and overall defensive awareness.
  • Game Analysis: Coaches can review game footage or recordings to assess players’ defensive performance in real-game situations. This provides valuable insights into their tactical understanding, communication skills, and effectiveness in different defensive scenarios.
  • Skill Drills and Exercises: Coaches can design specific defensive drills and exercises that target different aspects of defensive skills. Through these drills, coaches can evaluate players’ technical abilities, such as tackling, marking, heading, and intercepting.

Tactical Understanding And Decision-Making

In soccer, tactical understanding plays a crucial role in defensive positioning. It refers to a player’s ability to comprehend and execute the defensive strategies and principles set by the team. Here are some key reasons why tactical understanding is important in defensive positioning:

  • Team Coordination: Defensive positioning involves more than just individual player performance. It requires effective coordination and communication among the defensive players to maintain a solid defensive structure. Tactical understanding allows players to anticipate and react to the movements of the opposing team collectively, ensuring proper positioning and coverage.
  • Defensive Shape: Tactical understanding helps players maintain the team’s defensive shape or formation. Each player has a particular role and responsibility in the defensive structure, such as marking opponents, covering spaces, or providing support. Understanding these roles ensures that players position themselves appropriately to minimize gaps and exploit the offside trap effectively.
  • Pressing and Closing Down: Tactical understanding enables players to apply effective pressing and closing down techniques. By understanding when and where to press opponents, players can disrupt their build-up play and force turnovers. This requires knowledge of defensive triggers, timing, and coordination with teammates to execute effective pressing strategies.
  • Defensive Transitions: Defensive positioning involves quick transitions from attacking to defending and vice versa. Tactical understanding helps players recognize and react to these transitions, ensuring a smooth shift in defensive responsibilities. This includes tracking back, regaining defensive shape, and adjusting positioning based on the attacking threats posed by the opponent.

Game-Related Training And Simulation

Incorporating game-related scenarios and simulations in training sessions is an effective way to enhance players’ defensive skills and positioning in soccer. By replicating real-game situations, players can develop their decision-making abilities, tactical awareness, and defensive instincts. Here’s why incorporating game-related scenarios and simulations is beneficial:

  • Realistic Situations: Game-related scenarios and simulations provide a realistic training environment that closely resembles match conditions. This allows players to experience the intensity, pressure, and unpredictability of actual game situations. By practicing in these realistic settings, players can better understand the demands of defensive positioning and develop the skills necessary to succeed in competitive matches.
  • Decision-Making Skills: Defensive positioning requires quick decision-making under pressure. By incorporating game-related scenarios, players are challenged to make split-second decisions on when to press, when to hold their position, and how to react to attacking movements. Regular exposure to these scenarios helps players improve their decision-making abilities, enabling them to make more effective choices in real-game situations.
  • Tactical Awareness: Game-related scenarios promote tactical awareness and understanding of defensive principles. Players learn to recognize patterns, analyse opponent movements, and adjust their positioning accordingly. They become more aware of spaces to cover, marking responsibilities, and defensive shape. This heightened tactical awareness translates into better defensive positioning and coordination with teammates during matches.
  • Position-Specific Training: Game-related scenarios allow for position-specific training, where players can focus on developing the defensive skills and positioning relevant to their roles. For example, central defenders can practice marking and covering techniques, full backs can work on their positioning and tracking abilities, and defensive midfielders can hone their interception and tackling skills. This targeted training helps players become more proficient in their specific defensive roles.
  • Communication and Teamwork: Defensive positioning requires effective communication and teamwork among players. Game-related scenarios provide opportunities for players to practice their communication skills, such as organizing defensive lines, calling for support, and providing instructions to teammates. It encourages players to work together, improve their on-field communication, and develop a cohesive defensive unit.

Soccer coaching plays a crucial role in developing players’ defensive skills and positioning on the field. A skilled coach understands the importance of a strong defensive foundation and works closely with players to enhance their abilities in this aspect of the game. Continued practice and dedication are crucial for players to excel in defence in soccer. While coaching provides guidance and training opportunities, it is the players’ commitment to consistent practice that ultimately leads to mastery of defensive skills and positioning.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a soccer coach? If you do, then you need to do our Soccer Coaching Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Soccer coaching plays a crucial role in teaching players the necessary techniques, tactics, and positioning to excel in defence. Coaches provide guidance, drills, and feedback to help players develop their defensive skills and understand their roles within the team’s defensive structure.

Soccer coaching helps players understand the importance of defensive positioning by teaching them concepts such as marking, covering spaces, and maintaining proper distances. Coaches use drills and game scenarios to reinforce these principles and help players make better decisions when defending.

Soccer coaching can utilize various training methods, including individual and group drills, tactical exercises, and game simulations. These methods focus on improving tackling, marking, anticipation, communication, and overall defensive awareness.

Soccer coaching involves evaluating players’ current defensive abilities through observation and analysis. Coaches provide constructive feedback, identify areas for improvement, and design targeted training sessions to address weaknesses and enhance players’ defensive capabilities.

Soccer coaching provides players with structured training, expert guidance, and opportunities for continuous improvement. Coaches offer ongoing support, monitor progress, and provide personalized feedback, enabling players to refine their defensive skills, adapt to different game situations, and reach their full defensive potential.

The post How Can Soccer Coaching Help Players Develop Their Defensive Skills And Positioning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

 

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.

The post What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises For Endurance Athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

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.

The post What Are Some Tips For Staying Motivated During Bootcamp Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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

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

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.

The post Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

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.

The post Can Personal Training Help With Reducing Body Fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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

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.

The post Niche Markets In The Fitness Industry: Identifying Untapped Opportunities appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Can A Health And Wellness Coach Assist Me Achieve My Health Goals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/achieve-your-health-goals-with-the-help-of-a-health-and-wellness-coach/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33708 The post How Can A Health And Wellness Coach Assist Me Achieve My Health Goals? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

A health and wellness coach can play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve their health goals by providing guidance, support, and accountability. With their expertise in behaviour change and holistic wellness, health coaches empower clients to make sustainable lifestyle modifications that lead to improved overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the ways in which a health and wellness coach can assist individuals in reaching their health goals.

Setting Clear And Realistic Goals

One of the first steps in the coaching process is to work with the client to establish clear and realistic health goals. A health coach will help you identify your specific objectives, break them down into manageable steps, and create a roadmap for success. By setting realistic goals, you can maintain motivation and track progress effectively.

Creating Personalized Plans

Health coaches understand that each individual is unique, with different needs, preferences, and circumstances. They will tailor a personalized plan that aligns with your goals, taking into account your current health status, lifestyle, and commitments. This customized approach ensures that the plan is realistic, sustainable, and suited to your individual circumstances.

Providing Education And Information

Health and wellness coaches are well-versed in various aspects of health, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being. They provide valuable education and information to help clients make informed decisions about their health. By explaining the rationale behind certain recommendations and strategies, coaches empower individuals to take ownership of their health.

Supporting Behaviour Change

Changing long-standing habits and behaviours can be challenging. Health coaches specialize in behaviour change techniques and employ evidence-based strategies to help clients overcome obstacles and develop healthier habits. They provide guidance and support to navigate barriers, establish new routines, and maintain motivation throughout the journey.

Enhancing Motivation And Accountability

One of the significant benefits of working with a health coach is the accountability they provide. Coaches serve as a source of motivation, checking in on progress, and helping individuals stay on track. Regular sessions with a coach create a sense of responsibility and commitment, increasing the likelihood of following through with the recommended actions.

Developing Self-Awareness

A key aspect of the coaching process is fostering self-awareness. Health coaches facilitate introspection and help clients identify underlying beliefs, thoughts, and emotions that may impact their health behaviours. By increasing self-awareness, individuals gain insights into their patterns and can make more conscious choices aligned with their goals.

Overcoming Obstacles And Resisting Relapse

Health journeys often involve obstacles and setbacks. A health coach assists individuals in identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to overcome them. They help clients build resilience, cope with stress, and create contingency plans to prevent relapse. Coaches provide ongoing support to ensure individuals stay committed to their health goals, even in the face of setbacks.

Promoting Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Health and wellness coaches emphasize sustainable lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes or extreme measures. They work with clients to develop habits and routines that can be maintained in the long run. This approach ensures that the changes made are lasting and contribute to overall well-being, rather than leading to a cycle of yo-yo dieting or temporary results.

Holistic Approach To Well-Being

Health coaches recognize that optimal health extends beyond physical fitness and nutrition. They take a holistic approach, addressing various dimensions of well-being, including emotional, social, and mental aspects. By considering the whole person, health coaches help individuals achieve a balanced and fulfilling life that supports their health goals.

Collaboration With Other Professionals

Health and wellness coaches often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians, personal trainers, therapists, or physicians. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care and support across different areas of their health. Coaches can facilitate communication and coordinate efforts among the various professionals involved.

A health and wellness coach can be instrumental in helping individuals achieve their health goals. Through personalized guidance, education, support, and accountability, coaches empower clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes, overcome obstacles, and develop healthier habits. By taking a holistic approach and considering individual needs, health coaches play a valuable role in improving overall well-being and promoting long-term health.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

A health and wellness coach plays a vital role in providing guidance, support, and accountability to help you achieve your health goals. They work with you to set clear objectives, create personalized plans, and provide education and strategies for behaviour change.

Health and wellness coaches understand that each person is unique, with differing needs and circumstances. They will customize their approach dependent on your specific goals, current health status, lifestyle, and preferences to ensure the plan is realistic and sustainable for you.

Health coaches employ various strategies to enhance motivation and accountability. They provide regular check-ins, support, and encouragement, helping you stay on track. They also help you overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and create strategies to prevent relapse.

Health and wellness coaches focus on long-term, sustainable changes rather than short-term fixes. They help you develop healthier habits and routines that can be maintained over time. By addressing multiple dimensions of well-being and promoting balance, coaches support sustainable lifestyle changes.

Yes, health and wellness coaches often collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as registered dietitians, personal trainers, therapists, or physicians. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care and support across different aspects of your health.

The post How Can A Health And Wellness Coach Assist Me Achieve My Health Goals? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

The post Can Sports Conditioning Improve Agility, Speed, And Reaction Time? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

The post What Should I Expect From A Bootcamp Exercise Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

The post Can Aerobics Help Improve Coordination And Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

]]>

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

The post Can Kettlebell Training Help With Improving Sports Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Areas Of The Body Could Be Targeted With EMS? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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

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.

The post What Areas Of The Body Could Be Targeted With EMS? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can I Start A Fitness Business As An Entrepreneur? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post How Can I Start A Fitness Business As An Entrepreneur? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Does Exercise Science Contribute To Optimizing Athletic Performance And Preventing Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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.

The post How Does Exercise Science Contribute To Optimizing Athletic Performance And Preventing Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What Are Some Effective Drills And Exercises For Improving Speed In Sports Conditioning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

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.

The post What Are Some Effective Drills And Exercises For Improving Speed In Sports Conditioning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Boxing Exercises For Improving Cardiovascular Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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

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.

The post What Are The Best Boxing Exercises For Improving Cardiovascular Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exploring the Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

 

The post Exploring the Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Which Muscles Should I Foam Roll? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

 

The post Which Muscles Should I Foam Roll? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Olympic Lifting Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post What Are The Benefits Of Olympic Lifting Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can I Stay Motivated During Personal Training Sessions? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Coach.Me Fitness

The post How Can I Stay Motivated During Personal Training Sessions? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can Suspension Training Improve Core Strength And Stability? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post How Can Suspension Training Improve Core Strength And Stability? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Functional Training & Why is it Important? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post What Is Functional Training & Why is it Important? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Career Opportunities In Sports Management? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-are-the-career-opportunities-in-sports-management/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33062 Sports Management Career Opportunities Sports management is a dynamic and exciting field that offers a broad range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about sports and possess strong business skills. From managing sports teams and organizing events to marketing and media, sports management offers a diverse range of career paths for individuals to...

The post What Are The Career Opportunities In Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports Management Career Opportunities

Sports management is a dynamic and exciting field that offers a broad range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about sports and possess strong business skills. From managing sports teams and organizing events to marketing and media, sports management offers a diverse range of career paths for individuals to pursue.

Here are some of the career opportunities available in sports management:

Sports Marketing Specialist

Sports marketing professionals are responsible for promoting sports teams, events, and products to the public. This includes developing marketing strategies, creating advertising campaigns, and organising promotional events. Individuals who have a strong background in marketing, advertising, or public relations may find careers in sports marketing to be fulfilling.

Sports Media Specialist

A crucial part of the sports industry is with professionals working in a variety of roles such as reporters, writers, broadcasters, and producers. Their work includes covering sporting events, reporting on news, and providing commentary on sports-related issues. Sports media professionals play an essential role in bringing the excitement and drama of sports to audiences around the world.

Reporters and writers are responsible for researching, investigating, and writing articles about sports-related topics. They often work for newspapers, magazines, or online media outlets and must be able to write clearly, accurately, and concisely. Sports reporters must have strong knowledge of the sport they cover and stay up to date on the latest news and trends.

Broadcasters and producers work in television and radio, providing live coverage of sporting events and producing sports-related programming. They must have very strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure, as live broadcasts can be unpredictable. Broadcasters must be able to provide accurate and engaging commentary, while producers must be able to coordinate live coverage and work with a team of technicians and other professionals.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

Sports media professionals also provide analysis and commentary on sports-related issues. They offer opinions and insights on topics such as team performance, player contracts, and rules and regulations. This requires a deep understanding of the sports industry and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Individuals who have a passion for sports and strong communication skills may find careers in sports media to be a great fit. However, the field is highly competitive, and aspiring sports media professionals must be prepared to work hard and develop their skills through education, internships, and hands-on experience.

A degree in journalism, communications, or a related field can be helpful in pursuing a career in sports media. Many universities offer specialized programs in sports journalism or sports broadcasting that provide students with the skills and knowledge that they require in order to succeed in the industry. Internships and freelance work can also be valuable in gaining experience and building a portfolio of work.

In addition to formal education and experience, sports media professionals must have a deep knowledge and understanding of the sports they cover. They must remain up to date on the latest news and trends and have the ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics. Also, they must have excellent communication skills, both written as well as verbal, and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Sports media professionals must also be adaptable and able to embrace new technologies and platforms. With the categoric rise of social media and digital content, sports media is evolving rapidly, and professionals must have the ability to change to new platforms and technologies to stay relevant.

Sports Event Management

Sports event managers are responsible for organizing and managing sporting events, from large-scale events such as the Olympic Games to local tournaments and competitions. They oversee logistics, scheduling, and coordination of staff and volunteers. Individuals who have strong organizational and management skills may find careers in sports event management to be fulfilling.

Sports Facilities Management

Sports facilities managers are crucial in the sports industry, overseeing the maintenance and management of venues such as stadiums, arenas, and training facilities. Their duties encompass managing staff, maintaining the physical condition of the facilities, and coordinating events to ensure safety, functionality, and appeal for athletes, spectators, and the public. They are responsible for making sure the facilities are in top condition for various events, balancing the needs of different stakeholders.

The scope of a sports facilities manager’s responsibilities can vary based on the size and complexity of the facility. In smaller venues, a single manager may handle a broad range of tasks, including staff coordination, equipment maintenance, and budget management. In larger facilities, a team of managers might divide responsibilities, with individuals specializing in areas such as maintenance, operations, and event management. This specialization ensures that all aspects of the facility run smoothly and efficiently.

Sports facilities managers need a strong background in facilities management and a passion for sports. They must understand building systems like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and security, and be knowledgeable about safety codes and regulations. Effective team management, including custodial, maintenance, and security staff, is essential. Additionally, they must excel in planning and coordinating events, managing budgets, and adapting to new technologies and industry trends. Excellent communication skills are also critical for interacting with staff, athletes, and stakeholders, as well as for developing relationships with sponsors and partners.

Sports Team Management

Sports team managers are responsible for managing the operations of a sports team, from hiring and firing coaches and players to negotiating contracts and overseeing team budgets. Individuals who have strong business skills and a passion for sports may find careers in sports team management to be a great fit.

Sports Law

Sports lawyers provide legal advice to sports organizations, teams, and athletes. They handle issues such as contracts, intellectual property rights, and compliance with regulations. Individuals who have a law degree and a passion for sports may find careers in sports law to be a great fit.

Sports Analytics

Sports analytics professionals use data to analyse team and player performance, predict outcomes, and identify trends. They work with coaches, teams, and athletes to improve performance and optimize strategies. Individuals who have a strong background in data analytics and a passion for sports may find careers in sports analytics to be fulfilling.

Sports Broadcasting

Sports broadcasters are responsible for providing play-by-play coverage of sporting events. They work for radio and television stations, providing commentary and analysis during live events. Individuals who have a strong voice, a deep knowledge of sports, and excellent communication skills may find careers in sports broadcasting to be a great fit.

Sports management offers a wide range of career opportunities for people who are passionate about sports and possess strong business skills. From marketing and media to event management and team management, the field of sports management offers a diverse range of career paths for individuals to pursue. By pursuing a career in sports management, individuals can combine their passion for sports with their business skills and contribute to the success of the sports industry.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you feel that you want to become a sports manager, then you need to do our Sports Management Course.

 

 

Coach.Me Fitness

What are the most common career opportunities in sports management?

The most common career opportunities in sports management include sports marketing, sports media, sports facilities management, sports event planning, and sports finance.

What skills are required to succeed in sports management?

The skills required to succeed in sports management vary depending on the specific career path chosen. However, common skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, leadership and management skills, and a deep understanding of the sports industry.

What education is required to pursue a career in sports management?

A degree in sports management, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field is typically required to pursue a career in sports management. However, experience and networking can also be valuable in obtaining a position in the field.

What are the job prospects for careers in sports management?

The job outlook for careers in sports management is positive, with continued growth and demand in the industry. However, competition for positions can be high, and candidates may need to develop specialized skills or gain experience to stand out in the field.

What are some emerging career opportunities in sports management?

Emerging career opportunities in sports management include e sports management, sports data analysis, sports technology, and sports sustainability. These fields are growing in importance as the sports industry evolves and adapts to new trends and technologies.

The post What Are The Career Opportunities In Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Often Do I Need To Meet With My Life Coach? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/how-often-do-i-need-to-meet-with-my-life-coach/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32920 Meeting frequency is a common question that arises when someone is considering hiring a life coach. The answer to this question really is dependent on a number of different issues, such as the individual’s goals, the nature of the coaching relationship, and the availability of both the coach and the client. However, there are some...

The post How Often Do I Need To Meet With My Life Coach? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Meeting frequency is a common question that arises when someone is considering hiring a life coach. The answer to this question really is dependent on a number of different issues, such as the individual’s goals, the nature of the coaching relationship, and the availability of both the coach and the client. However, there are some general guidelines that can assist you determine how often you should meet with your life coach.

What Determines how often I Should Meet My Life Coach?

Coaching Is A Process

As a general rule, most life coaches recommend meeting with clients once a week or every other week. This provides enough time for clients to make progress on their goals while still maintaining momentum and staying focused. However, the frequency of coaching sessions should be tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals.

In the beginning of a coaching relationship, clients may benefit from more frequent sessions as they work through specific issues or challenges. As progress is made and goals are achieved, the frequency of sessions may be reduced to every other week or – alternatively – even once a month.

On the other hand, some clients may require more frequent sessions in order to maintain motivation and stay on track with their goals. This is especially true for clients who are working on time-sensitive or high-pressure projects, or for those who are dealing with significant life changes or challenges.

Ultimately, the frequency of coaching sessions should be determined by the client and their coach, taking into account their goals, schedules, and availability. It’s important to find a schedule that works for both parties and allows for consistent progress and accountability.

In addition to the frequency of coaching sessions, it’s also important to consider the duration of each session. Most coaching sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the coach’s approach and the client’s needs. Some coaches may offer shorter or longer sessions depending on the client’s availability and goals.

It’s very important to keep in mind that the length of each session should be determined by the client’s ability to stay focused and engaged. If longer sessions become overwhelming or unproductive, it may be more beneficial to break them up into shorter, more focused sessions.

Ultimately, the frequency of your coaching sessions will depend on your individual goals and needs. Here are a couple of factors to think about when determining how often to meet with your life coach.

The Nature Of Your Goals

If you are working with a life coach, one question that you may have is how often you need to meet with them. The frequency of coaching sessions can vary depending on your specific needs and goals.

If you have specific goals that require regular check-ins and accountability, such as a fitness goal or a career goal, more frequent coaching sessions may be beneficial. For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon in six months, you may want to schedule weekly coaching sessions to stay on track with your training plan and get feedback on your progress.

Alternatively, if your goals are more long-term or open-ended, you may be able to space out your coaching sessions. For instance, if your goal is to improve your overall well-being or work on personal growth, you may be able to schedule coaching sessions every other week or once a month.

It’s important to consider your own schedule and availability when determining the frequency of your coaching sessions. If you have a very busy work schedule or other commitments that make it difficult to schedule regular sessions, you may need to space them out more or choose a coach who offers more flexible scheduling options.

In addition, it’s important to consider your budget when determining the frequency of your coaching sessions. Coaching sessions can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure that you can afford to meet with your coach as frequently as you need to make progress on your goals. Some coaches offer package deals or discounts for purchasing multiple sessions at once, so be sure to ask about these options if cost is a concern.

The Pace Of Your Progress

Regular meetings with a life coach can be helpful in achieving personal or professional goals, but the frequency of these meetings depends on individual needs and circumstances. Some people may benefit from meeting with a coach every week, while others may need less frequent sessions. Clients with specific goals that require regular check-ins and accountability, such as fitness or career goals, may benefit from more frequent coaching sessions. Alternatively, individuals with long-term or open-ended goals may be able to space out their coaching sessions.

It’s important to note that the regularity of coaching sessions can also depend on the progress being made between sessions. If significant progress is being made towards goals, less frequent meetings may be needed. However, if a client is feeling stuck or struggling to make progress, more frequent sessions may be helpful in keeping momentum and working through any obstacles.

In addition to individual circumstances, the type of coaching being received can also impact the frequency of sessions. For example, some coaching may focus on short-term or specific goals, while others may be more long-term and holistic. Short-term coaching may involve more frequent sessions in order to achieve the desired results within a specific time frame. Meanwhile, long-term coaching may be more flexible in terms of frequency and duration.

Ultimately, the decision on how often to meet with a life coach should be made in collaboration with the coach and based on individual needs and circumstances. A good life coach will be flexible and able to adjust the frequency of sessions as needed to ensure their client is making progress and achieving their goals. It’s also important for clients to be honest with themselves and their coach about their progress and any challenges they may be facing in order to get the most out of their coaching sessions.

The Level Of Support You Need

Going through a difficult time or dealing with a challenging issue can be overwhelming, and having a life coach to provide support and guidance can be invaluable. In these cases, more frequent coaching sessions may be beneficial to help you stay on track and manage any obstacles that arise.

For example, if you’re dealing with a major life transition such as a divorce or job loss, you may benefit from meeting with your life coach more often to help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with such changes. Similarly, if you’re dealing with a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression, more frequent coaching sessions can help you develop coping strategies and work towards improving your overall well-being.

It’s important to communicate your needs and preferences with your life coach in these situations. Let them know if you feel like you need more support or guidance during difficult times, and work together to develop a plan that meets your needs.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the frequency of coaching sessions may also depend on the type of coaching you’re receiving. For example, some coaches may specialize in short-term, goal-oriented coaching while others may focus on longer-term personal growth and development. The type of coaching you’re receiving can impact the frequency of your sessions.

Your Availability

If you have a busy schedule or restricted availability, you may need to space out your coaching sessions to accommodate your other commitments.

Your Budget

The frequency of your coaching sessions may also depend on your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in your coaching journey. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, you may need to space out your sessions to make them more affordable.

The decision of how often to meet with your life coach is a personal one that should be based on your individual needs and circumstances. It’s important to communicate openly with your coach about your goals, progress, and availability to ensure that your coaching sessions are tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a life coach? If you do then you need to do our Life Coaching Certification. For more information please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I meet with my life coach?

The frequency of coaching sessions should be tailored to your specific needs and goals. Some clients may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may only need monthly sessions.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of coaching sessions?

There is really no set minimum or maximum number of coaching sessions. It depends on your goals and progress.

Can I change the frequency of life coaching sessions?

Yes, you can change the frequency of coaching sessions based on your needs and progress.

What if I miss a coaching session?

It’s important to communicate with your life coach if you need to reschedule a session. Some coaches may have a cancellation policy, so it’s important to check with them.

The post How Often Do I Need To Meet With My Life Coach? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are Some Common Poses Or Asanas In Yoga? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-are-some-common-poses-or-asanas-in-yoga/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 06:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32900 Yoga is a practice which involves physical postures, or asanas, which are designed to promote flexibility, strength, and balance in the body. There are hundreds of different poses in yoga, each with its own unique benefits as well as challenges. In today’s article, we will explore some of the most common poses or asanas in...

The post What Are Some Common Poses Or Asanas In Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga is a practice which involves physical postures, or asanas, which are designed to promote flexibility, strength, and balance in the body. There are hundreds of different poses in yoga, each with its own unique benefits as well as challenges. In today’s article, we will explore some of the most common poses or asanas in yoga and their benefits.

Mountain Pose (Tad asana)

Mountain pose is a simple standing posture that is frequently utilised as a starting point for other standing poses. To perform this pose, stand with your feet together and distribute your weight evenly between them. Lift your toes and spread them apart, then place them back down on the ground. Engage your quadriceps, draw your shoulder blades down and back, and lengthen your spine. Take a few deep breaths in this posture and feel the strength and stability of the mountain.

Here are some of the advantages of practicing mountain pose:

  • Improves posture: Mountain pose helps to improve posture by aligning the spine and encouraging the shoulders to relax and the chest to open. This posture can help to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, which can be caused by poor posture.
  • Increases body awareness: Mountain pose is a simple posture that can help to increase body awareness by encouraging you to focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. This can help to improve your overall sense of well-being and self-awareness.
  • Enhances balance and stability: Mountain pose helps to enhance balance and stability by encouraging you to distribute your weight evenly between your feet. This can help to improve your overall balance and lower the risk of falls and other balance-related injuries.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Mountain pose can help to lower stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of grounding and stability. This posture encourages you to connect with the earth beneath your feet and to focus on your breath, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Increases energy and vitality: Mountain pose is a grounding posture that can help to increase energy and vitality by promoting a sense of inner strength and stability. This posture encourages you to stand tall and proud, which can help to boost your confidence and energy levels.
  • Improves breathing: Mountain pose can help to improve your breathing by encouraging you to breathe deeply and fully. This can help to increase oxygen flow to the body and brain, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Downward-Facing Dog (Adhi Mukhi Savasana)

Downward-facing dog is a common pose in yoga that helps to strengthen the arms, shoulders, and core while stretching the hamstrings and calves. To perform this pose, begin on your hands and knees with your wrists immediately under your shoulders and your knees will go under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straighten out your arms and legs, and press your palms into the ground. Keep your head and neck relaxed and breathe deeply in this posture.

Here are a number of the benefits of practicing Downward-Facing Dog:

  • Strengthens the arms and shoulders: Downward-Facing Dog is a weight-bearing posture that strengthens the arms, shoulders, and upper back. This can help to improve posture and reduce the risk of shoulder and upper back injuries.
  • Stretches the hamstrings and calves: Downward-Facing Dog stretches the hamstrings and calves, which can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in these areas. This can be particularly beneficial for runners and other athletes.
  • Relieves back pain: Downward-Facing Dog can help to relieve back pain by stretching the spine and relieving tension in the lower back. This posture can be particularly beneficial for people who experience lower back pain or stiffness.
  • Improves digestion: Downward-Facing Dog can help to improve digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs and encouraging the flow of blood to the digestive system. This posture can also help to relieve constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Downward-Facing Dog can help to lower stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of relaxation and calm. This posture encourages you to focus on your breath and the sensations in your body, which can help to quiet the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improves circulation: Downward-Facing Dog is an inversion posture that can help to improve circulation by reversing the flow of blood in the body. This can assist with improving overall health and well-being.
  • Enhances overall fitness: Downward-Facing Dog is a weight-bearing posture that can help to enhance overall fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. This posture can be particularly beneficial for people who are looking to improve their fitness level or maintain their current level of fitness.

Warrior II (Virbhadra’s II)

Warrior II is a powerful standing posture that strengthens the legs and opens the hips and chest. To perform this pose, start in mountain pose and step your left foot back about 3-4 feet. Turn your left foot out to 90 degrees and your right foot in slightly. Stretch your arms out to your sides. Make sure that they are at shoulder height and turn your right knee so that it is directly over your ankle. Gaze out over your right hand and hold this posture for several breaths before repeating on the other side.

Here are some of the advantages of practicing Warrior II:

  • Strengthens the legs and core: Warrior II is a weight-bearing posture that strengthens the legs, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This posture also strengthens the core muscles, which can help to improve overall strength and stability.
  • Increases flexibility and range of motion: Warrior II opens up the hips and stretches the inner thighs, which can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in these areas. This posture can be particularly beneficial for athletes who need to maintain flexibility in the hips and thighs.
  • Improves balance and focus: Warrior II is a challenging posture that requires balance and focus. Practicing this posture can help to improve your balance and focus, which can carry over into other areas of your life.
  • Opens the chest and shoulders: Warrior II opens the chest and shoulders, which can help to improve posture and reduce tension and stiffness in these areas.
  • Relieves stress and anxiety: Warrior II can help to relieve stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of grounding and stability. This posture encourages you to connect with the earth beneath your feet and to focus on your breath, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improves circulation: Warrior II is a weight-bearing posture that can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the legs and core muscles. This can assist with improving overall health and well-being.
  • Builds confidence and self-esteem: Warrior II is a powerful and empowering posture that can help to build confidence and self-esteem. This posture encourages you to stand tall and proud, which can help to boost your confidence and sense of self-worth.

Tree Pose (Vishaan)

Tree pose is a balancing posture that strengthens the legs and improves concentration and focus. To perform this pose, start in mountain pose and lift up your right foot off the ground. Place the sole of your right foot on your left inner thigh or calf (avoid placing your foot on your knee). Press your hands together at your heart centre and hold this posture for several breaths before repeating on the other side.

Here are a number of the benefits of practicing tree pose:

  • Improves balance and stability: Tree pose is a balancing posture that requires focus and concentration. Practicing this posture can help to improve your balance and stability, which can be beneficial for people of all ages and abilities.
  • Strengthens the legs and core: Tree pose is a weight-bearing posture that strengthens the legs, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This posture also strengthens the core muscles, which can help to improve overall strength and stability.
  • Enhances body awareness: Tree pose can help to enhance body awareness by encouraging you to focus on the sensations in your body and the alignment of your limbs. This can help to improve your overall sense of well-being and self-awareness.
  • Improves concentration and focus: Tree pose requires concentration and focus, which can help to improve your mental clarity and focus. Practicing this posture can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being.
  • Stretches the hips and inner thighs: Tree pose stretches the hips and inner thighs, which can help to boost flexibility and range of motion in these areas. This posture can be particularly beneficial for runners and other athletes who need to maintain flexibility in the hips and thighs.
  • Enhances overall fitness: Tree pose is a weight-bearing posture that can help to enhance overall fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and balance. This posture can be particularly beneficial for people who are looking to improve their fitness level or maintain their current level of fitness.
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem: Tree pose is a powerful and empowering posture that can help to boost confidence and self-esteem. This posture encourages you to stand tall and proud, which can help to improve your overall sense of self-worth and confidence.

Child’s Pose (Bal asana)

Child’s pose (Bal asana) is a restorative yoga posture that is often used as a resting pose or as a way to release tension in the back, shoulders, and hips. Here are some of the advantages of practicing child’s pose:

  • Relieves stress and tension: Child’s pose is a great way to release stress and tension in the body, particularly in the shoulders, back, and hips. This pose encourages relaxation and can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
  • Stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles: Child’s pose gently stretches the muscles in the hips, thighs, and ankles, which can assist with improving flexibility and range of motion in these areas.
  • Relieves lower back pain: This posture gently stretches the lower back, which can help to relieve tension and discomfort in this area. Child’s pose can be especially beneficial for people who experience lower back pain or stiffness.
  • Improves digestion: Child’s pose can help to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues. This pose can also help to reduce stress-related digestive problems, such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Calms the mind: Child’s pose is a restful posture that encourages relaxation and can help to quiet the mind. This pose can be particularly beneficial for people who experience stress, anxiety, or insomnia.
  • Regulates blood pressure: Child’s pose is a gentle inversion that can help to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. This posture can be particularly beneficial for people who experience high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in yoga? Learn about common poses or asanas with us. Follow the link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mountain Pose in yoga?

Mountain Pose, also known as Tad asana, is a standing posture in yoga that is often used as a starting point for other standing poses. This posture helps to improve posture, increase body awareness, and enhance balance and stability.

What is Downward-Facing Dog in yoga?

Downward-Facing Dog, also known as Adhi Mukhi Savasana, is a foundational yoga posture that strengthens the arms and shoulders, stretches the hamstrings and calves, and promotes relaxation and calm.

What is Warrior II in yoga?

Warrior II, also known as Virbhadra’s II, is a powerful standing posture in yoga that strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest, and improves balance and focus. This posture can help to increase overall strength and stability and boost confidence and self-esteem.

What is Tree Pose in yoga?

Tree Pose, also known as Vishaan, is a balancing posture in yoga that strengthens the legs and core muscles and improves concentration and focus. This posture can help to enhance balance and stability, increase body awareness, and reduce stress and anxiety.

What is Child’s Pose in yoga?

Child’s Pose, also known as Bal asana, is a restorative yoga posture that helps to release tension in the back, shoulders, and hips. This posture can help to reduce stress and tension in the body, improve digestion, and promote relaxation and calm.

The post What Are Some Common Poses Or Asanas In Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Types Of Exercises And Workouts Should I Expect From A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

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.

The post What Types Of Exercises And Workouts Should I Expect From A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is A Sports Management Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-is-a-sports-management-course/ Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32759 A sports management course is an educational program that gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead sports organizations, events, and facilities. The field of sports management combines aspects of business management, marketing, and sports administration to prepare students for careers in the sports industry. These courses are designed to help students...

The post What Is A Sports Management Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A sports management course is an educational program that gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead sports organizations, events, and facilities. The field of sports management combines aspects of business management, marketing, and sports administration to prepare students for careers in the sports industry. These courses are designed to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the business and management aspects of sports.

Sports Management Courses Cover A Wide Range Of Topics Related To The Sports Industry

Sports management courses provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of topics relevant to the sports industry. These courses equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the unique challenges and complexities of the sports world. A key component of a sports management course is finance, where students learn about budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis, crucial skills for managing a sports organization. Marketing is another essential aspect of sports management, where students learn how to develop effective marketing strategies to promote teams, events, and organizations, and generate revenue.

Sports management courses also cover topics related to law and ethics, where students learn about legal and ethical issues that affect sports organizations. This includes understanding contracts, intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance, which are critical for managing a sports organization effectively. Ethics in sports management is another important topic, as managers must maintain high standards of ethical behaviour and integrity in dealing with players, staff, and stakeholders.

Facility management is another crucial component of sports management, where students learn about the design, operation, and maintenance of sports facilities. This includes understanding the safety and security requirements of sports facilities and ensuring that they comply with regulatory standards. Event planning is another important area of sports management, where students learn how to organize and manage events, from small local tournaments to large-scale international events.

Effective communication and leadership are also essential skills for sports managers, and sports management courses provide training in these areas. Effective communication is critical for building relationships with stakeholders, including players, staff, sponsors, and fans. Sports managers must be able to communicate effectively in a range of contexts, from negotiating contracts to handling crises. Leadership skills are also essential for sports managers, who must be able to motivate and inspire teams, set strategic goals, and make difficult decisions.

In addition to these core topics, sports management courses also cover emerging trends and issues facing the sports industry. For example, the rise of social media has had a significant impact on sports marketing, and sports management courses now teach students how to leverage social media to engage fans and promote sports organizations. Similarly, the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is now an important consideration for sports managers, who must find ways to reduce the environmental impact of sports events and facilities.

Sports management courses also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork. These experiences give students the chance to apply the skills and knowledge that they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, and to develop practical skills and competencies that are highly valued by employers. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in sports clubs, organizations, and events, giving them a chance to experience the sports industry from the inside and build their network of contacts.

A Sports Management Course Can Lead To Many Career Opportunities In The Sports Industry

Graduates of sports management courses have a wide range of career opportunities in the sports industry. They can pursue careers in professional sports teams, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as in amateur sports organizations, like the NCAA and local community sports organizations. Graduates may also seek employment in athletic departments at universities and colleges, where they can work as coaches, administrators, and athletic directors.

Fitness centres and sports marketing agencies are other areas where sports management graduates can find employment. In fitness centres, they can work as managers, overseeing the daily operations of the facility, developing marketing strategies, and managing finances. In sports marketing agencies, they can work as account executives, developing marketing plans for sports teams and organizations, and implementing marketing campaigns.

Event planning is another area where sports management graduates can find employment. They can work in sports event management companies, where they can organize and manage sports events, from local tournaments to international events. They can also work in facility management, where they can manage sports facilities, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and are safe and secure for athletes and fans.

Sports broadcasting is another area where sports management graduates can find employment. They can work in sports media companies, such as ESPN and Fox Sports, where they can work as producers, directors, and analysts. They can also work in sports journalism, covering sports events, writing sports news, and conducting interviews with athletes and coaches.

Sports management is a growing field, and there is a high demand for qualified professionals who can manage the business side of sports. With the increasing popularity of sports worldwide, the sports industry is expanding, creating numerous job opportunities for sports management graduates. The demand for qualified sports management professionals is expected to continue to grow as the industry continues to expand.

To succeed in the sports management field, graduates must have strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Effective communication is essential for building relationships with athletes, coaches, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Leadership skills are necessary for setting goals, making decisions, and motivating teams. Problem-solving skills are crucial for managing the challenges and complexities of the sports industry.

What Are The Typical Entrance Requirements For A Sports Management Course?

To enrol in a sports management course, students typically need to have a matric or equivalent. However, some programs may have additional requirements, such as completed prerequisite courses in accounting or economics. These courses provide students with foundational knowledge in areas such as financial management and business economics that are essential for success in sports management.

In addition to academic qualifications, sports management courses may require students to have experience in sports, either as a player or coach. This is because experience in sports can provide students with valuable insights into the sports industry, its culture, and its unique challenges. Having experience in sports can also help students develop a passion for the field, which is essential for success in sports management.

Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are also essential for success in the sports management field. Communication skills are necessary for building relationships with athletes, coaches, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Organizational skills are essential for managing the complex logistics of sports events, and for ensuring that sports organizations run efficiently. Leadership skills are critical for setting goals, making decisions, and motivating teams.

Sports management courses are designed to develop these skills in students. Students are taught how to communicate effectively, organize events and teams, and lead organizations. They are also given opportunities to practice these skills in real-world situations, through internships and fieldwork. These practical experiences give students the chance to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations and to develop practical skills and competencies that are extremely valued by employers.

In addition to these skills, sports management courses also teach students about the sports industry, including its history, culture, and unique challenges. Students are exposed to the very latest trends and issues facing the sports industry and are taught how to apply business concepts to the sports world’s unique challenges. This includes understanding the regulatory environment, the role of sports organizations, and the importance of ethical behaviour in sports management.

The cost of a sports management course can vary extensively depending on the institution and the level of education. Tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses can add up quickly, so it is important for students to carefully consider the costs of the program before enrolling. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to help students cover the costs of their education.

There Are Different Types Of Sports Management Courses Available

including undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate programs usually take four years to complete and may lead to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Graduate programs, on the other hand, may take one to two years to finish and may lead to a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration degree. Some universities also offer sports management courses as part of their online learning programs.

A sports management course is an educational program that coaches students for careers in the sports industry. These courses provide students with a broad understanding of the business and management aspects of sports, including finance, marketing, law, ethics, and human resources. Sports management courses can lead to a variety of career opportunities in the sports industry, including positions with professional sports teams, athletic departments, fitness centres, and sports marketing agencies. To succeed in this field, students must have strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, as well as a passion for sports.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you feel that you want to become a sports manager, then you need to do our Sports Management Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Is A Sports Management Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Different Types Of NLP Courses Available? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-nlp-courses-available/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32732 Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for personal and professional development, and it can be applied in a wide range of contexts. There are several types of NLP courses available to individuals who are interested in learning more about this field. Here are a number of the most common types of NLP courses. Foundation...

The post What Are The Different Types Of NLP Courses Available? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for personal and professional development, and it can be applied in a wide range of contexts. There are several types of NLP courses available to individuals who are interested in learning more about this field. Here are a number of the most common types of NLP courses.

Foundation Courses

Foundation courses are a popular type of NLP course, designed to provide a broad overview of NLP principles and techniques. These courses are typically aimed at beginners who have little or no prior experience with NLP. The goal of a foundation course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of NLP, providing them with a basic understanding of the principles and techniques involved.

Foundation courses often cover a range of topics, including basic NLP techniques, communication strategies, and the principles of behavior change. Students will learn about the different NLP models, such as the Meta Model and Milton Model, and how they can be utiised to improve communication and achieve desired outcomes. They will also learn about the key principles of NLP, such as rapport building, reframing, and anchoring, and how these techniques can be used to change behavior and achieve goals.

Some foundation courses may also include practical exercises and demonstrations, allowing students to practice NLP techniques in a safe and supportive environment. This can help to reinforce learning and build confidence in the application of NLP techniques.

Overall, foundation courses are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning about NLP. They provide a solid foundation in NLP principles and techniques, and can be a great way to build the skills and confidence required to progress to more advanced NLP courses.

Intermediate courses are designed for individuals who already have some experience with NLP and are looking to deepen their understanding and skills. These courses typically build on the principles and techniques covered in foundation courses, delving deeper into the more advanced aspects of NLP.

Intermediate courses may cover topics such as advanced language patterns, submodalities, and advanced reframing techniques. They may also explore the use of NLP in specific contexts, such as business, coaching, or therapy.

Intermediate courses may also include more hands-on practice, with students working in pairs or smaller groups to practice and refine their NLP skills. This can be a fantastic way to gain practical experience in applying NLP techniques and to receive feedback on their performance.

Advanced courses are designed for individuals who have a deep understanding of NLP and are looking to develop mastery in the field. These courses are typically taught by highly experienced NLP practitioners and may require prior certification or extensive experience in NLP.

Advanced courses may cover topics such as advanced change work, modeling, and the use of NLP in organizational change. They may also explore the latest research and developments in the field of NLP, and provide opportunities for students to engage with and learn from leading experts in the field.

Advanced courses may include extensive practice and demonstration, with students working in small groups to explore and apply advanced NLP techniques. They may also require the completion of practical projects or case studies, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of NLP techniques in real-world contexts.

In addition to these core types of NLP courses, there are also a range of specialized courses and workshops available. These may focus on specific NLP techniques or applications, such as NLP for sales, NLP for public speaking, or NLP for therapy.

Specialized courses and workshops can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding of a specific aspect of NLP, and to gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in your personal or professional life.

Practitioner Courses

Practitioner courses are more in-depth than foundation courses and are aimed at individuals who want to develop their skills further. These courses will cover a range of topics, including advanced NLP techniques, the principles of effective coaching, and the use of NLP in specific contexts such as business, education, or healthcare.

Master Practitioner Courses

Master Practitioner courses are advanced level courses for individuals who have already completed a practitioner course and want to enhance their skills further. These courses delve deeper into NLP techniques and principles and explore the more complex and sophisticated applications of NLP.

The focus of Master Practitioner courses is to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of NLP techniques and their underlying principles. They are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of NLP concepts and their application to real-world situations.

Master Practitioner courses cover a range of topics, including advanced communication strategies, advanced language patterns, and advanced coaching skills. They also cover the principles of systemic change, which is the process of making changes at the organizational or societal level.

Master Practitioner courses aim to help individuals become more effective communicators, leaders, and coaches. By enhancing their NLP skills, individuals can become more adept at understanding and influencing human behavior, which can be applied to a broad range of contexts, including business, education, and personal development.

One of the key benefits of Master Practitioner courses is that they provide individuals with the opportunity to work with experienced NLP practitioners and trainers. These trainers can offer feedback and guidance on how to apply NLP techniques effectively, which can be invaluable for individuals looking to develop their skills further.

Master Practitioner courses are typically longer in duration than practitioner courses, ranging from several months to a year or more. They may also involve more intensive training sessions and require a higher level of commitment from students.

In addition to the standard Master Practitioner course, there are also specialized Master Practitioner courses available that focus on specific areas of NLP. These courses may be tailored towards specific industries or applications, such as business, health, or sports performance.

Trainer Courses

Trainer courses are aimed at individuals who want to become certified NLP trainers. These courses cover the principles of effective teaching and training, advanced coaching techniques, and the business aspects of running an NLP training program.

Online Courses

Online NLP courses have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to the convenience and flexibility they offer. These courses are self-paced, allowing students to study at their own pace and at times that suit their schedule. Students can access the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection, making it far easier for them to learn from the comfort of their own home or office.

Online NLP courses cover a broad range of topics and can cater to students with different levels of NLP experience. Foundation courses are available for beginners who have no prior knowledge of NLP, and advanced practitioner courses are also available for those who want to take their skills to next level status.

Coaching Courses

NLP coaching courses are designed for individuals who want to develop their coaching skills using NLP techniques. These courses cover a broad range of topics that help individuals gain a better understanding of how to use NLP in coaching contexts, and how to become more effective coaches.

One of the main focuses of NLP coaching courses is effective communication. Students learn how to use NLP techniques to establish rapport with clients and communicate more effectively with them. This includes learning how to use nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice, to establish a connection with clients.

NLP coaching courses also cover goal-setting, which is an essential part of coaching. Students learn how to use NLP techniques to help clients identify their goals and create action plans to achieve them. This includes learning how to use visualizations, affirmations, and other techniques to help clients stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Another important topic covered in NLP coaching courses is the use of NLP in coaching contexts. Students learn how to use NLP techniques to help clients overcome limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns. This includes learning how to use reframing and other techniques to help clients shift their perspective and create more positive outcomes in their lives.

In addition to NLP coaching courses, there are also specialized courses that focus on specific areas of coaching, such as executive coaching and life coaching. These courses are designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they require to become successful coaches in their respective fields.

Executive coaching courses, for example, are designed for individuals who want to coach executives and business leaders. These courses cover topics such as leadership development, organizational change, and strategic planning. Students learn how to use NLP techniques to help executives become more effective leaders and achieve their business goals.

Life coaching courses, on the other hand, are designed for individuals who want to coach clients in areas such as relationships, career development, and personal growth. These courses cover topics such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and life purpose. Students learn how to use NLP techniques to help clients identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and create action plans to achieve them.

Specialized Courses

There are also specialized NLP courses available that focus on specific topics, such as NLP for sales and marketing, NLP for public speaking, or NLP for weight loss. These courses are aimed at individuals who want to apply NLP techniques in a specific context.

It is very important to note that the duration, intensity, and format of NLP courses can vary significantly depending on the provider and the level of the course. Some courses may be completed in a matter of weeks, while others may take several months or even years to complete. Additionally, some courses may be offered online, while others may be classroom-based or a combination of both.

Before choosing an NLP course, it is important to research different providers and evaluate their offerings. It is also important to consider your own goals and learning style, as well as the time and financial commitment required for the course. By choosing the right NLP course, individuals can develop valuable skills that can help them achieve personal and professional success.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study NLP coaching? If you do then you need to do our NLP Coaching Course. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Are The Different Types Of NLP Courses Available? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Topics Are Covered In A Boxing Instructor Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Topics Are Covered In A Boxing Instructor Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

 

 

The post What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Topics Are Covered In A Nutrition Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-topics-are-covered-in-a-nutrition-course/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32681 A nutrition course covers a wide range of topics related to food, health, and wellness. The specific topics covered will vary depending on the level and type of course, as well as the educational institution or organization offering the course. However, there are several key topics that are typically included in a nutrition course. Macronutrients...

The post What Topics Are Covered In A Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A nutrition course covers a wide range of topics related to food, health, and wellness. The specific topics covered will vary depending on the level and type of course, as well as the educational institution or organization offering the course. However, there are several key topics that are typically included in a nutrition course.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are the three primary components of food that provide energy to the body: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. A nutrition course will cover the role of macronutrients in the body, how to calculate and balance macronutrient intake, and the potential health risks of consuming too much or too little of each macronutrient.

Carbohydrates are the main chief of energy for the body. These are broken down into glucose, which is then used by cells for energy production. Carbohydrates also play a critical role in maintaining proper brain function and regulating blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates, for example whole grains and vegetables, provide sustained energy and are an essential source of dietary fibre, which helps regulate digestion.

Proteins are necessary for the growth and repair of tissues, including muscles, bones, and organs. These are made up of amino acids, which the body uses to build and maintain tissues. Proteins are also involved in various metabolic processes, such as the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Animal products – for example meat, fish, and eggs – are excellent sources of protein, but plant-based sources, such as beans, lentils, and nuts, are also rich in protein.

Fats play several essential roles in the body, including energy production, insulation, and protection of organs. They are also necessary for the absorption of vitamins and the production of hormones. Unsaturated fats – for example those found in nuts, seeds, and fish – are considered healthy fats that can assist with lowering cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Saturated and trans fats, that are found in processed and fried foods, can increase the risk of heart disease and should be consumed in moderation.

In addition to the three macronutrients, the body also requires vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for various metabolic processes, such as bone growth, immune function, and energy production. A balanced diet which includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods – for example fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, as well as healthy fats – can provide the necessary macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal health.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function properly. A nutrition course will cover the functions of each micronutrient, how to calculate and balance micronutrient intake, and the potential health risks of deficiencies or excesses.

Vitamins are organic compounds which the body needs for growth, development, and proper functioning. They are essential for a wide range of processes, including metabolism, immune function, and the production of hormones and enzymes. There are two kinds of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B vitamins, are not stored in the human body and need to be replenished often through diet. They play a critical role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as the synthesis of DNA and other essential molecules. Also, vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage that is caused by free radicals.

Fat-soluble vitamins – for example vitamins A, D, E, and K – are stored in the body’s fat tissues and liver. They are involved in a range of processes, including vision, bone health, and blood clotting. Vitamin D, for example, helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone health, while vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting.

Minerals are inorganic compounds which the body needs for various functions, such as building strong bones, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining a healthy immune system. There are two types of minerals: major minerals and trace minerals.

Major minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are required in larger amounts and are critical for proper bodily functions. Calcium, for example, is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, while magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body.

Trace minerals – for example iron, zinc, and selenium – are needed in smaller amounts, but are still essential for proper bodily functions. Iron is necessary for the making of haemoglobin, a protein which is found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Zinc is involved in immune function, wound healing, and the synthesis of DNA, while selenium is a very powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems. For instance, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease that is characterized by weakness, fatigue, and bleeding gums. Iron deficiency may lead to anaemia, a condition where the body does not have sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen all throughout the body. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, which is a state where bones become weak and brittle.

Digestion And Absorption

Digestion is the process where the body breaks down food into tinier molecules that can be absorbed and used for energy. A nutrition course will cover the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, the role of enzymes and hormones in digestion, and how the body absorbs and uses nutrients.

Energy Balance

Energy balance is the relationship between the calories consumed from food and the calories expended through physical activity and metabolism. A nutrition course will cover how to calculate and monitor energy balance, the impact of energy balance on weight management and overall health, and strategies for achieving and maintaining energy balance.

Energy balance plays a crucial role in weight management. It is the relationship between the energy we consume through food and drinks (calories) and the energy we burn through physical activity, exercise, and normal body functions (metabolism). If the amount of energy we consume equals the amount of energy we burn, then we are said to be in energy balance. However, if we consume more energy than we burn, we are in a state of positive energy balance, which can lead to weight gain. Conversely, if we burn more energy than we consume, we are in a state of negative energy balance, which can lead to weight loss.

Maintaining a healthy weight requires balancing the energy intake and expenditure. If we consume more calories than we burn, the excess calories are stored in our body as fat, leading to weight gain. On the other hand, if we burn more calories than we consume, our body uses stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Therefore, understanding energy balance is essential for successful weight management.

In order to lose weight, it is important to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than we consume. This can be achieved through a combination of reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity levels. Eating a balanced and healthy diet that is lower in calories can help to reduce energy intake. This includes reducing the intake of high-calorie foods and drinks, such as sugary drinks, fast food, and snacks that are high in fat and sugar. Instead, it is recommended to consume nutrient-dense foods that are high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Physical activity is also important for creating a calorie deficit and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise can increase the number of calories we burn, which can help to create a calorie deficit. This includes both aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and strength training, such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises. Exercise also has the added benefit of improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

In addition to reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity, there are other factors that can impact energy balance and weight management. Sleep is an important factor that can affect both metabolism and appetite. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased metabolism, increased appetite, and a higher risk of obesity. Stress can also impact energy balance, as it can lead to overeating and decreased physical activity levels.

Dietary Guidelines And Recommendations

Governments and health organizations around the world publish dietary guidelines and recommendations to help people make healthy food choices. A nutrition course will cover these guidelines and recommendations, including recommended serving sizes, food groups, and nutrient targets.

Food Labelling

Food labelling is an important tool for consumers to have a good understanding the nutritional content of the food that they are eating. A nutrition course will cover how to read and interpret food labels, including information about macronutrients, micronutrients, and other key nutrients.

Nutrition And Disease

Nutrition plays a very important role in the prevention and treatment of a great many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A nutrition course will cover the relationship between nutrition and various diseases, as well as strategies for using nutrition to prevent and manage these conditions.

Special Diets

There are many different special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diets, that people may follow for various reasons. A nutrition course will cover the principles and potential benefits and risks of these diets, as well as strategies for adapting them to meet individual needs.

Food Safety

Food safety is an important consideration for anyone working with or consuming food. A nutrition course will cover the principles of food safety, including how to prevent foodborne illness, proper food storage and handling, and the potential risks associated with various types of food.

Culinary Techniques

Culinary techniques are the methods used to prepare food for consumption. A nutrition course may cover various culinary techniques, including baking, sautéing, grilling, and roasting, as well as strategies for cooking healthy and nutritious meals.

A nutrition course covers a wide range of topics related to food, health, and wellness. By understanding the principles of nutrition and healthy eating, individuals can make informed choices about the foods they consume, leading to improved health and well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a nutritionist? If you do then you need to study our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Topics Are Covered In A Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Can A Pilates Instructor Help Me Modify Exercises To Accommodate Any Physical Limitations? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/can-a-pilates-instructor-help-me-modify-exercises-to-accommodate-any-physical-limitations/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:12:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32650 Pilates is a very popular form of exercise that is known for its ability to strengthen the core, improve flexibility and balance, and enhance overall physical fitness. While Pilates is generally considered a safe form of exercise for most individuals, there may be some cases where individuals with physical limitations or injuries may need to...

The post Can A Pilates Instructor Help Me Modify Exercises To Accommodate Any Physical Limitations? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is a very popular form of exercise that is known for its ability to strengthen the core, improve flexibility and balance, and enhance overall physical fitness. While Pilates is generally considered a safe form of exercise for most individuals, there may be some cases where individuals with physical limitations or injuries may need to modify certain exercises in order to perform them safely and effectively.

In these cases, a Pilates instructor can be an invaluable resource, as they are trained to understand the needs and limitations of their clients and can help to modify exercises accordingly. If you are recovering from an injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply have physical limitations that make certain exercises difficult, a Pilates instructor can work with you to find modifications that will allow you to get the most out of your Pilates practice while minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort.

What Are The Benefits Of Doing Pilates?

Pilates has become a popular form of exercise around the world due to its numerous benefits. Here are just a couple of the benefits of doing Pilates:

  • Improved Core Strength: Pilates is known for its concentration on strengthening the core muscles of the body, which include the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis. These muscles are essential for maintaining proper posture, balance, and stability, and a strong core can assist with reducing the risk of injury and improve overall physical performance.
  • Increased Flexibility: Pilates is also known for its emphasis on improving flexibility and range of motion. Many of the exercises in Pilates involve stretching and lengthening the muscles, which can help to increase flexibility and reduce stiffness and pain in the joints.
  • Better Posture: Poor posture can lead to a range of health problems, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Pilates can help to boost posture via strengthening the muscles which support the spine and promoting better alignment of the body. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort and improve overall physical function.
  • Reduced Stress: Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. This can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it an ideal form of exercise for individuals who are looking to reduce stress and improve their overall sense of well-being.
  • Improved Balance and Coordination: Pilates is also known for its ability to improve balance and coordination. Many of the exercises in Pilates require precise movements and control, which can help to improve overall physical coordination and balance.
  • Low-Impact: Unlike some forms of exercise, such as running or weightlifting, Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on the joints. This makes it an ideal form of exercise for individuals who may be recovering from an injury or who have joint pain or other physical limitations.
  • Increased Body Awareness: Pilates encourages individuals to focus on their movements and body alignment, which can help to increase body awareness and promote better overall physical function. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be dealing with chronic pain or other physical limitations.
  • Versatility: Pilates can be adapted to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are new to exercise or a seasoned athlete, Pilates can be tailored to your individual needs and goals, making it an ideal form of exercise for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.
  • Improved Breathing: Pilates emphasizes deep, controlled breathing, which can assist with improving lung capacity and overall respiratory function. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be dealing with respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD.

The Key Benefits Of Working With A Pilates Instructor

One of the main benefits of working with a Pilates instructor is that they have a deep understanding of the human body as well as how it moves. This knowledge allows them to identify potential areas of weakness or imbalance in their clients and to tailor their instruction accordingly. For example, if you have a history of lower back pain, your instructor may recommend modifications to certain exercises that will help to protect your back and prevent further injury.

Another way in which a Pilates instructor can help you to modify exercises is by providing alternative exercises that target the same muscle groups. For example, if you have difficulty performing traditional Pilates exercises that require a lot of balance, your instructor may recommend exercises that can be performed while seated or lying down. These modifications can help to make Pilates more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with physical limitations, while still providing the many benefits of this form of exercise.

Look For Experienced Pilates Instructors

Of course, it is important to remember that not all Pilates instructors are created equal. When looking for a Pilates instructor who can help you modify exercises to accommodate your physical limitations, it is important to look for someone with experience and expertise in working with individuals with similar needs. You may also want to consider seeking out an instructor who has additional certifications or training in areas such as physical therapy or rehabilitation, as this can further enhance their ability to work with clients with physical limitations.

Working with an experienced Pilates instructor can provide numerous benefits for individuals at all levels of fitness. If you are new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, an experienced instructor can help you to achieve your fitness goals more effectively, safely, and efficiently. Here are just a couple of the benefits of working with an experienced Pilates instructor:

  • Customized Instruction: An experienced Pilates instructor will be able to provide customized instruction that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. This may include modifying exercises to accommodate physical limitations, adjusting the intensity of your workout based on your fitness level, or targeting specific areas of the body that you want to strengthen or tone.
  • Greater Efficiency: When you work with an experienced Pilates instructor, you can be sure that you are getting the very best out of your workout. An experienced instructor will be able to help you to perform exercises with proper form and technique, which can help to maximize the effectiveness of each movement and minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, an experienced instructor can help you to progress through exercises more efficiently, allowing you to achieve your fitness goals more quickly.
  • Improved Performance: Pilates is a challenging form of exercise that requires a high degree of focus, concentration, and control. An experienced Pilates instructor can help you to improve your performance by providing feedback and guidance on your technique, as well as by challenging you with more advanced exercises as you progress. With the help of an experienced instructor, you can continue to push yourself to new levels of fitness and achieve your full potential.
  • Motivation and Accountability: Working with an experienced Pilates instructor can help to keep you motivated and accountable to your fitness goals. An experienced instructor will provide guidance and support throughout your workout, helping you to stay focused and engaged even when the exercises become challenging. Additionally, an experienced instructor can help you to set realistic goals and track your progress over time, providing the motivation you need to continue working towards your fitness goals.
  • Injury Prevention: Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that is generally considered safe for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. However, as with any form of exercise, there is a risk of injury if exercises are performed incorrectly or with improper form. An experienced Pilates instructor can help you to prevent injury by providing guidance on proper form and technique, as well as by modifying exercises to accommodate any physical limitations you may have.

Why Does A Pilates Instructor Need To Be Certified?

Certification is important in any profession, including Pilates instruction. Here are a few reasons why certification is necessary for Pilates instructors:

  • Ensures Competence: Certification programs require Pilates instructors to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in teaching Pilates exercises. This ensures that instructors have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective instruction to their clients.
  • Provides Credibility: A certified Pilates instructor is viewed as more credible and trustworthy by clients, employers, and the wider fitness community. Certification demonstrates that an instructor has met certain standards and has been recognized by a reputable certification organization.
  • Increases Employment Opportunities: Many fitness facilities and studios require Pilates instructors to be certified before they can be hired. Certification can help to open up new employment opportunities and increase earning potential for Pilates instructors.
  • Ensures Safety: Pilates exercises can be challenging and require proper technique and form to be performed safely. Certified instructors have been trained in proper alignment and movement patterns, which can help to prevent injuries and ensure that clients are getting the most out of their workouts.
  • Demonstrates Professionalism: Certification demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and continuing education. Certified Pilates instructors are required to maintain their certification through ongoing education and training, which ensures that they are up-to-date with the very latest developments in the field.
  • Protects Clients: Certification organizations often require Pilates instructors to hold liability insurance, which can protect both the instructor and their clients in the event of an injury or accident.

Ultimately, whether or not a Pilates instructor can help you modify exercises to accommodate your physical limitations will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of your limitations, your fitness level, and your goals for your Pilates practice. However, with the right instructor and the right modifications, Pilates can be an effective and enjoyable form of exercise for individuals of all ages and abilities. If you are considering Pilates as a form of exercise and have physical limitations that you are concerned about, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified Pilates instructor for guidance and support.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a Pilates instructor? If you do then you need to study our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post Can A Pilates Instructor Help Me Modify Exercises To Accommodate Any Physical Limitations? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal training

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Are The Benefits Of Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Often Should I Work With A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal trainer

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How Often Should I Work With A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to Start Up Your Own Life Coaching Business https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/how-to-start-up-your-own-life-coaching-business/ Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:27:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=30909 Almost everyone on earth wants to better themselves however many people find it difficult to make major improvements. Life coaching businesses assist people with making the changes that they want to see in their lives, if those changes are related to their careers, health, relationships, or some other facet of life. A life coach is...

The post How to Start Up Your Own Life Coaching Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Almost everyone on earth wants to better themselves however many people find it difficult to make major improvements. Life coaching businesses assist people with making the changes that they want to see in their lives, if those changes are related to their careers, health, relationships, or some other facet of life.

A life coach is there to talk to their clients about any issues the clients have, assist clients with setting motivating goals for themselves, navigate through vital personal and professional decisions, as well as a whole lot more.

Although most life coaches help coach clients in a number of different aspects in their lives, it is quite possible to specialise your coaching in an area about which you are extremely passionate about. A few examples of specialised life coaches include health coaches, special needs life coaches, relationship coaches, career coaches as well as executive coaches.

What Does It Take To Start Your Own Life Coaching Business?

With over 53 000 life all over the world, coaching is an ever-growing, competitive industry. How will you make your mark and stand head and shoulders above the rest? It all starts with putting together a business plan.

Creating a business plan is almost like drawing a roadmap which helps you to understand the following:

  • The products and services that you’ll offer,
  • How you’ll find customers and define your target market,
  • The goals that you’re aiming for, and
  • The niche you’ll specialise in, such as personal issues, career goals, or – alternatively – health and wellness changes.

In addition, if you‘re looking for outside investment to begin or grow your business, your plan can assist you with convincing investors because it outlines your intentions and goals clearly.

Also, your life coaching business plan can include SMART goals, competitor profiles as well as market analysis. Think about pricing as well.

As well, you can brainstorm your ideal customers for your life coaching business and draft a marketing plan to assist you to find them. Making this plan when you start will help you plan for the unforeseen as well as avoid common, costly mistakes that other first-time business owners make when rushing to get started.

How To Build Your Life Coaching Business Online?

It’s very important to make sure that your online coaching business is kept concept simple. It doesn’t take a lot for a simple idea to begin turning into something that is overly complicated. Complicated is difficult to market and even more difficult to implement. So, make sure that you keep it simple.

Think about your Unique Selling Point (USP). What makes you different from your competition? What are you delivering that nobody else is offering> Simplifying your service can help your online business stand out for all the correct reasons.

The 5 Steps To Start A Life Coaching Business

People become life coaches as they’re driven to help others. However, life coaches are more than just good listeners and advisors. These people are entrepreneurs. When you start a life coaching business, you become a marketer, a salesperson, a networker as well as a leader.

It may sound intimidating, but with the correct training, tools, and experience, you will be able to set yourself (as well as your life coaching business) up to become a successful life coach.

Select A Coaching Niche That Is In Line With Your Present Skills

 

If you’re thinking about starting up a life coaching business, one of the questions that you’ll predictably be asked is: “What’s your specialty?” It’s a topic that gets a lot of attention in life coach training programmes. It can quickly become a source of anxiety if you don’t have an answer at the ready.

Having a niche area gives you the opportunity to be clear about your message as well as the transformation you want to help others achieve. It’s a way of refining and focusing the work you do. Choosing a coaching niche can feel like a monumental decision however it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. In.

Have A Coaching Product You Believe In

One of the absolute best things you can do for your coaching business — and, more significantly, for your clients — is to turn your services into products. You might be wondering how that’s possible when what you provide is such a personal thing. But life coaches do it all the time and it only serves to improve their offering.

Basic Knowledge Needed On How To Generate Leads To Your Coaching Business


Successful life coaching businesses run on relationships. And nothing develops these relationships faster than meeting your prospective clients face-to-face. You can fully understand a potential client and are able to directly ask her if she needs any assistance with her business, career, fitness, finance, or relationship.

Have A Proven System In Place That You Can Plug Into And See Results

 

A system is like a plug-and-play for your life coaching business. The very real truth is that having systems in your business gives you leverage as these make success predictable. With systems, creating strategy becomes more effective.

Access To Other Life Coaches Who Have Already Become Successful

The specific benefits of being mentored by a more successful life coach include:

  • Being encouraged and encouraged in personal development,
  • Being helped to identify and attain career goals,
  • Being assisted to identify and correct gaps in generic skills as well as knowledge so

increasing your confidence,

  • Developing and maintaining a wider perspective on career options and opportunities, and
  • Having access to a senior role model.

How Long Will It Take To Start Your Own Life Coaching Business?

No-one can answer this for you as the response depends on the wider arch of your life and your desires within it. Do you want this for ten years and another life role later? Or for twenty years? Or for 30? And what kind of firm do you want to set up? I am not talking about the kind of coaching, but it’s structure, the people you want, the life you want to give them…and what kind of posterity you want to have.

Does A Life Coaching Business Need A Business License?

You are able to operate as a sole proprietor or you can register a company to operate your life coaching business.

Why You Should Start Your Own Life Coaching Business?

Being a life coach comes with a great perk. As you coach clients towards their goals, you get the satisfaction of assisting people with achieving their potential.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a life coach? If you do then you need to do our Life Coaching Certification. For more information please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post How to Start Up Your Own Life Coaching Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Grow Your Life Coaching Business https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/how-to-grow-your-life-coaching-business/ Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:48:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=30898    What Does A Life Coaching Business Do? A life coaching business is a type of wellness organisation that helps people make progress in their lives so that they can attain greater fulfilment. Life coaching businesses aid their clients in improving their relationships, careers as well as their day-to-day lives. Life coaching businesses can help...

The post How To Grow Your Life Coaching Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
 

 What Does A Life Coaching Business Do?

A life coaching business is a type of wellness organisation that helps people make progress in their lives so that they can attain greater fulfilment. Life coaching businesses aid their clients in improving their relationships, careers as well as their day-to-day lives.

Life coaching businesses can help clients to clarify their goals, recognise the obstacles that are holding them back, and – after this – then come up with strategies for conquering each obstacle. In terms of creating these strategies, life coaching businesses target your unique skills and gifts. By helping you to make the most of your strengths, life coaching businesses provide the support you need to achieve long-lasting change.

How To Promote & Build Your Life Coaching Business Online?

As a life coach, your professional expertise is one of your greatest assets. Successfully establishing – as well as running – a life coach business takes a lot more than just being a field expert. If you’re not bringing in new clients regularly, your business may very well not reach the heights you are looking for.

So how do you create your presence as a credible life coach and target the correct people, at the correct time, through the correct channels?

The answer is quite simple: life coach marketing!

If you put yourself out there you’ll see how your game changes. The main point of difference between life coach marketing and marketing for any other business is that you’re not trying to promote a service here, you are trying to promote yourself!

The 5 Growth Tips To Success For A Life Coaching Business

 

Define What Type Of Coach You Are And What You Do For People

 

Life coaches are made up of a range of backgrounds, such as psychology, management, education, sports as well as health. And of course, how life coaches work with clients is related to this background in addition to the coach’s personality, experiences as well as history.

Coaching-related research pinpoints styles that are similar to those in classic parenting-style literature. In particular, in her often-cited studies, Baumrind (1991) identified a number of specific parenting styles, which include authoritarian, authoritative as well as permissive.

The way in which life coaches interact with clients is quite similar to the distinctions noted by Baumrind (1991). For instance, life coaches may vary in terms of the degree to which they control the sessions (e.g., authoritarian/autocratic) as opposed to allowing the client to have input in terms of the life coaching process (e.g., democratic/authoritative).

Also, life coaches may differ in terms of if they take a more specific focus or consider multiple connected facets of the client’s experiences (e.g., holistic coaching). Added approaches include laissez-faire, developmental, and mindfulness in addition to intuitive coaching.

Ensure That You Have Coaching Packages That Your Ideal Clients Want To Buy

One of the keys to putting together high-ticket coaching packages is including a solid signature programme (or even multiple signature programmes) that will solve a problem that your ideal client is experiencing.

When you market a life coaching package with your signature programme in mind, it allows you to hone in on a particular ideal client, with a particular problem, and get clear on the end result which they’ll walk away with.

A massive benefit to this is that everyone who comes to you will be coming looking for similar results. This means that you don’t have to re-create the wheel and design custom coaching packages every time you onboard a new client as this will lead to confusion on what you do and who you help, as well as potential burnout as you’re constantly creating new offers.

Another advantage is that when potential clients come to you, you know it’s for a reason!  Perhaps they heard you talking about your signature programme topics on social media or maybe in a blog or YouTube video. Either way, they know you’re the expert and they’re clear about how they will get results with your support.

Put Systems And Processes Into Place For Things You Do Repeatedly

As a life coaching business owner, you’re probably all too aware of the challenge of having too little time. This can be a huge roadblock when you’re trying to scale your company. You could find yourself working longer hours without really increasing your income which could lead you to question if you’re still on track to achieve your goals of freedom, wealth, and independence.

Know Your Priorities And Schedule Them For Your Week

During the working day, tasks are frequently prioritised (or not) according to the requirements of others or the closeness of deadlines. Prioritising tasks efficiently – with intention and according to future goals – can change this, ensuring that every task you tackle drives value and keeping unimportant tasks from cluttering your to-do list.  By implementing prioritisation strategies, you can drastically change the arc of your working day to really make the most of your time. These types of strategies will help you evaluate and set your top priorities.

Ensure You Have A Solid Client Onboarding Process

The term ‘client onboarding’ is the process of welcoming new clients into your life coaching business. It’s your opportunity to start building a strong relationship, get the client up to speed, address any queries they have, and chart the strategy going forward. Ultimately you want the client to feel like they’ve made the correct choice and that your life coaching practice will fulfill their varying needs.

Client onboarding isn’t just a nice-to-have —it’s a crucial business strategy. When done properly, it leads to:

  • Less client churn,
  • More efficiency,
  • Reduces scope creep,
  • Happier clients,
  • More clients, and
  • Ensures compliance.

How Long Will It Take To See The Growth Of Your Life Coaching Business?

There is no timeline. It depends on your life circumstances, your commitment, the market you are targeting, the training you have, and the credibility you are building. Every life coaching practice starts with one client changing their life. Concentrate on one life at a time and one day, you will feel prosperous and have built a profitable practice.

Why You Should Grow Your Life Coaching Business Today

The reality is clear – there’s only one of you! You can’t be duplicated so you are able to meet with more than one client at a time. The best way to scale your life coaching business is to think about new services or products that you could offer your clients that offer value and match up their needs.

One of the best things about a life coaching business is that there are numerous ways to grow your organisation. You aren’t trapped in one-on-one service delivery if you don’t want to be. And you don’t have to do exactly the same thing as everyone else working in your niche.

Life coaching gives you so much flexibility. You are free to select the products and services which will not only deliver additional value to your clients however will also allow you to stretch yourself, grow as well as learn professionally.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study life coaching? If you do then you need to do our Life Coaching Certification. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post How To Grow Your Life Coaching Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Sprint Interval Training? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about running training? If you do then you need to do our Advanced Sports Conditioning Coach Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Is Sprint Interval Training? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Start Weight Training? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to discover more about weight training? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Start Weight Training? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Prevent Lower Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study to become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Prevent Lower Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Apply Sports Psychology Techniques In Your Daily Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports psychology

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.

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

The post How To Apply Sports Psychology Techniques In Your Daily Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Reduce Muscle Soreness After Exercise? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to study become an exercise expert? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post How To Reduce Muscle Soreness After Exercise? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Mix Yoga And High Intensity Training To Get Fitter https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/how-to-mix-yoga-and-high-intensity-training-to-get-fitter/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27876 We all know that in order to be healthy we need to eat well and exercise. However, the best strategy for optimising our bodies is still up for debate with the health philosophies of yogis being frequently at odds with the traditional fitness community. In actual fact, there are many aspects of physical strength. Being...

The post How To Mix Yoga And High Intensity Training To Get Fitter appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We all know that in order to be healthy we need to eat well and exercise. However, the best strategy for optimising our bodies is still up for debate with the health philosophies of yogis being frequently at odds with the traditional fitness community.

In actual fact, there are many aspects of physical strength. Being strong in one discipline doesn’t certainly translate to another. Perhaps you’ve mastered a hand-stand but become short of breath a couple kilometres into your run, or you can squat many kilograms but can’t hold a tree pose. Total body fitness is a mixture of strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and power. In an ideal world, we should aim for a balance in all these facets of physical health.

The perfect fitness regimen will look differently for everybody depending on your goals however a mix of high intensity training, cardio and a dedicated yoga practice can benefit just about anybody. Plus it’s good to switch up your workouts so that all the different muscle groups get worked but not burnt out.

Why Is Yoga Good For You?

Slow movements – as well as deep breathing – increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

Yoga is as good as fundamental stretching for lowering pain levels and improving mobility in individuals with lower back pain. It is recommended that yoga is done as a first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain.

Gentle yoga has been demonstrated to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis.

What Is High Intensity Training Good For You?

High-intensity interval training (or HIIT for short) involves short and intense workouts. You’ll give a series of exercises your full effort for short bursts of between 30 and 60 seconds. After this, you’ll follow it up with an even briefer period of rest. While exercising with this kind of maximum effort is difficult, it does absolute wonders for your health.

It’s exercise after exercise with a minimal amount of rest. This gives your entire body, particularly your heart and core, a fantastic workout.

While you’re performing a HIIT workout, you’re burning around the same number of calories as you would during a normal workout like running. However, you burn more calories after you do a HIIT workout than you do during a steady-state cardio exercise such as running, where your heart rate stays relatively stable.

The phenomenon of burning calories after you stop exercising is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). EPOC takes place when your body burns more calories healing the wear-and-tear from an intense workout. It’s common with HIIT workouts as the exercise is so intense, and it has been linked with effective muscle growth.

As HIIT burns more calories because of EPOC, it can be a more convenient way to assist you with you losing weight, since you don’t have to spend as much time working out.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a yoga instructor then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

The post How To Mix Yoga And High Intensity Training To Get Fitter appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Select A Smartwatch To Help Reach Your Fitness Goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Select A Smartwatch To Help Reach Your Fitness Goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Test Your VO2 Max? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - VO2

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about training? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Test Your VO2 Max? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to Make Exercise an Unbreakable Habit? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to study to become a personal trainer, then you best bet is to sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How to Make Exercise an Unbreakable Habit? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?...

The post Which Calf Exercises Will Help You Run Faster? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about the biomechanics of exercise? If you do then you really need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post Which Calf Exercises Will Help You Run Faster? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Cold Would Be Too Cold To Run Outdoors? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - run

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a world-class sports coach? If you do then you need to do our Advanced Sports Conditioning Coach Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

The post How Cold Would Be Too Cold To Run Outdoors? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Increasing Your Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardio

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about cardio exercise? If you do then you should study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Are The Benefits Of Increasing Your Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Exercise Smarter And Not Harder? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study to become a personal trainer? If you do then you really need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Exercise Smarter And Not Harder? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is LISS Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about cardiovascular training? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Is LISS Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What Are The Best Exercises For Legs? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a personal trainer? If you do then you really should consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Are The Best Exercises For Legs? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Add Skipping To Your Workout Routine? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workout

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).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become an exercise expert? If you do then you are destined to become a personal trainer! Sign up for our Personal Training Diploma today! Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Add Skipping To Your Workout Routine? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Does Junk Food Promote Diabetes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-does-junk-food-promote-diabetes/ Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27439 Junk food is everywhere. Junk food is high in calories however quite low in nutritional value. Generally speaking, these foods encompass processed and prepared snack foods with long, frequently unpronounceable ingredient lists.Eating excess sugars and fats which are found in these foods may contribute to weight gain. This excess weight is linked to diabetes. One...

The post How Does Junk Food Promote Diabetes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Junk food is everywhere. Junk food is high in calories however quite low in nutritional value. Generally speaking, these foods encompass processed and prepared snack foods with long, frequently unpronounceable ingredient lists.Eating excess sugars and fats which are found in these foods may contribute to weight gain. This excess weight is linked to diabetes.

One of the main risk factors for acquiring type 2 diabetes is being overweight. When you carry far too much fat tissue, particularly around your midsection, your body’s cells may become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone which moves sugar out of your blood and then into your cells.

When your cells are not able to use insulin properly, your pancreas mistakes this as a requirement for more insulin, so it pumps out more. Sooner or later your pancreas will wear out and stop producing sufficient insulin to make sure that your blood sugars are maintained under control. This results in you developing diabetes, a condition that is characterised by high blood sugar levels.

Junk foods are extremely processed as well as high in calories. These have the tendancy of having few vitamins and minerals. In addition, they are usually low in fibre. Junk foods also frequently contain large amounts of additional sugar and are high in saturated fats in addition to trans fats. This may cause them to digest more quickly, which can spike blood sugar levels and increase bad cholesterol levels.

The Negative Consequences Of Junk Food

You will be quite shocked to know that one of the main reasons for hormonal imbalance, insulin sensitivity and raised blood glucose levels in the majority of youth today can be undoubtedly blamed on processed junk.

People often blame genetics for diseases such as diabetes however it is not always true. Even if your family doesn’t have a history of diabetes, still you are able to get the disease. It is majorly related to an irregular as well as unhealthy lifestyle. It is now proved that the bulk of youth across the world are being affected by pre-diabetes leading to diabetes owing to their food habits as well as their life choices.

Junk food incorporates:

  • Your favourite packaged foods,
  • Fried and processed junk,
  • Sugary drinks as well as desserts,
  • Processed meats,
  • Ready-to-cook meals, and
  • Street foods.

The consumption of such types of junk daily interferes with your hormonal cycles so creating issues for example insomnia, weakness, excessive hunger, food cravings, mood swings or distractions specifically with the children of growing age. Not only that, junk food is high on the glycaemic index and consuming food items for example bread, rice, potato in excess also creates a sharp spike in the blood sugar levels.

A high carb and high sugar diet is risky in the longer run. It may lead to an excess metabolic weight and obesity. An obese individual is prone to life-threatening diseases which not only is limited to cholesterol or diabetes but also can cause a stroke. Thus, individuals with diabetes can have cholesterol, thyroid and other cardiovascular diseases if not treated well.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - food

Does Sugar Cause Inflammation in the Body?

Inflammation is an extremely important aspect of the body’s natural healing process. Throughout injury or infection, the body releases chemicals in order to assist with protecting it and fight off any dangerous organisms. This can lead to redness, warmth as well as swelling. Some foods, such as sugar, may also cause inflammation in the body, which is normal. However, consuming too many inflammatory foods could cause chronic low-grade inflammation. This may cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer as well as allergies.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a nutritionist? If you do then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post How Does Junk Food Promote Diabetes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Do You Know How To Make Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Stick? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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).

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a fitness expert? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post Do You Know How To Make Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Stick? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Much Cardio Is Enough? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about cardio training? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How Much Cardio Is Enough? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Design A Super-Effective Strength Training Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

If you want to learn more about strength training then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Design A Super-Effective Strength Training Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Start An Exercise Routine And Not Feel Overwhelmed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become an exercise expert? If you do then you really need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

The post How To Start An Exercise Routine And Not Feel Overwhelmed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Long Exactly Should You Wait To Exercise After Eating? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen on becoming an exercise expert? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Long Exactly Should You Wait To Exercise After Eating? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Which Hip Abductor Exercises Will Prevent Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about exercise? If you do then you need to do our Exercise Science Certification. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Which Hip Abductor Exercises Will Prevent Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Is Pilates Great For Your Mind And Body? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-is-pilates-great-for-your-mind-and-body-find-out-more/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26796 Pilates is a type of exercise which helps lengthen – as well as strengthen the muscles in the body while at the same time creating mobility and flexibility. In fact, Pilates exercise has several physical health benefits which include: Spinal realignment/posture correction, Improvement of flexibility, Correcting movement patterns, Improvement in balance, and Improves coordination. Did...

The post Why Is Pilates Great For Your Mind And Body? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is a type of exercise which helps lengthen – as well as strengthen the muscles in the body while at the same time creating mobility and flexibility. In fact, Pilates exercise has several physical health benefits which include:

  • Spinal realignment/posture correction,
  • Improvement of flexibility,
  • Correcting movement patterns,
  • Improvement in balance, and
  • Improves coordination.

Did you know that there is a lot more to Pilates than physical benefits? It can also help improve your mental health providing stress management, memory improvement, and relaxation to those who regularly practice Pilates.

Pilates Increases Energy

By concentrating on breath, Pilates improves cardiorespiratory capacity. This stimulates feel-good hormones, oxygen flow as week as blood circulation. Pilates achieves all of this and, owing to its low-impact nature, rarely leaves you feeling fatigued. Rather, it gives you a boost of energy.

Pilates Boosts Your Memory And Makes You Smarter

Starting in our late 20s most of us begin losing about 1% of the volume of our hippocampus, which is a portion of the brain that is responsible for memory as we;; as cognitive function. Our brains are literally shrinking.

For a long time scientists were of the opinion that we are born with a particular number of brain cells however recently they discovered that our brains could create new cells so slowing down or reversing brain reduction. What will it mean to you? It means improved memory, lower risks of Alzheimer’s disease, improved learning in addition to problem solving, a higher IQ and more.

Mindfulness Through Breathing

One of the main core supporters of our body is the diaphragm. During Pilates, particular focus is given to breathing well and giving movement the opportunity to follow the breath. This allows the Pilates practitioner to move with intention and pay attention to posture as well as the movements. Through focusing on breath and movement you are concentrating on the present and allowing your mind a chance to rest.

Developing the habit of mindful, deep breathing is a technique which can very easily follow you out of the studio to make use of in times when life is hectic. Utilising this technique during moments of stress can bring a sense of calm and assist you with focusing on the present.

It Enhances Body Awareness

Pilates is a mind-body practice which enhances proprioception, or body awareness. The attention inward – as well as the ability to concentrate on the sensations in your body – heightens your awareness of comfort or pain, your emotions as well as your surrounding environment.

With improved proprioception, your body is better able to respond to stimulus, which could prevent injuries and falls. Better body awareness may even assist you with preventing overeating, as you’ll be more in tune with your body’s hunger signals.

Pilates Reduces Stress Tension In Our Body

You have perhaps heard about the famous “fight-or-flight” response to situations which are stressful. When faced with a stressful situation (real, like almost getting in a car accident or imaginative, such as fear of public speaking) our body releases a wave of stress hormones in order to ready our body to fight or flee.

In situations which are stressful, our bodies are ready to move at its peak performance however in most modern-day scenarios we aren’t able to run away when stuck in a traffic jam and aren’t able to pick a fight with our boss. Physical activity should metabolise the build-up of stress hormones however we rather try to keep everything inside and work our way through it.

The result? Stress hormones becomes settled in our body causing hypertension, muscle spasms as well as pain.

Pilates alleviates tension which is built up in the muscles through gentle stretching as well as gradual conditioning. An energetic Jumpboard workout will allow you to metabolise stress hormones which are built up in your muscles. Fascial release techniques which many Pilates instructors utilise in their classes today will assist you with loosening tight muscles which are not responsive to passive stretching. When you get stress out of your body, you also get it out of your mind.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen on becoming a Pilates instructor? If you do then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

The post Why Is Pilates Great For Your Mind And Body? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Stretching Is Good For You? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/why-stretching-is-good-for-you-read-this-article/ Tue, 28 Dec 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26749 It’s not enough to build muscle and attain aerobic fitness. You need to think about flexibility, as well. Stretching can assist. You might think of stretching as something which is performed only by runners or gymnasts. However, we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence. A lot of people don’t...

The post Why Stretching Is Good For You? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It’s not enough to build muscle and attain aerobic fitness. You need to think about flexibility, as well. Stretching can assist. You might think of stretching as something which is performed only by runners or gymnasts. However, we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence. A lot of people don’t understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily.

There are very many advantages to stretching regularly. Not only can stretching assist with increasing your flexibility, which is an important factor of fitness, however it can also improve your posture, lower stress and body aches, and more.

Stretching Is One Component Of Overall Fitness

However, a lot of us find stretching far too easy to skip. While the research on stretching is a little bit mixed, there are some legitimate mental – as well as physical – benefits to including  it into your routine, whether you stretch before your workout, at the end of your session, or another time during the course of the day. People who carve time for stretching may find that it assists their workouts — and day-to-day life — feel a little (or a lot) better.

However, before we dig into those advantages, it can be useful to understand what we mean, exactly, by ‘stretching’.

Stretching is basically any movement which lengthens your muscles (and along with them, the tendons, ligaments in addition to connective tissue) even temporarily. Almost every time you move your body, something is being stretched.

What Are The Benefits Of Stretching?

Increases Your Flexibility

Stretching often can assist with increasing your flexibility, which is extremely important for your overall health. Not only can increased flexibility assist you to perform everyday activities with relative ease, however it can also help with delaying the reduced mobility that can come with ageing.

Assists With Better Recruiting Your Muscles When Working Out

If you’re able to stick to a regular stretching routine, you could see only an increase in range of motion, however also improvement in your performance. The more range of motion you possess, the more muscle you’ll have the ability to activate.

For instance, if you have limited range of motion in your hamstrings, you may only be able to activate, say, 40% of your muscle when doing a single-leg deadlift. However, if you increase your hamstring flexibility, you are then able to activate, say 60%, of that muscle.

The result? You’ll gain strength, which will allow you to lift more weight—and thus become even stronger. In addition, having more range of motion can assist you to perform a broader range of exercises.

Improves Your Performance In Physical Activities

Performing dynamic stretches before physical activities has been shown to assist to prepare your muscles for the activity. Also, it may help improve your performance in an athletic event or exercise.

Stretching Makes Day-To-Day Life Feel Easier

Improving your flexibility won’t just enhance your workouts — it can also make daily life better, too. You may not realise it, however there are a lot of day-to-day tasks which involve some level of flexibility.

Daily tasks include:

  • Squatting to sink into and out of a chair,
  • Leaning over to get in your car, as well as
  • Bending down to scoop up your toddler.

Through boosting your flexibility with stretching, you’ll have the ability to perform these small but essential day-to-day movements more easily as well as effectively.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a yoga instructor? If you do then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post Why Stretching Is Good For You? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Should Runners Be Eating? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?

Trifocus Fitness Academy - runners

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a sports nutritionist? If you do then you should do our Sports Nutrition Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post What Should Runners Be Eating? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Importance Of Exercise For Those With Diabetes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

If you would like to become a personal trainer then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Importance Of Exercise For Those With Diabetes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Weightlifting Myths Busted. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about weightlifting? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Weightlifting Myths Busted. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post Does Sprint Training Increase Strength? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about strength training, as well as other forms of exercise? If you do then you really need to do our Personal Training Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Does Sprint Training Increase Strength? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Exercises Are Good For Psoriatic Arthritis? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you eager to discover more about exercise? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Exercises Are Good For Psoriatic Arthritis? Read this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Avoid Injury While Strength Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Avoid Injury While Strength Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Stretches To Alleviate Leg Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are The Best Stretches To Alleviate Leg Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Fitness Tracker Vs. Smartwatch What Is Best For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness tracker

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Fitness Tracker Vs. Smartwatch What Is Best For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post What Are The Benefits Of Pull-Ups? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study to become a personal trainer? If you do then you really do need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are The Benefits Of Pull-Ups? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sports Massage Therapy appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports massage therapy

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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sports Massage Therapy appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Does Exercise Assist With Lowering Blood Pressure? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Does Exercise Assist With Lowering Blood Pressure? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can Pilates Improve Your Triathlon Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post How Can Pilates Improve Your Triathlon Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Exercise Affects Your Appetite? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - appetite

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become an exercise specialist? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Exercise Affects Your Appetite? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Undeniable Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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

The post What Are The Undeniable Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Indoor Cycling? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - benefits of indoor cycling

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.

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

The post What Are The Benefits Of Indoor Cycling? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is The Intermittent Fasting Diet? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-the-intermittent-fasting-diet-read-this-article/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26781 A phenomenon termed as intermittent fasting is – at the moment – one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends. It entails alternating cycles of fasting and eating. Many studies demonstrate that this can cause weight loss, boost metabolic health, protect against disease and perhaps even help you to live longer. Many diets...

The post What Is The Intermittent Fasting Diet? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A phenomenon termed as intermittent fasting is – at the moment – one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends. It entails alternating cycles of fasting and eating. Many studies demonstrate that this can cause weight loss, boost metabolic health, protect against disease and perhaps even help you to live longer.

Many diets concentrate on what to eat, however intermittent fasting is all about when you eat. With intermittent fasting, you eat only during a particular time. Fasting for a particular number of hours each day or eating only one meal every couple days a week, can help your body to burn fat. As well scientific evidence points to some health benefits.

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

After hours without food, the body exhausts its sugar stores and starts burning fat. He refers to this as metabolic switching.

Intermittent fasting contrasts with the usual eating pattern for most people, who eat throughout their waking hours. If a person is eating three meals a day, in addition to snacks, and they’re not exercising, then every time they eat, they’re running on those calories and not burning their fat stores.

Intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat.

The Different Forms Of Intermittent Fasting

There are various intermittent fasting methods, all of which divide the day or week into eating periods as well as fasting periods. Most individuals already “fast” every day, while they are sleeping. Intermittent fasting can be as straightforward as extending that fast a little longer.

You area able to do this by skipping breakfast, eating your first meal at noon and then your last meal at 8 pm. After this you’re technically fasting for 16 hours every day, and then restricting your eating to an eight-hour eating window. This is the most popular format of intermittent fasting, which is known as the 16/8 method.

Notwithstanding what you may think, intermittent fasting is really fairly easy to do. Many individuals report that they feel better as well as having more energy during a fast. Hunger is often not that big of an issue, although it can be quite a problem in the beginning, while your body is becoming used to not eating for extended intervals of time.

No food is permitted during the fasting period, however you are able to drink water, coffee, tea as well as other non-caloric beverages. Some formats of intermittent fasting permit small amounts of low-calorie foods throughout the fasting period.

Taking supplements is usually allowed while fasting, as long as there are no calories in them.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - intermittent fasting

Potential Problems With Intermittent Fasting

Regardless of the kind of intermittent fasting, fasting for prolonged periods of time when the body is unprepared may be problematic. These kinds of dieting may not be suitable for everyone. If a person is prone to eating disorders, these approaches could exacerbate their unhealthy relationship with food.

Individuals who suffer from health conditions, including diabetes, should speak to their doctor before trying any form of fasting. For the absolute best results, it is essential to eat a healthful as well as balanced diet on non-fasting days. If needed, a person can seek professional help to personalise an intermittent fasting plan and avoid pitfalls.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to become a nutritionist then you need to really consider doing our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

 

The post What Is The Intermittent Fasting Diet? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post Why Strength Training Is Important For Runners? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become an expert personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Strength Training Is Important For Runners? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post How Does HIIT Training Benefit Your Health? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to study to become a personal trainer? If you do then you absolutely need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post How Does HIIT Training Benefit Your Health? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates Workouts for Runners. Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/pilates-workouts-for-runners-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26645 We don’t often give our core sufficient credit. However the group of muscles which make up your core are always working overtime to stabilise your spine, which in turn ensures that you are kept steady as well as upright. Plus, almost all movements start from the core, from sitting up straight, to bending over to...

The post Pilates Workouts for Runners. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We don’t often give our core sufficient credit. However the group of muscles which make up your core are always working overtime to stabilise your spine, which in turn ensures that you are kept steady as well as upright. Plus, almost all movements start from the core, from sitting up straight, to bending over to even running.

However if your idea of a core workout is just doing crunches at the end of a run, you’ll wreak absolute havoc on your lower back as well as, eventually, your running performance. That’s why you should consider including Pilates into your training routine.

Every Pilates move focuses not just on the six-pack ab muscles (in other words, the rectus abdominis in addition to the obliques), however Pilates is also known for targeting the deep core muscles which support your spine and also tap into other often neglected muscles in runners such as the glutes and inner thighs.

As a result, you will build greater core strength and control and this leads to improved posture and a more efficient running form. In fact, researchers found that when runners experienced weaknesses in the deep core muscles which support the spine, it led to more risk of lower back pain over time.

A Few Quick Form Notes Before You Begin

Two major things that you should concentrate on during these exercises are your posture as well as breathing. In order to get into good alignment, you’ll want to find what Pilates instructors call your ‘neutral spine’. Here’s how to find this:

  • Rock your pelvis forwards and backwards, feeling it extend to its extreme point on either end, ultimately coming to a rest in the middle. Your back mustn’t be overarched.
  • Ensure that you engage your core and pelvic floor muscles while you stand up tall, keeping your chest up.
  • Think about stretching out your spine, together with your neck, so if feels like “helium balloons are affixed to the top of your head as well as lifting you upwards.

Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, and ensure that you keep those abdominal muscles activated throughout the exercise. Concentrate on breathing in through your nose as deeply as you possibly can so that your rib cage expands. Breathe out through your mouth. Practise this a few times before you start.

And last but not least, if you’re injured it’s best to get advice from a Pilates instructor, trainer, or physical therapist in terms of how to modify these exercises so that you don’t make things worse.

The Roll-Up

  • Lie faceup on a Pilates mat with your legs extended straight out. Ensure that your feet are hip-width apart.
  • Extend your arms overhead and breathe in deeply to prepare.
  • Exhale, tuck your chin to chest, and then draw arms forward.
  • When your wrists are directly above your shoulders, slowly peel upper back off the mat one vertebrae at a time by utilising your core for control.
  • Continue to reach forwards as you fold up as well as over the legs as far as you can without straining.
  • Inhale here and then exhale as you tuck your chin to chest. Round your upper back to roll backward slowly until your shoulders are on the mat. Do five to 10 repetitions.

Neck Stretch

  • Stand up tall. Have your feet together, your back straight, your shoulders back, and your arms relaxed at your sides.
  • Gradually drop your left ear to your left shoulder to a point where you feel a stretch. Hold for a number of seconds.
  • Return to your starting position and then repeat four times to the right.
  • Repeat the same motion on your left side four times.

Single Straight-Leg Stretch

  • Lie face-up on the Pilates mat with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Rest your arms at your sides.
  • Lengthen your right leg towards the ceiling with your toes pointed and take hold of it at the highest point possible.
  • Lift your left leg a couple of centimetres off the ground. Peel your head and shoulders off the Pilates mat while engaging your abdominals.
  • After this, gently pulse the right leg toward you twice.
  • Exhale with each pulse and attempt to keep your right leg as straight as you possibly can. Inhale and then switch legs.
  • Repeat the two pulses, making sure that you exhale with each pulse. Continue to alternate.
  • Do reps on each side for a total of 10 reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen on becoming a Pilates Instructor? If you do then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

The post Pilates Workouts for Runners. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post Which Strength Training Exercises Promote Longevity and Build Up Strength? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

If you would like to become a personal trainer then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Which Strength Training Exercises Promote Longevity and Build Up Strength? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Life Coach Boundaries? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/what-are-the-life-coach-boundaries/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26552 Under normal circumstances, a life coach who has been properly trained has a good working grasp of what life coaching boundaries look like. However, even the most experienced life coaches encounter moments when it’s challenging to know just where to draw the line. In order for a confidence coach to avoid sticky situations, it’s helpful...

The post What Are The Life Coach Boundaries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Under normal circumstances, a life coach who has been properly trained has a good working grasp of what life coaching boundaries look like. However, even the most experienced life coaches encounter moments when it’s challenging to know just where to draw the line.

In order for a confidence coach to avoid sticky situations, it’s helpful to lay out some ground rules with clients upfront. There’s a reason that having coaching agreements in place is considered to be a best practice, and this is it!

We all hear about the requirement for boundaries in personal relationships. As certified life coaches, we probably even assist our clients to establish boundaries in their work as well as personal lives. However, why can it be challenging for life coaches to set boundaries?

As like skills coaches, we concentrate on being of service to clients, providing life coaching services, and giving our time, energy as well as knowledge in order to help them lead a more rewarding and joyous life. We act as their sounding boards for some of their most personal and exposed issues, thoughts, and worries. Owing to this, it may be tempting to give a little more time here, and a little more latitude there, in the spirit of being of a lot more service to them.

What Is The Problem With This?

When your boundaries are weak as a life mentor, you are left extremely vulnerable to individuals who take advantage of your time, strength, and resources. This leaves you feeling depleted and not able to give your all to any client, particularly to yourself. Most clients will not do this maliciously or even consciously. It’s just what takes place when you don’t set clear, strong boundaries around your work.

Healthy boundaries in the confidence coach-client relationship mean that there are crystal clear limits on what is acceptable behaviour for both sides. It gives both parties the opportunity to know what to expect of the other, resulting in a fulfilling and – hopefully – wildly successful life coaching relationship.

How To Manage Life Coach Boundaries?

Write Them Out

Don’t make the assumption that your client knows what you expect of them! Prepare a document that explains all of your policies as well as procedures. Then, ask your client to review and sign it. If an issue comes up, you will be able to refer to the document that they have agreed to. Being clear up front may save you a lot of time and anguish in the long run.

Watch The Clock

Begin and end on time, all the time. Unless there is a special circumstance, making sure that you keep firm on your schedule every session demonstrates that you value your time as well as that of your client.

Select Clients Carefully

Just because a person wants life coaching doesn’t mean that they are the correct client for you. If you notice any red flags (not being on time for consultation calls, calls or emails late or often), you do not need to sign on to work with them.

Choose Your Hours

It can be very helpful, as a confidence coach, to include your work hours in your email signature, contracts as well as any other documents you give to clients. If you identify particular work hours for yourself, stick to them, and then don’t feel forced to respond after hours, even if you do have the time.

Don’t Feel Bad

Setting boundaries, as a life mentor, is not about restriction or closing off your clients. It can actually have the opposite effect – establishing a more powerful coach-client connection. Resist the urge to feel guilty about setting boundaries with your clients.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study life coaching? If you do then you need to do our Life Coaching Certification. Get a Life Coach Certification with Trifocus Fitness Academy today! Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post What Are The Life Coach Boundaries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Soccer Drills To Maintain Fitness. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/soccer-drills-to-maintain-fitness-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26528 If you aspire to being any half-decent soccer player, you’ll really need to work on your stamina with soccer drills. The average professional soccer player now covers over 10km in a 90-minute match. These days it’s not just about increasing lung capacity – the demands of the game have increased so exponentially that being bigger,...

The post Soccer Drills To Maintain Fitness. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you aspire to being any half-decent soccer player, you’ll really need to work on your stamina with soccer drills. The average professional soccer player now covers over 10km in a 90-minute match. These days it’s not just about increasing lung capacity – the demands of the game have increased so exponentially that being bigger, more powerful and explosive is more critical than ever. Thus, the importance of soccer training drills.

How To Be Become A Soccer Coach

Coaching soccer is a rewarding career to pursue. Soccer coaches see their team expand in skills and agility through the soccer drills with cones they plan as well as the game decisions which they make. If you have an absolute passion for soccer and also love directing others to success, a soccer coach could be the right occupation for you.

What Is A Soccer Coach?

A soccer coach is a professional who educates players on the skills that they need to succeed in soccer. They lead professional or amateur athletes in their soccer games and soccer fitness drills, determining appropriate plays as well as who should be on the field. A soccer coach is both a teacher and a mentor, helping individuals learn how to be excellent team players and healthy athletes.

How Can Soccer Drills Help Maintain A Healthy Diet?

Being a top athlete on the soccer field takes hard work in the gym, on the field and during soccer practice drills. However to stay at your best, you’ll also need to concentrate on what you’re eating on a day-to-day basis.

Soccer players burn a massive amount of energy by running around the field so much as well as doing soccer drills. This means soccer players need to make sure that they’re giving their bodies what it needs in order to recover as well as get out there again.

The best thing which athletes can do for themselves is get down to the nutritional basics. Cook for yourself as much as possible. Make sure that you’re really aware of what’s in your food. At the moment, there’s so much more information which is available about what is in your food and can assist you make strong decisions.

How To Do Soccer Drills At Home?

In order to perfect your soccer skills, you need to dedicate time to your craft. This time can be utilised to exercise your skills, improve your knowledge of the sport as well as better your athleticism. Here are some of the best soccer training drills that you can practise at home.

Cone Dribbling

To begin our list of the best soccer drills which you can practise at home, we had to begin with a basic drill – soccer drills with cones. With just a yard, a soccer ball as well as some cones required, you will put three cones in a line or triangle, approximate three feet apart.

Then, just dribble the ball between the cones, letting the surfaces of your feet to control the ball. Practise quick touches to the ball and then guide the ball around the cones in a pattern, with control, as well as speed.

Wall Passes

Wall passes, which are also called wall juggling, is next on our list of the best soccer drills which you can practice at home. A great way to practise juggling the ball as well as your strengthen your reflexes, this drill needs you to stand around one to three yards away from the wall.

To start this soccer fitness drill, throw the ball against the wall, and juggle the ball with your feet, feeding it back against the wall, and repeating this process until you cannot control it any longer. With practice and dedication to this drill, the difficulty will decrease.

25’s Dribbling

25’s dribbling will both condition as well as improve your dribbling skills. This soccer drill with cones includes lining up approximately six to 10 cones five yards apart. After this, weave the ball through the cones utilising the inside of your feet. Repeat this soccer training drill by alternating between the outside as well as inside of your feet. Circle right, then left, around the cones.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a simpler approach, you will begin at cone one, sprint to cone two with the soccer ball, turn back and then sprint to cone number one, then to cone three, then to number one, then to number four. Make sure that you take a minute of rest before beginning your next set.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a soccer coach? If you do, then you need to do our Soccer Coaching Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Coach

The post Soccer Drills To Maintain Fitness. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Become A Nutritionist? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-to-become-a-nutritionist-learn-more-in-this-article/ Thu, 14 Oct 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26463 A nutritionist is an expert in nutrition, in other words the science of how the body utilises and responds to foods. Nutritionists study, and put into practice, the understanding of how and what food nutrients which support a healthy lifestyle. With this knowledge, nutritionists are able to advise, design and implement nutrition programmes for individuals,...

The post How To Become A Nutritionist? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A nutritionist is an expert in nutrition, in other words the science of how the body utilises and responds to foods. Nutritionists study, and put into practice, the understanding of how and what food nutrients which support a healthy lifestyle. With this knowledge, nutritionists are able to advise, design and implement nutrition programmes for individuals, schools, hospitals and other institutions with the aim of disease prevention.

Nutritionists, however, do not plan the treatment of disease with diet therapy – that is the role of a dietitian. A sports nutritionist works specifically with athletes, counselling them on nutrition and diet for peak performance.

And not only are there many places where you can work as a nutritionist; you can also run a successful nutrition consulting business online. As more and more businesses are becoming virtual, you’ll be able to hold classes or consult with individual clients from the comfort of your home.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Nutritionist?

Depending on your specific path and schedule, studying to be a nutritionist can take approximately one year. The requirements to be a nutritionist are as follows:

  • Teamworking skills
  • Keen interest in the impact of diet on health
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills, including the ability to explain complex things simply
  • An understanding of science
  • Able to motivate others
  • Business skills for freelance work

How To Choose A Nutrition Course Online

It seems like every single week another popular food item is either touted as being a lifesaver or a dangerous killer:

  • One week, eggs are good for you and the next, well, you hear that too many eggs will give you a heart attack.
  • Same with milk, same with chocolate and on and on.

You’ll need a solid nutrition calculator just to keep up with daily calories. Being a nutritionist, you’ll help your clients to navigate through all of this conflicting information on what to eat and how much to eat. You may work in a hospital, a gym or spa, or even on your own to guide clients on their food and nutrition journey.

So, if you aspire to be work in the diet and nutrition field, your first step is to gain the education required in the science of food and technology and the impact of food on our health. To become a professional nutritionist, you’ll have to get an online nutrition certification from a nationally recognised organisation or association. The more certificates you earn in the various nutrition specialisations, the more qualified you will be as a professional nutritionist. You’ll have better job opportunities and more clients will have faith and confidence in you and your knowledge in this particular field.

The best online nutrition courses blend science with practical knowledge in order to help you to understand how food impacts your health. Good online nutrition courses delve into the biochemical – as well as physiological processes – by which macro- and micro-nutrients make your body function. They may include healthy recipes to feed your family, exercise tips, or other material so that you are able to make a positive difference in your health.

How To Become A Nutritionist Online

An online nutrition certification focuses on how food and diet have an affect on overall well-being. Nutrition programmes often include interdisciplinary aspects, providing insight into the physical, cultural as well as social aspects of food and diet.

With an online nutrition certification, graduates can pursue careers in educational, community, medical, and governmental settings. Nutrition professionals provide guidance on foods served in schools and hospitals, help clients address health concerns such as obesity and diabetes, and work in cooperation with medical professionals. Restaurants, gyms, and community centres consult with nutritionists and dietitians, as do corporate cafeterias.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a world-class nutritionist? If you do then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post How To Become A Nutritionist? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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 –...

The post How Aerobic Exercise Can Help To Improve Sleep appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - aerobic

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Aerobic Exercise Can Help To Improve Sleep appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Functional Fitness? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post What Is Functional Fitness? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Strength Training Is Just As Good As Cardio For Dropping Fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Strength Training Is Just As Good As Cardio For Dropping Fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Cardiovascular Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardiovascular exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are The Benefits Of Cardiovascular Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Cycling Vs Walking: Which Is The Best Workout For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - walking

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).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about the biomechanics of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more about this course.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

The post Cycling Vs Walking: Which Is The Best Workout For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Improve Your Workout Routine? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning how to improve your workout routine? If you are then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Improve Your Workout Routine? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why HIIT Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness More Than Low-Intensity Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a HIIT trainer then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post Why HIIT Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness More Than Low-Intensity Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Skipping Vs Running – Which Is Best? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - skipping

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Skipping Vs Running – Which Is Best? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Does Running Build Muscle? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Eager to learn more about the biomechanics of exercise? Then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Does Running Build Muscle? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why You Should Be A Fan Of Indoor Cycling? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - indoor cycling

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.

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

The post Why You Should Be A Fan Of Indoor Cycling? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Comprehensive Bootcamp Group Exercises. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post Comprehensive Bootcamp Group Exercises. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Association Of Metabolic Syndrome With Aerobic Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about aerobic exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer. Sign up for our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class personal trainer. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Association Of Metabolic Syndrome With Aerobic Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Tone Your Arm Muscles Quickly When You Start Strength Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are quite eager to learn more about toning then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Tone Your Arm Muscles Quickly When You Start Strength Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

Trifocus Fitness Academy - aerobic exercise

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

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Unwritten Rules Of Running? Learn More. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - running

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about the biomechanics of running then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are The Unwritten Rules Of Running? Learn More. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do Hip Thrusts Correctly? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - hip thrusts

  • 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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are enthusiastic about discovering more information about exercise then you should really consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Do Hip Thrusts Correctly? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Cardiovascular Exercises For Weight Loss? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Cardiovascular Exercises

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about cardiovascular training then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are The Best Cardiovascular Exercises For Weight Loss? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?...

The post A Couple Of Secret Tricks for Keeping in Shape After 60 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - shape

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to keep in shape then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post A Couple Of Secret Tricks for Keeping in Shape After 60 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Is Hiking Better Than Gym? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/is-hiking-better-than-gym/ Fri, 03 Sep 2021 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25910 If you’ve ever been bored stiff in the gym, you may have found yourself wondering: is hiking a good alternative to the gym? Between the physical exercise and joy of being outdoors, it can be a great choice for many. Both hiking as well as going to the gym are superb forms of exercise. While...

The post Is Hiking Better Than Gym? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you’ve ever been bored stiff in the gym, you may have found yourself wondering: is hiking a good alternative to the gym? Between the physical exercise and joy of being outdoors, it can be a great choice for many. Both hiking as well as going to the gym are superb forms of exercise. While hiking does offer added benefits from being outside, determining which is better will depend on your goals.

Here’s what hiking has over going to the gym.

Vitamin D

You get tonnes of this when you go hiking. More like a hormone as opposed to a vitamin per se, this little guy plays an immediate role in over 2 000 functions in the human body. Pretty good to have around.

Interval Training

Interval training is demonstrated to be one of the most efficient forms of cardio as it burns more calories in far less time.

To put it quite simply, interval training involves rotating short periods of intense activity with lengthier periods of rest. As you hike with sporadic resting breaks, it serves as interval training as well as improving your fitness.

This kind of workout routine is beneficial even for those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. As with every other form of cardio, this is good for your heart and assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Long Aerobic Exercise

Low-level exercise for long periods of time gets the blood flowing, which in turn provides oxygen as well as  nutrients to your cells. This aids in their repair and assists them grow stronger. In addition, for those ‘calendar types’, muscles working at a consistent – but low-level pace – burn fat, which helps you ‘shred up’.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -hiking

Strong Legs

When you’re engaged in hiking, you move your legs in a number of different of ways not like repeating as with the same movement as on an elliptical or a treadmill.  This works up nearly all muscles in your legs. Notice how it doesn’t concentrate only on the ‘major’ muscles?

With hiking, you’d build stronger legs. All your movements will get better. As your body weight falls on your legs, making them strong will make sure that you have a good posture while standing. In addition, strong legs are aesthetic and may boost your confidence to the next level.

A good pair of hiking pants will keep your legs comfortable throughout your journey.

Mental Exercise

Forget running mindlessly on a treadmill or stretching your mental capacity by counting to 12 (?), hiking frequently involves triangulating your position, calculating hours to next campsite based on average pace, following a bearing through forest, estimating needed water and food, predicting the weather as well as even calculating the time utilising the sun (if you’re keen).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about gym exercises? If you do then you need to do our Gym Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Is Hiking Better Than Gym? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is It Important To Have Strong Glutes? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Is It Important To Have Strong Glutes? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Fitness Habits Should You Follow In Your 30s? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Fitness Habits Should You Follow In Your 30s? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Prevent Knee Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Prevent Knee Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Keep Exercise Fun? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Keep Exercise Fun? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

The post How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of The Plank Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post What Are The Benefits Of The Plank Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Essential Stretches For Runners. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about how your body works then you should check out our Exercise Science Certification. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Essential Stretches For Runners. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Simple Exercises Which Can Help Relieve Foot Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Knowing how to properly exercise is vital to maintaining good health and wellness. Get these skills under your belt with our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Simple Exercises Which Can Help Relieve Foot Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post How Resistance Training Burns Fat? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Resistance Training Burns Fat? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why You Mustn’t Feel Guilty About Skipping A Day Of Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why You Mustn’t Feel Guilty About Skipping A Day Of Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Should Men Stretch Every Day? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you eager to become an exercise expert? If you do then you should definitely consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Should Men Stretch Every Day? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Wood Chop Exercise? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Wood Chop Exercise? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Which Is Better – The Elliptical Or Treadmill? Find out in this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - elliptical

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Which Is Better – The Elliptical Or Treadmill? Find out in this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Kettlebell Exercises For Men? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - kettlebell exercises

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post What Are The Best Kettlebell Exercises For Men? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The Beginner’s Guide To Strength Training For Women appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post The Beginner’s Guide To Strength Training For Women appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Best Yoga Poses For Knee Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-are-the-best-yoga-poses-for-knee-pain/ Wed, 04 Aug 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25476 Do you have knee pain? Many people suffer from chronic knee or joint pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or simply strain from everyday life. Fortunately, yoga exercises are a proven remedy, although they can seem daunting for beginners.  When you’re doing yoga, it’s important to do the poses with the correct form.  Practising with a cautious...

The post What Are The Best Yoga Poses For Knee Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you have knee pain? Many people suffer from chronic knee or joint pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or simply strain from everyday life. Fortunately, yoga exercises are a proven remedy, although they can seem daunting for beginners.  When you’re doing yoga, it’s important to do the poses with the correct form.  Practising with a cautious pace will help you get positive results.

What Are The Common Triggers Of Knee Pain?

Chronic knee pain is on the rise. Strangely enough, the issue often isn’t with the knee itself. As it’s a joint, it’s affected by the muscles which surround it, including the quads, hamstrings as well as calves. The knee never acts in isolation owing to the way the soft structure of the cartilage is designed.

Other frequent culprits of knee pain include injury to a ligament (such as a torn ACL), weak quads or hamstrings, or – alternatively – a chronic condition like tendinitis. Another option is to blame your job: Sitting at a desk all day may create imbalances in your body by weakening your glutes, Miller says. It’s best that you see a doctor or physical therapist in order to find out what’s triggering your particular pain.

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga For Knee Pain?

On the bright side, a number of specific yoga poses can assist with providing relief.. Studies show that individuals with knee pain are able to get some much-needed relief by practising yoga a couple of times a week.

In 2013, for instance, researchers worked with 30 women who suffered from knee osteoarthritis. Half were assigned to an eight-week yoga programme. By the end of the research study, their pain as well as symptoms had decreased more than those of the control group. In addition, they had a better total quality of life.

One study is wonderful, but how about six?

A 2016 review looked at six studies about the effects of yoga on osteoarthritis. In these studies, individuals experienced pain relief and functional improvements as early as two weeks after regularly getting on the mat. The researchers reached the conclusion that yoga could be a medication-free means of alleviating pain and improving mobility.

Other more recent studies have demonstrated similar results, placing yoga among the best natural knee pain relief methods, along with tai chi as well as massage therapy.

While this is exciting news, also some research has found that certain yoga poses (particularly single-leg balances) can be stressful on the knees. Conversely, squatting and lunging postures can improve leg strength as well as minimise knee adduction — the inward movement of the knees that’s linked to osteoarthritis.

Triangle Pose

A weak vastus medialis (which is the inner part of the quadriceps) as well as vastus lateralis (the outer part of the quadriceps) may cause injury. To assist with preventing it, the triangle pose in yoga will stretch as well as bolster your inner thigh muscles.

The triangle pose is performed by stepping your feet out at a wide stance to make sure they are parallel with your back, with your right foot being turned at a 90-degree angle and parallel with the horizontal edge of the mat. Your right knee needs to be bent in line with your hip and ankle. Both of feet should be rested as your right leg straightens in order to engage your inner quad and thighs.

Peaceful Warrior Pose

Step your right foot forwards with your toes pointing straight. Turn your left toes at 45 degrees to the side and then extend your arms out with your palms facing up. Curve your right knee at a 90-degree angle, keeping it in line with your ankle.

Put the back of your left hand on your left leg and then arch back, reaching your right arm overhead and toward the back of your mat, gazing toward the ceiling.

This asana activates and strengthens the glutes, quads as well as hamstrings. These are all muscles that help keep the knee in good shape.

Supported Half Moon Pose

The Supported Half Moon Pose is also termed the Ardha Chandrasana. This balancing asana is beneficial in terms of building strength in the muscles which support your knee. The initial step is to find an empty wall – as well as a block – for support. Then, stand with your back up against the wall and rotate your right foot. Make sure that the bottom of your foot is parallel to the wall. After that, put the block in your right hand, then bend your right knee. Shift your weight so that you are balancing on your right leg.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a yoga instructor then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post What Are The Best Yoga Poses For Knee Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercises To Build Knee Strength And Stability. Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Exercises To Build Knee Strength And Stability. Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Which Muscles Are Vital To Strengthen For Distance Running? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Which Muscles Are Vital To Strengthen For Distance Running? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post How Dancing Improves Cholesterol And Fitness In Postmenopausal Women appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to discover more about the joys of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Dancing Improves Cholesterol And Fitness In Postmenopausal Women appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post The Best Exercises For Arthritis. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post The Best Exercises For Arthritis. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercises You Must Do In The Morning If You Wake Up Tired appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.”

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to become a master at exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Exercises You Must Do In The Morning If You Wake Up Tired appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to Do Air Squats Properly? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How to Do Air Squats Properly? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Avoid Running Overuse Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Avoid Running Overuse Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Make Exercise Fun For Kids? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - kids

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!

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post How To Make Exercise Fun For Kids? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why It’s Important To Exercise When Stressed? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why It’s Important To Exercise When Stressed? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do Mountain Climbers? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - mountain climbers

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.

The post How To Do Mountain Climbers? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Does Running Damage Your Knees? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Does Running Damage Your Knees? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post When Could Stretching Before A Workout Lead To Injury? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about stretching? If you are then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post When Could Stretching Before A Workout Lead To Injury? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercises To Loosen Your Hips. Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about exercise? If you are, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Exercises To Loosen Your Hips. Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Best Pre-Workout Foods? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-best-pre-workout-foods/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25083 We all would like to get the most out of a workout – to train harder, spin faster, run faster, and jump higher. While a lot of us prepare mentally for a challenging workout, we frequently forget to fuel the engine or to do it correctly. So what pre-workout foods should you be eating? There...

The post What Are The Best Pre-Workout Foods? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We all would like to get the most out of a workout – to train harder, spin faster, run faster, and jump higher. While a lot of us prepare mentally for a challenging workout, we frequently forget to fuel the engine or to do it correctly. So what pre-workout foods should you be eating?

There are a particular number of best foods to eat before you work out which will help your body prepare, and which can maximise your efforts in the gym. While we all have different nutritional needs, these known foods – which are the absolute perfect balance of fats, and carbs in addition to protein – can fuel your body, fend off hunger, fight fatigue, and even aid recovery.

Knowing what to eat is important as fuelling your body with the correct nutrients before exercise will give you the energy and strength that you need in order to perform better. Each of the micronutrients has a specific role before a workout. However, the ratio in which you are required to consume them varies by the individual and type of exercise.

So what is a good pre-workout snack?

Wholegrain Toast, Peanut Or Almond Butter As Well As Banana Slices

There’s a very good reason why runners adore their post-race bananas — the fruit is packed with simple carbohydrates, natural sugars as well as, best of all, potassium. That electrolyte helps prevent muscle cramps and may be lost through sweat. Peanut or almond butter has healthy fat, and the toast is all about blood-sugar-calming complex carbs.

Oats

As they are chock-full of fibre, oats release carbohydrates slowly. Because of this slow release, energy levels remain steady throughout your workout, meaning you are able to train harder for longer. Oats also contain Vitamin B, which assists with converting carbohydrates into energy. Irish oats are frequently considered to be the best as they are the least processed type and boast a lower glycaemic load rather than quick-cooking and instant oats. So, ensure that you keep a look out for them the next time you go shopping.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -foods

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are quite popular among those who are regular hitters of the gym. Protein is very important for overall development of the muscles, bones as well as even the skin. A protein shake is really good if you do not get sufficient amounts from natural sources. For athletes – as well as individuals doing regular workouts – it is fine to have a protein shake after a workout, however not every couple of hours. Protein shakes can have side effects such as kidney damage. Therefore, make sure that you check in with your doctor to know the recommended daily dose of protein intake.

Grilled Chicken, Broccoli, And Sweet Potato

If you are working on building increased muscle mass – or plan to hit circuit training hard – then this combo is a must-try. Although it is more of a meal as opposed to a snack, there’s a reason pro-athletes chow down on this regularly. As a result, we think it’s time you gave it a go.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more information about sports nutrition then you need to do our Sports Nutrition Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post What Are The Best Pre-Workout Foods? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Positive Effect Exercise Could Have On Your Child’s Heart? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post What Is The Positive Effect Exercise Could Have On Your Child’s Heart? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Skipping Is On The Rise In At-Home Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - skipping

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

The post Why Skipping Is On The Rise In At-Home Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Does Music Help When Exercising? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - music

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about personal training? If you do, then you should probably become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma to become a world-class personal trainer.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Does Music Help When Exercising? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Exercise With Your Children? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Trifocus Fitness Academy - children

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Exercise With Your Children? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What’s The Best Way To Use Anaerobic Exercise To Maximise Your Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about anaerobic exercise? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What’s The Best Way To Use Anaerobic Exercise To Maximise Your Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Making The Most Out Of Your Workout 101. Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a workout expert, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Making The Most Out Of Your Workout 101. Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercises To Help You Sleep Better. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

The post Exercises To Help You Sleep Better. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is Your Psoas Muscle Key to Fighting Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - psoas muscle

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn about muscles and anatomy, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Is Your Psoas Muscle Key to Fighting Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Most Common HIIT Mistakes, According To Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post Most Common HIIT Mistakes, According To Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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’...

The post Should You Do HIIT Every Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post Should You Do HIIT Every Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post A Simple Guide To High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - HIIT

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post A Simple Guide To High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Build Self-Discipline To Exercise Regularly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post How To Build Self-Discipline To Exercise Regularly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post How To Design An Interval Workout? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more information about interval workouts, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Design An Interval Workout? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Add Resistance Training To Your Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about resistance training, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Add Resistance Training To Your Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Strengthen Your Abs With Boxing? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - boxing

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!

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

The post How To Strengthen Your Abs With Boxing? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post How To Make Exercise Part Of Your Social Life? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to discover more about exercise? If you do, why not sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Make Exercise Part Of Your Social Life? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Spiderman Lunge Exercise? Learn more in this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Spiderman Lunge Exercise? Learn more in this article appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Long Does It Take To Begin Enjoying Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Long Does It Take To Begin Enjoying Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What You Can Eat Before Your Workout? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-you-can-eat-before-your-workout-read-this-article/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24733 Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are searching looking for ways in order to improve their performance as well as achieve their fitness goals. Good nutrition can assist your body with performing better and recovering faster after each workout. Optimal nutrient intake prior to exercise will not only help you to maximise your performance but also minimise...

The post What You Can Eat Before Your Workout? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are searching looking for ways in order to improve their performance as well as achieve their fitness goals. Good nutrition can assist your body with performing better and recovering faster after each workout. Optimal nutrient intake prior to exercise will not only help you to maximise your performance but also minimise muscle damage.

We all definitely want to get the most out of each and every single workout – to train harder, spin faster, run quicker and jump higher. And, while many of us mentally prepare for a challenging workout, we often forget to fuel the engine or to do it properly. So, what to eat before a workout?

There are a number of different best foods which you can eat before working out which will help your bodies prepare, and which can maximise your efforts in the gym. As we all have different nutritional needs, these known foods – which are the perfect balance of fats, carbs as well as protein – can fuel your body, stave off hunger, fight fatigue, and even help in recovery.

Whole Grain Toast, Peanut Or Almond Butter As Well As Banana Slices

There’s a very good reason why runners love their post-race bananas. This is because the fruit is packed with simple carbs, natural sugars as well as best of all, potassium. That electrolyte assists with preventing muscle cramps and could also be lost through sweat. Peanut or almond butter contains healthy fat, and the toast is all about blood-sugar-steadying complex carbs.

Oats

As they are full of fibre, oats release carbohydrates quite gradually. Owing to this slow release, energy levels are kept consistent during your workout. This means that you will be able to train harder for longer. In addition, they contain Vitamin B, which helps to convert carbohydrates into energy. Irish oats are frequently considered the best, as they are the least processed type as well as boast a lower glycaemic load as opposed to quick-cooking and instant oats. So, make sure that you keep a look out the next time you go shopping.

Chicken Thighs, Rice And Steamed Vegetables

If you are looking for the best meal to eat before gym time, consider this classic, which blends protein as well as complex carbs. In addition, the fibre in the veggies assists with digestion. Selecting chicken thighs over breasts is a personal preference, however dark meat has a lot more of the good fat you need in order to keep from getting hungry during your workout.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workout

Dried Fruit

For a quick, easy as well as good pre-workout food, fix yourself some dried berries, apricots, figs, and pineapple. Dried fruits are a great source of simple carbohydrates which are easily digestible – so grab a handful.

Scrambled Eggs, Veggies And Avocado 

Go ahead, utilise the whole egg. They’re packed full of high-quality protein and, if you’re incorporating the yolk, you’ll get all eight of the essential amino acids. Those boost muscle building as well as recovery. Avocado gives you that healthy fat fix, and the veggies are nutrient-rich powerhouses, no matter which you pick.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about sports nutrition, then you need to do our Sports Nutrition Diploma. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post What You Can Eat Before Your Workout? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Use The Pain-Blocking Effects Of Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Use The Pain-Blocking Effects Of Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Run A Virtual Fitness Business? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/how-to-run-a-virtual-fitness-business-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:10:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24661 As the understanding of the importance of health and wellness increases, the fitness industry continues to grow and gain popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted much of the traditional fitness industry, so causing personal trainers and owners of fitness-related businesses to begin offering many of their services virtually. Running a remote fitness business offers a...

The post How To Run A Virtual Fitness Business? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As the understanding of the importance of health and wellness increases, the fitness industry continues to grow and gain popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted much of the traditional fitness industry, so causing personal trainers and owners of fitness-related businesses to begin offering many of their services virtually.

Running a remote fitness business offers a lot of advantages:

  • You’ll be able to access a broader potential customer base,
  • Clients won’t need to pay a gym membership for your services, as well as
  • There are plenty of passive income opportunities.

Online personal training is now more pertinent than ever. With the huge array of technological options as well as virtual training applications that are available, you are able to pivot to an online personal training business in a few relatively easy steps.

Decide On Your Virtual Fitness Model

The virtual fitness business realm offers a vast array of opportunities in a number of different formats. You will be able to pick the method which suits your business model or combine a few different setups in order to allow clients to choose the style and price point which works best for them.

Possible ways to structure your virtual fitness business include the following:

  • Offer one-on-one personal training, where you are able to coach a client as they work out, often through a video call. The sessions are usually personalised in order to help the client work toward their fitness goals.
  • Lead livestream “group” classes, where a number of different clients can follow along at once.
  • Put together a workout routine (often as a PDF) which customers are able to access after purchasing. These programmes are usually non-personalised and are often written for a target audience such as pregnant women or older adults.
  • Offer pre-recorded workout videos that clients can watch and follow by paying a regular membership fee.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - virtual fitness

Choose The Right Fitness Model

The thought of taking your fitness business online in order to offer virtual training services might be incredibly overwhelming at first. But don’t let the fear of the unidentified stop you from making a positive step forwards into the game-changing aspect of online personal training.

In order to set-up your virtual training space, you’ll require two devices:

  • One device will be utilised as a camera, such as a tablet, laptop, or smartphone, and it will be utilised as you demonstrate exercises as well as observe your client during the session.
  • The other device will be utilised to type in the client’s work out details, including completed reps as well as other relevant data.

You don’t need to make a large financial investment when it comes to these items. One device with a camera – as well as one that’s capable of running a word processing application (such as Google Docs) – will do.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to run a virtual fitness business, check out our great range of Fitness Business Courses here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post How To Run A Virtual Fitness Business? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post How To Optimise Your Workouts? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about how to optimise workouts then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link in order to find out more about this course.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Optimise Your Workouts? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can HIIT Exercises Help Your Heart? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post How Can HIIT Exercises Help Your Heart? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage? Learn more appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports massage

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a sports massage therapist then you need to do our Sports Massage Course. Find out more about this course by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage? Learn more appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Exercises For Strengthening Your Back? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more back-strengthening exercises then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

The post What Are The Best Exercises For Strengthening Your Back? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Keep Your Diet On Track? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-to-keep-your-diet-on-track-read-this-article/ Mon, 31 May 2021 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24448 Eating healthy can help you lose weight and to also have more energy. A healthy diet can also improve your mood as well as reduce your risk of disease. However, despite these benefits maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can be challenging. If you’re working hard in order to lose weight or get your abs...

The post How To Keep Your Diet On Track? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Eating healthy can help you lose weight and to also have more energy. A healthy diet can also improve your mood as well as reduce your risk of disease. However, despite these benefits maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can be challenging.

If you’re working hard in order to lose weight or get your abs on point, you are likely not to be alone. Even if occasionally it feels like all your friends and family would like to sabotage your hard work every week with constant happy hours, brunches as well as various social gatherings.

Let’s just be blunt about it. Eating healthily is not always easy. However, that doesn’t make it impossible. Here are our favourite tips to help you stick to your diet and be more successful in the long run.

Start With Realistic Expectations

Eating a nutritious diet has a number of different benefits, including possible weight loss. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. For instance, if you pressure yourself to lose weight too quickly, your plan to attain better health could backfire.

Researchers have found out that individuals who are obese, who are expected to lose a lot of weight, were more likely to drop out of a weight-loss programme within 6–12 months. Setting a more realistic and achievable goal can keep you from getting discouraged and may even lead to greater weight loss.

Before you tear into a bag of potato chips, first drink a glass of water. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, so you could end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really all you actually needed. If plain water doesn’t cut it, try drinking flavoured sparkling water or brewing a cup of fruit-infused herbal tea.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - diet

Find What Motivates You

Start with the why. Before you even attempt to decide on making a change, give yourself a great reason to do it in the first place. Motivation is powerful, and when you’ve found it, it’s actually just a matter of holding on to it. However, it has to come from you. While other people can inspire you to want to change, no one can actually give you the daily gusto to make it happen. This is except you.

Really ask yourself the question, “What is driving me to this? What am I wanting to get out of it”? Write it down or take a clear picture of it. Post it somewhere so you have to see it every day – like on the mirror or your fridge.

Whether that’s just a number on the scale, or something of bigger impact – such as living longer to see your grandkids someday. This may sound extreme to some however it’s a harsh reality which says that eating an unhealthy diet may shorten your life span. If you remind yourself of your motivation when you want to give up, you’ll be less likely to actually throw in the towel.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a nutritionist? If you do then you should really do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post How To Keep Your Diet On Track? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Best Moment Of Day To Exercise For Metabolic Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to do learn more about exercise then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Best Moment Of Day To Exercise For Metabolic Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Aerobic Exercises Can Help To Strengthen Your Heart appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - aerobic exercises

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about aerobic exercise, in addition to other types of exercises, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Aerobic Exercises Can Help To Strengthen Your Heart appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Oblique Workouts for Runners. Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Oblique

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to become Personal trainer? If you are then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Oblique Workouts for Runners. Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Strength Training Can Help To Decrease Stress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about strength training and want to teach people how to strength training properly, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class personal trainer that everyone will clamour to go to.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Strength Training Can Help To Decrease Stress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Takes Place In Your Body When You Walk More? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - walk

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Takes Place In Your Body When You Walk More? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Quickly Do We Become Unfit? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - unfit

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Quickly Do We Become Unfit? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Poppy Seeds? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-nutritional-benefits-of-poppy-seeds/ Wed, 19 May 2021 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24274 The poppy plant (Papaver smoniferum) has been utilised as a traditional remedy for hundreds of years. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, the poppy plant’s flowers come in various colours — primarily white and yellow. The seeds that these flowers produce are small, round, bluish, black, or light to dark grey depending on where they’re cultivated....

The post What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Poppy Seeds? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The poppy plant (Papaver smoniferum) has been utilised as a traditional remedy for hundreds of years. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, the poppy plant’s flowers come in various colours — primarily white and yellow. The seeds that these flowers produce are small, round, bluish, black, or light to dark grey depending on where they’re cultivated. In addition, they have a number of nutritional benefits

Poppy seeds are utilised in baked goods and traditional dishes all over the world. Both the seeds – as well as their oil – are said to offer a number of health benefits, from treating headaches and coughs to curing asthma as well as insomnia. All the same, you may want to know how these claims stand up to scientific scrutiny.

You may know poppy seeds best as something which is sprinkled on top of a bagel, but they are more than merely a topping for breakfasts. These crunchy specks provide nutritional benefits and are utilised worldwide in all sorts of baked goods as well as dishes.

A Source Of Fibre

Poppy seeds are a great source of fibre, which assists to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. In addition, they also contain magnesium, which assists with bone health as well as blood clotting, and calcium, which plays a role in bone health as well.

One teaspoon of poppy seeds has the following nutrients:

  • Fat: 1.2 g
  • Calories: 14.7 kcal
  • Sodium: 0.7 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
  • Dietary Fibre: 0.5 g (about 2% of the daily value)
  • Total Sugars: 0.1g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Calcium: 40 mg (3 to 4%of the recommended daily intake, RDI, for adults)
  • Iron: 0.3 mg (1.5% of the RDI for adult women)
  • Magnesium: 9.7 mg (2% of the RDI)
  • Manganese: 0.2 mg (8% of the RDI)

Great For The Eyes

The zinc – as well as antioxidant – content in poppy seeds helps to improve vision. In addition, it protects compared to eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutritional benefits

Helps In Treating Kidney Stones

The potassium content that is found in poppy seeds assists in treating kidney stones. This mineral also prevents their re-occurrence.

Good For Thyroid

Zinc is a crucial element for thyroid glands, and thanks to their rich zinc content, poppy seeds play a very important role in proper thyroid functioning.

Diabetes Treatment

Poppy seeds are an integral part of a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds assists with the treatment of diabetes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you in the market to learn more about nutrition? Do you want to become a nutritionist and help people develop eating plans that are right for them? If this sounds like something that you’d like to do then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Nutrition Specialist

The post What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Poppy Seeds? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Are Walking Workouts Great For Heart, Bone And Muscle Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen on learnings more about workouts, then you should become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and then become a personal trainer who’s in hot demand

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Are Walking Workouts Great For Heart, Bone And Muscle Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Are Cardio And Strength Training Both Important For Your Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Are Cardio And Strength Training Both Important For Your Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Runners Should Do Mobility Work? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - mobility

  • 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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Runners Should Do Mobility Work? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is A Rucking Workout? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - rucking

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn about different types of workouts, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

The post What Is A Rucking Workout? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do A Deep Squat? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about deep squats then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Do A Deep Squat? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,”...

The post High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises for the Pool appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercises

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about HIIT, then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

The post High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises for the Pool appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Make Your Run More Of A Workout? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about workouts, and the correct method to adopt when working out, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Make Your Run More Of A Workout? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Do You Need To Exercise The Muscles In Your Feet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become an exercise expert? If you do then you need to sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Do You Need To Exercise The Muscles In Your Feet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Form Healthy Habits? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you think that you would be super at motivating people to exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class personal trainer that is in hot demand.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How To Form Healthy Habits? Read this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What To Eat Before And Following A Pilates Exercise Session https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-to-eat-before-and-following-a-pilates-exercise-session/ Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24179 As you have probably heard before, getting that body which you’re after doesn’t happen only by working out. You’ve got to pair your workout with a nutritious diet to get the results which you’re after. This includes prepping for your Pilates class as well as cooling down from it by putting the right things in...

The post What To Eat Before And Following A Pilates Exercise Session appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As you have probably heard before, getting that body which you’re after doesn’t happen only by working out. You’ve got to pair your workout with a nutritious diet to get the results which you’re after. This includes prepping for your Pilates class as well as cooling down from it by putting the right things in your belly.

As everyone takes Pilates classes different times of the day, and everyone has somewhat different eating schedules, it’s challenging to say across-the-board what you should be eating before and after Pilates class, and exactly when you should eat those particular things.

Pilates encompasses a lot of work on your core on the mat. Many individuals wonder what and when to eat before doing Pilates exercises. Pilates has been around for many, many years however its popularity is still growing. Currently, it is regarded as a part of a healthy and well-rounded fitness routine.

Many who want to stay fit and strong engage in Pilates, and usually, one of the questions in mind is, what can you eat before and after a class? Is there a special diet when engaging in Pilates?

When Should You Eat Before A Pilates Session?

As there is so much emphasis in Pilates on making use of your abdominal muscles, you will want to make sure that any food you’ve eaten before your session is fully digested.

Attempt to eat a light meal before your session. Perhaps try snacking on a banana or sipping on a smoothie for some carbohydrates in order to give you energy. Irrespective of what you eat, nutrition experts recommend that you wait between two and three hours after eating before you work out.

Another thought that you should be keeping in mind is that if you skip breakfast or it’s been too many hours from the time that you’ve eaten, you could run out of energy in the middle of your workout. It’s best to eat no less than a light snack.

Recommendations For A Small Pre-Pilates Meal

  • A protein shake which uses fruit can be a very convenient choice. You will be able adjust the portion size so that it suits you.
  • Yoghurt with fruit or a small portion of oatmeal may provide carbohydrates.
  • Peanut butter on whole grain bread provides a quick source of complex carbohydrates as well as protein.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - eat

What To Eat After A Pilates Session

After a Pilates session, you need to make sure that your body is fed with nutrients in order to strengthen your muscles as well as restore any nutrient imbalance. You could drink another protein shake right after your session or eat another light snack.

In essence, your diet will depend on why you’re attending a Pilates class. If you want to lose weight, then you should cut down on calories. Use Pilates plus cardio exercises in order to create a fat-burning workout routine. Remember that you won’t be able to lose weight if you only exercise or use Pilates. You still need to reduce your calorie intake daily.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a Pilates instructor, then you should check out our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post What To Eat Before And Following A Pilates Exercise Session appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Best Workout To Develop Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - agility

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about developing workouts for clients, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class fitness professional.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Is The Best Workout To Develop Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga Asanas To Strengthen The Immune System https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/yoga-asanas-to-strengthen-the-immune-system/ Thu, 06 May 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24078 Stress is one of the foremost triggers of sickness. When we’re chronically stressed, the deep tissue which surrounds our organs, muscles, bones, tendons as well as ligaments (which are called fascia) is compromised. This is because fascia is made up of nerves, it is necessary for us to move and stretch our body so that...

The post Yoga Asanas To Strengthen The Immune System appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Stress is one of the foremost triggers of sickness. When we’re chronically stressed, the deep tissue which surrounds our organs, muscles, bones, tendons as well as ligaments (which are called fascia) is compromised.

This is because fascia is made up of nerves, it is necessary for us to move and stretch our body so that the fascia can be “rung out”. Considering our organs and tissue to be like sponges, absorbing what we put into our bodies. By stretching as well as moving, we release the stagnant energy within our cells so permitting it to remove the dangerous toxins in our bodies.

Alongside this, our blood requires oxygen in order to keep the body healthy and assist in cell growth. Intentional breath work gives our blood the boost of oxygen that is needed to generate new circulation. When performing asanas (yoga poses) and pranayama breathing, we’re assisting this circulation process in our systems. This leads to health and stronger immunity.

Simply explained, yoga is movement that is linked with breath. Through incorporating yoga into our routines, we are able to significantly strengthen our body’s ability to combat sickness.

Locust Pose

Lie flat on your chest on your mat and keep your arms stretched out ahead of you. Make sure that you maintain your knees in a straight position and your feet together. Inhale and then lift your legs and arms up together. Lift your head up and raise your chest off the floor as much as possible. Hold the pose for 10 seconds.

Revolved Chair Pose

Twisted postures in yoga are wonderful for the overall health of your body. Revolved chair pose, in particular, provides an even deeper “ringing out” of the kidneys and digestive organs. This results in an internal detox. This pose is also excellent for the deepening of breath and is ultra-grounding.

Allow the breath to root this pose and find grounded stillness in your legs. Bring your arms into prayer and utilise your elbows against your thighs in order to deepen the twist and then release with breath.

Low Lunge Pose

Begin in Samasthithi. This is a simple standing asana, with the feet together and the body upright. There are variations within different styles of yoga about the precise nature of samasthiti, but it is often utilised as an alternate name for tadasana (which translates as ‘mountain pose’).

Step back with your left leg and then drop your knee. Extend your toes out and your legs need to be wide enough in order to align your right knee with the right ankle. Push your pelvis downward.

Raise your arms overhead. Bend your upper body back and then form an arch (which resembles half a moon).

Standing Backbend

Backbends are expressly detoxifying for the adrenal glands, which can become exasperated owing to stress. A standing backbend is an altered version of Camel pose and is particularly useful in opening up the respiratory system. During the cold season, use a standing backbend in order to strengthen the lungs and maintain the nasal passage open for breath.

Standing first in mountain pose, make use of the core in order to lift the upper body upright and back. Put your hands on your lower back directly above your glutes. Breathe in and allow your body to lift and then extend backwards. Hold here for a few deep breaths and then come up slowly as backbends may cause a light-headed sensation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a yoga instructor, then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

The post Yoga Asanas To Strengthen The Immune System appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Should You Use An Exercise Trampoline? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - trampoline

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post Why Should You Use An Exercise Trampoline? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Many Times Should You Lift Weights Weekly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Many Times Should You Lift Weights Weekly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can I Get Back Into Exercise After a Long Break? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post How Can I Get Back Into Exercise After a Long Break? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are Anti-Rotational Exercises? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - anti rotational exercises

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

The post What Are Anti-Rotational Exercises? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post How To Start An Exercise Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Start An Exercise Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Use Periodisation For Strength Training? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Periodisation

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Use Periodisation For Strength Training? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Can Reformer Pilates Help With Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-can-reformer-pilates-help-with-back-pain/ Wed, 21 Apr 2021 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23863 In this modern day and age, many individuals work and sit in front of a computer for hours on end. It is no wonder if they find it difficult to sit up with proper posture for eight hours – or even more. Such a ferocious cycle – sitting for long periods of time, typically in...

The post How Can Reformer Pilates Help With Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
In this modern day and age, many individuals work and sit in front of a computer for hours on end. It is no wonder if they find it difficult to sit up with proper posture for eight hours – or even more. Such a ferocious cycle – sitting for long periods of time, typically in a little hunched-over position, then the postural muscles suffer a loss of strength owing to not using them too much. Then you can hardly sit up properly as your muscles lack strength. As a consequence, you get back pain.

In order to minimise back pain, you need to improve your core. Reformer Pilates is a great way to end this never-ending cycle. It builds core strength, increases flexibility and also corrects muscle weaknesses and imbalances – just to name a few. And when it comes to avoiding low back pain, it can be your major ally.

Core Strength Is The Basis Of Pilates Exercise

Pilates is responsible for training the deep muscles of your abdomen and back so that you are able to be strong and effective in everything you do. Efficient movement means that every part of your body works together with the superficial muscles of your trunk. This means that your spine gets the support it requires from the rest of your body.

If your core strength – as well as flexibility – is developed, so is the stability of your whole torso. A stable torso assists with relieving and preventing stress on your back. And this is why reformer Pilates is your absolute best bet if you want to relieve your back pain naturally.

The Best Way Of Restoring Flexibility

Reformer Pilates is much more than just stretching. Both the springs and sliding carriage of the Reformer will guide you with exercises ranges of movement which you don’t use (but should) in your normal day. This may assist with relieving the stiffness built up through your day-to-day routine and alleviate back pain.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - reformer Pilates

Activating And Strengthening Muscles

Where tight muscles affect posture and causing pain, there are likewise muscles in a weak or hypoactive position. Typically, we are able to weak core (muscles of the stomach as well as around the spine) and gluteals (buttocks).

Boosting these muscle groups will assist with keeping your body in a better posture and this will put less strain on your back. Reformer Pilates may be used in order to isolate these weak points as well as to ensure that they activate during exercises to assist with strengthening them quicker.

Comfortable Equipment

In contrary to its appearance, the reformer is truly safe and comfortable. You are able to do many different exercises while you’re lying down. It has a headrest where you are able to comfortably place your head. If you perform exercises on a reformer, you may notice that the movements are simpler than when you’re doing them on a mat.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a Pilates instructor and master all types of Pilates exercises? The reformer included? If you do, then you should do our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post How Can Reformer Pilates Help With Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post How Can You Protect Your Back When Strength Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Can You Protect Your Back When Strength Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post Why Is Walking An Underrated Exercise? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - walking

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

The post Why Is Walking An Underrated Exercise? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Get Defined Glutes? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Get Defined Glutes? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A Number Of Simple Habits to Make You Healthier and Happier https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/a-number-of-simple-habits-to-make-you-healthier-and-happier/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23693 Happiness has developed into a popular field of study for researchers over the last 10 years or so. Universities are putting together whole courses surrounding the topic. In today’s fast-paced life, following an exceptionally healthy lifestyle could be a difficult task. However, taking on board healthy habits is the ultimate key in terms of achieving...

The post A Number Of Simple Habits to Make You Healthier and Happier appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Happiness has developed into a popular field of study for researchers over the last 10 years or so. Universities are putting together whole courses surrounding the topic. In today’s fast-paced life, following an exceptionally healthy lifestyle could be a difficult task. However, taking on board healthy habits is the ultimate key in terms of achieving wellness.

Work Out Often

Make a mix playlist of your favourite songs and hit the gym. Burning off calories – as well as strengthening your muscles – just touches the surface of the extreme benefits of working out. Below the surface of all of your physical components lies some awesome chemicals called endorphins.

When you break a sweat, these so-called endorphins are discharged, and they bring about a feel-good reaction which promotes happiness. That’s the reason why healthy people are generally 20% happier as opposed to the average person.

Eventually, remaining active may naturally cause you to feel more excitement – as well as enthusiasm – for day-to-day activities. Adding music and friends in order to share in the workout experience may also lighten your stress load and help you unwind.

Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For

In a very recent study from psychologists at UC Davis, researchers had three groups of volunteers keep weekly journals that are focused on a single topic. While one group wrote about major events which had happened that week, the second group wrote about difficulties they’d experienced, and the last group wrote about things they were thankful for.

Ten weeks later, those in the gratitude-journal group reported feeling more optimistic and more satisfied with their lives than those in any of the other groups and reported fewer physical symptoms of discomfort, from runny noses to headaches.

Eat Healthily

Eating a well-balanced meal could keep your metabolism going strong all day long. This will provide you with enough energy in order to sustain your daily routines and keep you feeling great. Make sure that you strive to eat as naturally as possible.

Cutting corners by eating pre-packaged – as well as processed foods – may can really make you feel sluggish and cause problems such as bloatedness as well as unpleasant digestive issues. Make sure that you eat plenty of lean protein such as chicken or fish which is coupled with some green vegetables for brainpower as well as focus. Make sure that you don’t forget that banana!

Do A Physical Activity For 45 Minutes

Commit to spending – at a minimum – of 45 minutes every single day exercising. It is not necessary for you to follow the same routine. Just make sure that you work out every single day. Simple forms of exercise go a long way in order to preventive care. These help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, alleviate depression and anxiety, and even boost mental alertness and confidence.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a Health and Wellness coach with Trifocus Fitness Academy, then you need to follow this link – now!

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post A Number Of Simple Habits to Make You Healthier and Happier appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post What Are The Benefits Of Sleep For Exercise Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise recovery

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Knowing how athletes are able to recover – from exercise – successfully is essential for sports coaches to know. Become an Advanced Sports Conditioning Coach with us and be a sought-after coach that everyone wants to hire.

sport coach registration button

The post What Are The Benefits Of Sleep For Exercise Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Safe Is Hot Yoga For Pregnant Women? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/how-safe-is-hot-yoga-for-pregnant-women-learn-more/ Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23645 Exercise may be one of the very last things on your mind if you’re pregnant, especially if you’re having to cope with morning sickness or other first trimester complaints. However, keeping fit and active may help you to feel good during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. Yoga is renowned for its mind-body...

The post How Safe Is Hot Yoga For Pregnant Women? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Exercise may be one of the very last things on your mind if you’re pregnant, especially if you’re having to cope with morning sickness or other first trimester complaints. However, keeping fit and active may help you to feel good during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Yoga is renowned for its mind-body benefits. It’s no surprise why there are tonnes of prenatal yoga classes at gyms – as well as studios – across the country. In addition, there are also prenatal yoga videos online. That being said, experts generally don’t recommend hot yoga during pregnancy.

Hot yoga is a more active form of yoga. It involves standard yoga postures in rooms which are heated to 37 – 40 degrees Celsius. Sometimes the room will have a humidity of 40%. This type of yoga involves Bikram-style, as well as any vinyasa or “flow” class which takes place in a heated room.

Heat And Pregnancy Could Be Dangerous

Heat and pregnancy may be a dangerous combination, particularly in the early weeks when your baby is just forming. In addition, the added heat may affect your body differently with all the changes which you’re experiencing, such as increased blood flow as well as hormones).

That said, there could be some exceptions, particularly if you’re used to this form of exercise and have practised it for years. Nevertheless, it’s a question to bring up with your obstetrician to ensure you’re on the same page when it comes down to the definition of “hot” (as well as any other health concerns you may have).

Don’t Do Hot Yoga If You’ve Never Done It Before

This is an exceptionally important rule of thumb for expecting mothers when it comes to any type of fitness. When you’re pregnant, make sure that you stick to what you know and avoid including any new, vigorous formats of exercise.

Let’s say that you are a consistent runner and you find out that you are ten weeks pregnant. Perhaps you may choose to add in prenatal yoga or – alternatively – more daily walks.

However, you almost certainly wouldn’t sign up for a CrossFit class series or include sprint intervals in each run? Common sense says yes, and your body does, too. The same is very true for hot yoga. If you’ve never taken a hot yoga class, save it for after your give birth.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

What Are The Benefits Of Being Physically Fit During Your Pregnancy?

There are numerous benefits to exercise during your pregnancy. Along with keeping your overall fitness and assisting with promoting a healthy weight during pregnancy, being active may assist you shed the kilograms faster after your baby is born.

Other benefits are that it:

  • Helps with aches and pains, such as back pain,
  • Promotes good digestion and eases constipation,
  • Reduces the risk of potential health issues, including preeclampsia as well as gestational diabetes,
  • Reduces your chances of delivering via caesarean section (which is also known as a C-section). Although, note that sometimes this is not avoidable, and
  • Makes sure that your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) is kept strong.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a yoga instructor, then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link in order to find out more and to register.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post How Safe Is Hot Yoga For Pregnant Women? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is The Chemical Diet? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-the-chemical-diet-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23638 The Chemical Diet goes by the principle of pairing foods that work together in order to cause a chemical reaction to increase metabolism as well as create a fat-burning effect. Anecdotal sources say that the Chemical Diet is an easy way to lose up to 6.4 kg in just one week. It’s popular among some...

The post What Is The Chemical Diet? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Chemical Diet goes by the principle of pairing foods that work together in order to cause a chemical reaction to increase metabolism as well as create a fat-burning effect. Anecdotal sources say that the Chemical Diet is an easy way to lose up to 6.4 kg in just one week. It’s popular among some dieters who are looking for fast results. However, some individuals say that it’s unhealthy, unsustainable as well as ineffective.

How Does The Chemical Diet Work?

The diet is founded on the chemical constituents of particular food combinations, which are believed to amplify results as well as boost fat burning. Proponents also say the diet reduces blood sugar levels and supports better long-term blood sugar control. While there’s limited information available on the origins or history of the diet, it often appears on blogs and weight loss forums. However, there’s no research on the diet and little to no evidence available to support its claims.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -chemical diet

Why You Should Be Cautious

As the Chemical Diet is based theoretically on the chemical balancing of food, there is no substituting on this diet. If you do not like a particular food, it is best to avoid this type of diet. If certain foods need to be consumed on these very strict menus then it needs to be eaten, like it or not. Alternatively, you can do without.

Owing to the restrictions of the menus – as well as the low-calorie count – the Chemical Diet is very difficult for most individuals to follow. If you can follow the diet, you will undoubtedly lose weight  not because of the combining of food but rather because of the low calorie intake.

On this diet, the calorie count per day is extremely low – usually ranging from 850 to 1 000 calories daily. Low-calorie diets are only used by doctors when a patient is extremely obese. The Chemical Diet will tell the dieter to follow the diet for three to four days and then eat a normal healthy diet for between three and four days, then return to the diet menu and keep repeating the process until you achieve ideal weight loss.

A healthy adult could follow the Chemical Diet and probably not have any serious health complications if the diet is merely followed very short term. However, but this is not recommended. Consult with a doctor and discuss diet goals with them before starting any diet.

The Chemical Diet is a fad diet in which you follow a specific meal plan for one week per month. Although the diet is straightforward and may cause weight loss, it’s likely to lead to weight regain and other negative health effects in the long run. It’s also overly restrictive and unsustainable and may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies over time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Learn about what type of nutrition will provide sustainable results with our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link to find out more and to register.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post What Is The Chemical Diet? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is Strength Training The Secret To Becoming A Better Runner? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Is Strength Training The Secret To Becoming A Better Runner? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Which Yoga Asanas Will Improve Your Posture? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/which-yoga-asanas-will-improve-your-posture-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23561 Have you ever taken the time in order to look around you and noticed how many individuals stand hunched over? Whether our less-than-proper posture is owing to all the time spent hunched over computers, or if it just our nature that makes us want to protect ourselves, many of us suffer from poor posture.  ...

The post Which Yoga Asanas Will Improve Your Posture? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Have you ever taken the time in order to look around you and noticed how many individuals stand hunched over? Whether our less-than-proper posture is owing to all the time spent hunched over computers, or if it just our nature that makes us want to protect ourselves, many of us suffer from poor posture.

 

Students of yoga often want to know if their practice of yoga can make them taller. While yoga is not going to make you grow, it can noticeably improve your posture, making you look taller, thinner, and more confident.

 

When you’re a yoga beginner, it’s surprisingly complex to master the art of rooting down through your feet while lengthening up through your spine, maintaining your chest open without jutting your lower ribs out, and keeping the leg muscles strong as well as lifted without tensing your belly or jaw.

 

Mountain Pose

 

Mountain Pose (Tadasana) looks to be simple enough; however, when done properly, mountain pose is actually quite complex as it teaches you to sense when your body is in precise vertical alignment. It takes a lot of practice as well as correction in order to be able to do this by yourself.

 

At first, you could be overcompensating for a tendency to slouch through pushing your shoulders too far back as well as sticking out your chest. This is not the purpose of the pose. Rather, it is to attain a neutral position where you are not leaning forward or back. You will also feel symmetrical on either side of your midline.

 

Shoulder Opener

 

This asana – with your hands interlaced behind your back – is a great shoulder opener. In order to obtain as much openness in the chest as possible, join your hands behind your back and then scrunch your shoulders up towards your ears. after this, let your shoulder blades slide down your back as you move your arms into a straight position. 

 

In order to stretch your hamstrings, slowly come into a forward bend over your legs while making sure that you keep your hands joined. Roll your shoulders towards the middle of your back. Extend your arms overhead.

 

Tree Pose

 

Tree Pose forces you into a correct posture in order so that you can balance. 

 

Ground your left foot and ensure that your shoulders are in line with your hips. Your spine needs to be elongated. Lift your right foot and then press the sole of your foot firmly against your left inner thigh.

 

Now move up through your body in order to make sure that you’re standing tall. Keep your hands at your heart centre or reach them toward the sky. Move the crown of your head up to the sky and then your shoulders down your back.

 

Cat Cow Pose

 

To develop correct posture, you need to know what neutral is. Cat Cow can assist with that. 

 

From being on all fours, inhale and round your back. Exhale and arch your back. Repeat this back and forth movement before bringing your spine to a neutral position.

 

Take notice of the sensation, so you are able to experience it when you stand up.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 

If you dream of becoming a yoga instructor, then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

 

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

 

The post Which Yoga Asanas Will Improve Your Posture? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Build Endurance And Stamina? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Build Endurance And Stamina? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is It Important To Combine Anaerobic And Aerobic Exercises Into Your Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Is It Important To Combine Anaerobic And Aerobic Exercises Into Your Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Bungee Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - bungee fitness

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Is Bungee Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Test Your Running Fitness? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post How To Test Your Running Fitness? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Improve Your Relationship With Exercise? Find out. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Improve Your Relationship With Exercise? Find out. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Makes A Good Sports Massage? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports massage

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Makes A Good Sports Massage? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is A Hex Bar? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - hex bar

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

 

 

The post What Is A Hex Bar? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Can Pilates Help Skiers? Read this article to find out. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-can-pilates-help-skiers-read-this-article-to-find-out/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:10:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23471 It’s a great workout all year round, obvs, but Pilates is especially good at preparing the body for skiing. That hard-earned core strength, flexibility, balance and control will all help you shoop-shoop in style. It’s no surprise that injuries are common with skiers. In fact, there are around 10 000 individuals hospitalised each year with...

The post How Can Pilates Help Skiers? Read this article to find out. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It’s a great workout all year round, obvs, but Pilates is especially good at preparing the body for skiing. That hard-earned core strength, flexibility, balance and control will all help you shoop-shoop in style.

It’s no surprise that injuries are common with skiers. In fact, there are around 10 000 individuals hospitalised each year with winter sports-related breaks as well as ruptures. However, preparing your body in the weeks before you hit the slopes may assist you with avoiding injuries and falls. It may also improve performance.

More particularly, skiers should do Pilates as this method is devised to strengthen and mobilise the body – exactly what you need for these types of sports. Even professional downhill alpine skiers do Pilates.

Common Skiing  Injuries

Skiers run the risk of sustaining a host of different injuries. In particular the knees, where we’ve seen a lot of tears of the:

  • Anterior crutiate ligament (ACL),
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL), and
  • Meniscus

Pilates assists skiers with really focusing on a dynamic and full range of motion as well as the strengthening of the hamstrings. This can help to balance overused quads as well as serve as back-up support for the ACL. Exercises which emphasise the adductors can help a skier’s recovery from catching an edge or keeping the skis under the centre of the body, thus reducing the stress on passive structures such as the MCL.

In addition, closed chain exercises (where the foot is in contact with bar/strap/board/floor) can assist simulate proper muscle recruitment and timing as well as offer functional applicable movements for skiing. Using specific exercises to focus on VMO (vastas medialis oblique of the quadriceps) and glute medius are important for proper patella (kneecap) tracking and stability of the knee and hip joints.

Pilates Moves To Help

Bicycle Crunches (Develops Core Control)

This move strengthens your abs and obliques. This means better posture as well as more control of those planks on the end of your feet:

  • Lying supine on a mat with a neutral spine, lift your legs in near you with your knees bent as well as shins parallel to the floor.

Hamstring Stretch (Flexibility)

Stretching your big leg muscles is extremely important – you’ll be taxing your quads and hamstrings all day on the slopes:

  • Lying supine with neutral spine and both legs bent, loop a resistance band or scarf around one foot and then straighten the leg towards the ceiling until you feel a gentle stretch in your hamstring.
  • Taking deep breaths increases the stretch by slowly bringing your leg in near you, aiming for a 90-degree angle to your body. Repeat with both of your legs. Hold for at least a minute on each side breathing into the stretch.
  • With your fingertips touching your temples, gradually lift your head and shoulders off the floor. The movement should come from your abs and not your neck.
  • Exhale and bring your left leg in and your right elbow to meet it. Twist your body and then swivel to switch. Repeat 10 times changing sides.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about Pilates? If you do, then need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post How Can Pilates Help Skiers? Read this article to find out. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is Strength Training Important For Women? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post Why Is Strength Training Important For Women? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Should You Consult A Doctor Before Starting A New Diet? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-should-you-consult-a-doctor-before-starting-a-new-diet/ Thu, 25 Mar 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23452 It can be difficult to know where to begin when you want to lose weight. Fortunately, there’s plenty of diet information available online and at your local library. However, before you begin any new diet, it’s essential to run it by your doctor. Everyone can, and should, be exercising and maintaining their fitness levels. If...

The post Why Should You Consult A Doctor Before Starting A New Diet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It can be difficult to know where to begin when you want to lose weight. Fortunately, there’s plenty of diet information available online and at your local library. However, before you begin any new diet, it’s essential to run it by your doctor.

Everyone can, and should, be exercising and maintaining their fitness levels. If you have a health issue – such as heart disease – your doctor may order a stress test before starting a new exercise programme. This is because they want to ensure that the diet plan is safe for you and that hypothetically dangerous medications are not being used with weight loss.

Also, people with certain medical illnesses – such as kidney disease – may need to avoid certain diet plans:

  • Diets that recommend high protein intake;
  • Individuals who suffer from high blood pressure or – alternatively – heart failure should avoid diets which are high in salt.

If You Have A BMI Over 30

Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is the measurement which is used to determine your body mass to height ratio. Before beginning any diet programme, you should figure out your BMI. This is relatively easy to do.

In order to determine your BMI, you need to know your weight in kilograms, as well as your height, metered squared. You will then need to divide your weight by your height (kg/m2). Your BMI end result will fall into a range:

  • If you have a BMI which is below 18.5, you are considered to be underweight.
  • If you fall anywhere between 18.5 as well as 24.9, you are considered to have a normal weight.
  • If you have a BMI of between 25 and 29.9, this figure is considered as overweight.
  • You are considered obese if you have a BMI higher than 30.

If you fall into the obese BMI category, you need to consult with a doctor prior to starting a new diet. This is because individuals who suffer from obesity are at a greater risk of experiencing health problems as well as complications. These possible risks may be avoided if a doctor guides you during the weight loss process.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - diet

Don’t Cut Out Anything Without Medical Advice

Some diets urge you to cut out specific food groups. Before cutting any foods out of your diet, you should be consulting with a doctor in order to ensure that it won’t harm your overall health as well as put you at higher risk for gaining the weight back.

If you limit your diet so that a food group, such as carbs for instance, doesn’t exist in it anymore, this could lead to a shortage of nutrients. This may put you at risk for losing muscle mass and complications such as brittle bones as well as organ damage. Furthermore, if you start to eat “normally” again, your weight is likely to come back because your body will have been starved for the element and will try to conserve it in case it gets “starved” again.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a nutrition expert? If you do then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post Why Should You Consult A Doctor Before Starting A New Diet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Bear Plank Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - bear plank

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you dream of becoming a world-class personal trainer then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Bear Plank Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The V-Sit Exercise? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - v sit

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a sought-after personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The V-Sit Exercise? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Can I Exercise When I Have The Flu? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to explore the exciting world of fitness as a career? If you do, check out our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Can I Exercise When I Have The Flu? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Pilates Can Work Wonders For Your Health? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-pilates-can-work-wonders-for-your-health-learn-more/ Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23404 As an approach to fitness which emphasises strength, flexibility as well as precision, Pilates is often compared and contrasted with yoga owing to their health benefits. Indeed, even though the advantages to be gleaned from yoga often coincide with Pilates, the latter nevertheless offers many unique benefits to bodily health and performance. If you have...

The post Why Pilates Can Work Wonders For Your Health? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As an approach to fitness which emphasises strength, flexibility as well as precision, Pilates is often compared and contrasted with yoga owing to their health benefits. Indeed, even though the advantages to be gleaned from yoga often coincide with Pilates, the latter nevertheless offers many unique benefits to bodily health and performance.

If you have never tried out Pilates, chances are that you could have a few ideas of what a class entails in addition to the common benefits. Many fitness experts will eagerly attest to the benefits that a Pilates practice offers in both body as well as mind.

Pilates is so effective, and is also so powerful, that when it is properly taught, it can make your entire body stronger – as well as more flexible – in no time at all. Besides strength and flexibility, Pilates can help with everything from enhanced posture to better breathing, greater mood as well as noticeable weight loss as well as tone. The effects can even be felt after a one single class, and after a week or month, chances are very good that you will be hooked for life.

Entire Body Fitness

As a holistic approach toward physical fitness, Pilates promotes strength as well as soundness throughout your whole body. As Pilates utilises all of your body’s areas and muscles, regular practice with a qualified Pilates trainer will eventually help you to attain more energetic physical health from head to toe

Pilates Is Adaptable To Different Fitness Levels

One of the ultimate things about Pilates is its accessibility to people at all physical fitness levels. There is a broad range of different sorts of Pilates classes and techniques which cater to everyone from seasoned athletes to older adults who are recovering from recent injuries.

Improved Flexibility

Pilates puts a premium focus on flexibility – and for good reason. Improving your flexibility as well as mobility can be fundamental to unlocking your body’s physical fitness potential by giving the range of motion which you need in order to excel at all other forms of physical performance and training. Examples are running and swimming to intensive weight training.

Whether you are a senior who is starting to exercise, an athlete, or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement will apply to you. Going from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, the workouts can suit individuals. There are endless ways you can modify the exercises and even specific considerations for Pilates for men.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about becoming a Pilates instructor? If you do then you need to check out our Pilates Instructor Course. Read more about it here.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post Why Pilates Can Work Wonders For Your Health? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Ankle Weights? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - ankle weights

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a master exercise practitioner? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Course. Read more here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Are The Benefits Of Ankle Weights? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Hip Hike Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - hip hike exercise

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

The post What Is The Hip Hike Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Long Does It Take to Restore Lost Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post How Long Does It Take to Restore Lost Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is Aqua Aerobics Good For You? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Is Aqua Aerobics Good For You? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Use Fitness To Ease Stress? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

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

The post How To Use Fitness To Ease Stress? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Exercise Without Gym Equipment? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post How To Exercise Without Gym Equipment? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Boost Brain Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Boost Brain Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What Upper Body Strength Training Should Runners Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What Upper Body Strength Training Should Runners Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Turkish Get-Up Exercise? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Turkish Get-Up Exercise? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Will Exercise Change My Life? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Will Exercise Change My Life? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Best Exercise For An Outdoor Cardio Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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).

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workout

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Best Exercise For An Outdoor Cardio Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Do Kettlebells Do For Your Body? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Do Kettlebells Do For Your Body? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Integrate Into Your Workday? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercises

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Are The Best Exercises To Integrate Into Your Workday? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Elements Of A Balanced Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What Are The Elements Of A Balanced Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is Interval Running? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-is-interval-running-learn-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23007 Run extremely quickly for a short distance and then slow down for a little bit in order to recover. Do it all again. Interval running boils down to this simple formula – and offers runners a route towards continuous improvement. Interval running is going to increase your level of fitness much faster than pretty much...

The post What Is Interval Running? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Run extremely quickly for a short distance and then slow down for a little bit in order to recover. Do it all again. Interval running boils down to this simple formula – and offers runners a route towards continuous improvement.

Interval running is going to increase your level of fitness much faster than pretty much any other type of running. Giving yourself a breather between segments of fast running gives you the opportunity to handle more of it, delivering a greater stimulus to your heart, lungs and muscles.

Making the assumption that you are in great physical condition and have built up a reasonable aerobic base (in other words, you’re comfortable at sustained running for a period of 30 minutes or more on a regular basis), interval running can be your best choice for improving fitness, establishing running economy as well as getting faster.

It is not necessary for you to be a competitive athlete in order to make effective usage of intervals in your training. With interval training you can improve your running ability whether you run a 10-minute mile or a 20-minute 5K.

How It Works

An interval running plan fluctuates between periods of intense, fast paces that are followed by less-intense recovery periods. During this type of running you push yourself close to your peak heart rate during a brief sprint. After this, you then allow it to go back down as you ease back to an easy jog.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is an enormously popular fitness trend that is promoted by personal trainers and fitness bloggers galore. However, few people actually understand the mechanics behind this form of exercise and why it’s so effective.

Why All Runners Should Do Interval Running

What’s the point of changing up your pace throughout a run? Interval running workouts that consist of short bursts of intense exercise that are followed by lower-intensity recovery periods give you similar benefits as HIIT workouts.

You will burn more calories faster, you challenge your strength and endurance, and it also helps to prepare you for an actual race where you probably won’t maintain the exact same pace for the whole time.

Interval running has the result of improving your performance more than training at moderate intensities. Runners who are newbies to interval training will see:

  • Significant and rapid improvements in VO2 max, which is a marker of cardiovascular health (or how efficiently your body makes use of oxygen);
  • Increased muscle size, strength and power;
  • Increased overall endurance; and
  • Probably improved energy throughout the day.

As you’re switching things up, you’re a lot less likely to get bored.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - interval running

Things To Watch Out For

You could very well fall in love with the sensational feeling of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and of putting in your maximum effort. However, don’t overdo it. You should be enjoying the benefits of interval running in moderation, on average three times per week. Warm-ups and cool downs are always necessary. Stretching is something you definitely can’t skimp out on..

As with any manner of run, the right equipment is required. Wear men’s cross training shoes or proper ladies sneakers that will provide your feet with the cushioned support they’ll need during your interval runs. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to coach athletes in sports such as running then you need to do our Advanced Sports Conditioning Coach Course. Read more about it here.

sport coach registration button

The post What Is Interval Running? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is Hot Pilates? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-is-hot-pilates-learn-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22952 By turning up the heat you can take your workout to an entirely new level. This is absolutely the case for Pilates. Hot Pilates is a full-body workout with a brutal core sequence that is combined with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) in a room that is heated up to 34 degrees. What Can You...

The post What Is Hot Pilates? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
By turning up the heat you can take your workout to an entirely new level. This is absolutely the case for Pilates. Hot Pilates is a full-body workout with a brutal core sequence that is combined with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) in a room that is heated up to 34 degrees.

What Can You Expect In A Hot Pilates Class?

Hot Pilates classes differ from studio to studio (as opposed to hot yoga, which often follows a set routine). But, in a nutshell, you’ll do high-intensity strengthening moves such as squats, lunges, and leg lifts in a heated room with a high humidity.

Hot Pilates is responsible for creating long lean muscle mass, burns fat as well as increasing fitness levels. It creates a stronger core, improves circulation as well as increasing flexibility. It is performed on a yoga mat which makes it zero impact, allows your joints and muscles to be protected from the pounding of other exercises such as running and jumping.

Hot Pilates combines both cardio and muscle toning in a heated room. The HIIT keeps your heart rate up, which assists you to burn fat. The Pilates principles are responsible for sculpting your body to create long lean muscle mass. The heat is responsible for loosening up the muscles quickly. The humidity makes you sweat which elevates your heart rate, boosts metabolism, and promotes detoxification.

The Benefits Of Hot Pilates

Increases Your Metabolism And Helps You With Losing Weight

The heat increases your heart rate, without having to do anything. This small detail turns a regular Pilates class into a cardio-infused workout which is amazing for the entire cardiovascular system. This is because it increases cardiovascular abilities as well as increases the amount of calories burned in and after class. In addition, it speeds up the metabolism.

It Assists With Building Focus And Concentration

A hot room increases intensity. When you’re doing lunges and squats with sweat dripping from your face, all you may want to do is stop the exercise. However, when you home in on your will power, focus as well as determination.

Hot Pilates assists to build self-belief in what you are able to achieve. It creates a positive mindset which you can take out and apply in your daily life.

It Assists With Maintaining Glowing Skin

When you sweat, you are expelling dirt and grime from your pores. And sweat also assists with keeping skin moist and hydrated. This can be very valuable in the winter when we cover up and make use of a lot of artificial heating. The result of this is that your skin is less likely to experience breakouts or dryness and you’ll develop a natural glow only given by healthy and happy skin.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you are keen on becoming a Pilates Instructor then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post What Is Hot Pilates? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Forearm Exercises With Kettlebells. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - kettlebells

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Forearm Exercises With Kettlebells. Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Central Nervous System Fatigue And How Can It Affect Your Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workouts

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is Central Nervous System Fatigue And How Can It Affect Your Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Our Most Successful Way Of Adding Value To Your Cardiovascular Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Our Most Successful Way Of Adding Value To Your Cardiovascular Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is Yin Yoga? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-is-yin-yoga-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22817 Yin yoga targets your deep connective tissues, such as your fascia, ligaments, joints as well as bones. It’s slower and more meditative which gives you space to turn inward and tune into both your mind and the physical feelings of your body. As you’re holding asanas for a longer period of time than you would...

The post What Is Yin Yoga? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yin yoga targets your deep connective tissues, such as your fascia, ligaments, joints as well as bones. It’s slower and more meditative which gives you space to turn inward and tune into both your mind and the physical feelings of your body.

As you’re holding asanas for a longer period of time than you would in other, more traditional types of yoga, yin yoga assists you with lengthening and stretching those seldom-used tissues while – at the same time – teaching you how to breathe through the burn and sit with your thoughts.

What Is The History Behind Yin Yoga?

The practice of yin yoga is built on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles which believe that there are pathways of Qi (energy) that run through our bodies. By stretching, as well as deepening, into poses you’re opening up any blockages and releasing that energy to flow freely.

The practice of Yin Yoga was introduced in North America in the late 1970s by the martial arts champion Paulie Zink. In the late 1970s, Zink began to teach a synthesis of hatha yoga with Taoist yoga, as well as postures, movements and insights that he had developed himself. He later called this synthesis “Yin and Yang yoga,” or “Yin Yoga” for short.

What Are The Benefits Of Yin Yoga?

Our body’s tissues may be revived by a good long soak in the same way that an old, stiff sponge can. As you are holding a yin pose, the subtle release which takes you deeper into the pose is the tissues which are lengthening, hydrating, and becoming more pliable.  If you pay close attention, you are able to sense the tissues being stretched, squeezed, twisted, and compressed. A yin practice may leave you feeling as though you’ve just had a massage.

The simplicity of a yin yoga practice gives us the opportunity to return to our bodies and to clearly see just how remarkable we really are. Travelling into the deeper layers of ourselves, we tune into our innermost workings, connecting to respiratory as well as circulatory functions, internal organs, and feelings within the muscles and joints. This increased awareness of the physiological processes of the body eventually moves us closer to santosha, or happiness.

As Yin poses are held for a long time, we get a great opportunity to be still with our thoughts. When you allow yourself the opportunity to stay present and feel the near-imperceptible shifts which occur while holding a yin posture, time opens up. Deadlines, obligations, pressing matters, and to-do lists fade to the background, so leaving tremendous space for rest and renewal.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to take a deep dive into the practice of Yin Yoga, you need to master the yoga basics. Check out our Yoga Instructor Course and see how you can make this dream a reality.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post What Is Yin Yoga? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Pilates Can Benefit Your Cycling? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-pilates-can-benefit-your-cycling-find-out-more/ Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22804 Pilates is the ideal cross-training secret, which will benefit your cycling, that you’ll be wishing you tried sooner. The century-old practice, which was originally named “Contrology”, was created around six key principles: Breath, Concentration, Centring, Control, Precision, as well as Flow These principles help you to connect your mind with your body in addition to...

The post How Pilates Can Benefit Your Cycling? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is the ideal cross-training secret, which will benefit your cycling, that you’ll be wishing you tried sooner. The century-old practice, which was originally named “Contrology”, was created around six key principles:

  • Breath,
  • Concentration,
  • Centring,
  • Control,
  • Precision, as well as
  • Flow

These principles help you to connect your mind with your body in addition to focusing on the quality of the exercise over quantity. This is wonderful news if you’re short on time.

As a consequence, Pilates is an effective as well as worthwhile addition to every part of your training routine. Even if you are not actively training for a race and you just cycle or run for the sheer joy of it, Pilates will help your performance in, and enjoyment of, cycling.

Improved Core Strength

Pilates is responsible for targeting the core muscles, particularly the abdominals, hips and glutes. Being stronger in your core makes sure that cycling is much easier as well as more efficient.

Strengthening your core, or stability muscles, by practising Pilates also helps you to balance on your bike by keeping your spine in a stable position while the limbs move.  This is helpful for competitive cyclists in terms of performance improvement, and for the amateur cyclist going to work or the shops and making the ride it safer and more efficient.

Having a strong and stable foundation will help you in being able to generate more power through your legs.  This in turn will make you faster as well as more efficient on your bike.

Improved Alignment

In addition to core stability, your cycling performance will also benefit from the improved limb alignment which Pilates offers. When your legs are aligned well, from the hip joint down to your feet, this will enable you to utilise the strength in your muscles more efficiently so making it easier to cycle.  This equal distribution of your muscle strength will also lessen the risk of injury on your bike. Pilates is all about moving about with ease and which comes with enhancing the alignment of your limbs for optimal functioning of your muscles as well as your body as a whole.

Pilates Exercises To Enhance Core Strength

Oblique Crunch With Step Out

Begin in a forearm plank. Have your elbows under shoulders. Make sure that your core, as well as your glutes, are engaged so that your body forms a dead-straight straight line from your head to your heels. Step right foot out about 8 cm towards the right, then return to your starting position. Bend your left knee and then drive it up towards your left triceps. Return to your starting position. Perform 10 repetitions and then repeat on the opposite side. Complete two sets.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a guru at Pilates? If you do, then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

 

The post How Pilates Can Benefit Your Cycling? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Improve Muscular Endurance? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Improve Muscular Endurance? Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Pillars Of An Employee Wellness Programme? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-pillars-of-an-employee-wellness-programme/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22792 Employee wellness programmes are designed in order to educate, support as well as encourage the well-being of employees by creating an organisation-wide culture of health. Providing an employee wellness programme, that goes beyond the traditional wellness programme, allows you to nurture healthy habits among your staff members. In short, your employees become healthier which can...

The post What Are The Pillars Of An Employee Wellness Programme? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Employee wellness programmes are designed in order to educate, support as well as encourage the well-being of employees by creating an organisation-wide culture of health. Providing an employee wellness programme, that goes beyond the traditional wellness programme, allows you to nurture healthy habits among your staff members.

In short, your employees become healthier which can lead to:

  • Higher employee morale,
  • Increased productivity,
  • Improved employee engagement,
  • Less health-care costs, and
  • A stronger workplace culture.

The employee wellness movement has brought the deep connection to light between individual health and business productivity as well as growth. Research has found that well-run, targeted employee wellness programs may improve employee health, productivity, talent attraction and retention. In addition, these types of programmes might improve a business’s overall performance.

The Increasing Popularity Of Employee Wellness Programmes

Employee wellness programmes are becoming more popular as organisations are seeing how positive the impacts can be when they focus on the health of their employees. Too many men and women associate their job with stress, unhappiness, pain in addition to an overall feeling of being unhealthy. Employees spend a significant percentage of their life at work, so being unhealthy is not an option.

Between 2013 and 2017, the global employee wellness economy grew from R51.1 trillion to R63.1 trillion. During this period, the definition of wellness has changed dramatically, particularly as it connects with the workplace. Employee anticipations of wellness programs have changed. The modern workforce expects workplace wellness programmes are multidimensional and all-encompassing.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - wellness programme

All-Encompassing Programmes

Grokker’s work – Wellbeing In The Modern Workplace: Your Buyers Guide to the New Generation of Employee Wellbeing Solutions – makes the statement that “as employers and employees have connected the dots between health as well as job performance (not to mention health-care costs), employee wellness programmes are undergoing a massive reboot so that they can do more than just help employees manage health risk.

Today’s employee wellness programmes, unlike those in the 70s and 80s, aren’t simply focused on tobacco bans, gym subsidies in addition to healthy snacks. Rather, today these programmes must address employees’ overarching health needs, which range from financial well-being to mental health. Employee wellness programmes are now playing a key role in providing employees what they want from a company: purpose, belonging, and balance.

Every successful employee wellness programme has the right leadership as well as management in place so that positive ROI may be ensured. Without it, your programme is doomed from the very beginning. Management and leadership has to be 110% committed to your cause. If done right, this is going to create a positive wave of cultural change in your company that can’t be stopped. However, if management and your leadership team are not on board, it will tough to create that positive momentum.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about the pillars of wellness? If you are then you need to become a health and wellness coach with us! Find out how to do this here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post What Are The Pillars Of An Employee Wellness Programme? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Both Men And Women Can Reap The Benefits Of Resistance Training Later In Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Both Men And Women Can Reap The Benefits Of Resistance Training Later In Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercise Safely On The Road With These Pro Tips appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Exercise Safely On The Road With These Pro Tips appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Strength Training Can Improve Your Sleep Quality appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Strength Training Can Improve Your Sleep Quality appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Aerobics Can Make Your Brain Sharp? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Aerobics Can Make Your Brain Sharp? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The Best Workout To Help You Accomplish Your Health Goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post The Best Workout To Help You Accomplish Your Health Goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 5 Trends That Will Shape The Fitness Industry In 2021 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

  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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post 5 Trends That Will Shape The Fitness Industry In 2021 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Reach Your Fitness Goals In 2021? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness goals

  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

The post How To Reach Your Fitness Goals In 2021? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What Are The Best Workout Routines For Men? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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!

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Are The Best Workout Routines For Men? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Does Exercise Improve Metabolic Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-does-exercise-improve-metabolic-health/ Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22479 You might think of yourself as having a slow metabolism or being one of the lucky ones with a very fast one, but have you ever thought about whether it is possible to change your metabolism? Metabolism may be affected by many factors, such as how old you are, your diet, weight, sleep patterns, and...

The post How Does Exercise Improve Metabolic Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You might think of yourself as having a slow metabolism or being one of the lucky ones with a very fast one, but have you ever thought about whether it is possible to change your metabolism? Metabolism may be affected by many factors, such as how old you are, your diet, weight, sleep patterns, and even your genetics, but there is evidence suggesting that you can improve it with exercise.

 How Does Metabolism Work?

Your metabolism is, simply put, the process whereby your body converts fuel (food and drink) into energy. This process takes place all the time, even when you are at rest as the energy produced is used for breathing, growing or repairing cells, and circulating your blood (among other things). When you are moving your metabolic rate will increase as the more activity you are doing, the more energy is required to fuel your body.

There are many different factors that influence your metabolism, such as those mentioned above, like age and weight, and your baseline metabolism is determined based on those factors. Every day, your body burns a specified amount of calories to simply maintain your body. However, there are two extra factors that influence your daily calorie burn:

  • Food intake and process: Energy is required when your body is processing the food you are eating, which will burn more calories. Your dietary choices will affect how much energy you are taking in and storing, versus burning off.
  • Physical activity and exercise: All activity you perform throughout the day, from walking around your house to going to the gym, burns calories. The more activity you perform, the more calories are burned (If you are consuming significantly more calories than you are burning, it is more probable that you will gain weight).

While it can seem like some people are blessed with an incredible metabolism that allows them to eat whatever they want and not need to burn it off, everyone can improve and activate their metabolism!

 The Effect Of Exercise

Unfortunately, owing to metabolism being based on genetics, gender, and age, you cannot drastically change your baseline metabolism. However, you can maintain and boost your current metabolism!

Muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells, so you will be improving your metabolism by increasing your muscle mass. Therefore, any exercise will be an improvement! But it goes further than this because as we age our muscles begin to lose mass, but if you are consistently active you can slow down the effects and keep your metabolism running at a healthier level for a longer period of time.

It is important to challenge your muscles and regularly exercise your body. To see the best results, you need to perform high-intensity activities, cardio, and weight-lifting exercises which will allow you to build muscle, improve stamina, and maintain a consistent metabolic rate.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Improving metabolic health is vital to help you remain in tip-top shape. Make sure that you know how to keep your nutrition in check by doing our Specialised Nutrition Course. Read more about it here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post How Does Exercise Improve Metabolic Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Best Workout For Calf Muscle Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Best Workout For Calf Muscle Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Exercises Should You Do In The Morning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercises

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Exercises Should You Do In The Morning? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Should You Eat Before And After A Run? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-should-you-eat-before-and-after-a-run/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22397 As a runner, your diet and what you eat are important not only for maintaining good health but also to promote peak performance while you’re on the road. Proper nutrition as well as hydration can make or break a workout or race. In addition, it can also affect how you feel, work, and think. Good...

The post What Should You Eat Before And After A Run? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As a runner, your diet and what you eat are important not only for maintaining good health but also to promote peak performance while you’re on the road. Proper nutrition as well as hydration can make or break a workout or race. In addition, it can also affect how you feel, work, and think. Good nutrition for a runner is more than just loading up on carbs because your body also requires protein and fat.

Our bodies are complex machines. Running is a fantastic way to make sure that you keep yourself fit as well as healthy however there’s more to it than just putting your running shoes on. What you eat before and after a run can make a world of difference in your performance and well-being.

Nutrition throughout the entire day, weeks as well as months has an impact on all your workouts. Thinking about nutrition as an aspect of training will assist you with optimising all your runs and allowing your muscles to recover as well as adapt.

What To Eat Before A Run

When you start a run, you should be feeling neither starved nor stuffed. You don’t want to eat directly before running as this could lead to cramping or annoying side stitches. However, running on an empty stomach could cause you to run out of energy and then leave you feeling extremely fatigued during your time on the track.

Deciding what and when to eat prior to a run takes some time for each runner to figure out. If you are on the road for an hour or less, you typically don’t need to load up on carbs before you start running. Studies have found that, during moderate-intensity running which up to 90 minutes, no substantial quantities of glycogen are depleted from the working muscles.

Your day-to-day carb intake is individual and depends on your body type as well as activity level, however if you’re running to lose weight, remember that you don’t want to increase carbs just for the sake of believing that it will help your run.

Rather than worrying about loading up on carbs, focus on carbs which are easy digesting so they don’t sit in your stomach. Mixing blueberries, a banana, and Greek yogurt into a smoothie is a great pre-run meal that provides you sufficient amounts of carbs, protein, and fat while making sure that you keep your calorie count low.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - eat

What To Eat After A Run

Once you’ve logged the kilometres, have a bite within an hour in order to reap the most rewards. When you’re running, you’re breaking down – as well as stressing – your muscles the time. When you get stronger is during the period of recovery.

After your run, reach for a meal with a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 ratio of carbs to protein. This is dependent  on the length as well as intensity of the run. If you ran for 60 minutes or less a 2-to-1 will do because carbs are more important as these replenish the glycogen stores (which is the go-to energy source) in your muscles.

Already know the power of drinking chocolate milk post-workout? Other choices with the correct ratio include:

  • A berry and banana smoothie that is mixed in with a scoop of protein powder,
  • A protein bar, or
  • A cup of chocolate pea protein milk.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about sports nutrition? If you do, then you should consider doing our Sports Nutrition Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post What Should You Eat Before And After A Run? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Exercises Are Key In Developing Muscle Mass? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What Exercises Are Key In Developing Muscle Mass? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Do Strength Training Without Weights? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - strength

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Do Strength Training Without Weights? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Create An Attractive Yoga Space At Home appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post How To Create An Attractive Yoga Space At Home appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Build A Positive Attitude Towards Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

The post How To Build A Positive Attitude Towards Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post Why Strength Training Is As Essential As Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Strength Training Is As Essential As Cardio? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Benefits Of Training Like A Professional Football Player? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-training-like-a-professional-football-player/ Wed, 06 Jan 2021 05:05:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22253 When it comes to the world of sport, there’s no denying that football players are in the best possible shape throughout the season. Football is one of the highest-ranking cardiovascular fitness rankings, and with good reason. So how are they able to reach peak physical form – and maintain it? The Benefits Of Training Like...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Training Like A Professional Football Player? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to the world of sport, there’s no denying that football players are in the best possible shape throughout the season. Football is one of the highest-ranking cardiovascular fitness rankings, and with good reason. So how are they able to reach peak physical form – and maintain it?

The Benefits Of Training Like A Footballer

  1. Improved stamina and endurance
  2. It provides a full-body workout
  3. Improved strength and agility
  4. Improved core stability
  5. It can facilitate weight loss

Tips For Training Like A Pro Footballer

  1. Interval training: Footballers need to be able to accelerate their speed and performance at the drop of a hat, which means that players need to have the ability access short term power and long-term stamina in order to perform optimally. Interval training is the best way to ensure that players are able to do so. Alternating speeds, inclines and resistance levels are a few options that can be utilised during interval training.
  2. Lower body workouts: Footballers need to have strong legs to keep up with the game and kick the ball. A strong core is also essential when it comes to football, is it creates a strong foundation to power the body. Planks, twists, crunches, leg raises, and extensions, sit-ups and back extensions can all be utilised to strengthen the lower body.
  3. Work on your balance: to improve flexibility and coordination, try to incorporate balancing exercises in your routine. Something as straightforward as standing on one leg can assist you in strengthening your legs, balance, and coordination. Resistance bands can also assist you in targeting certain areas. This will assist you in reducing the risk of injury when training and playing in a game.
  4. It’s all in the diet: It should come as no surprise that a balanced diet and ensuring you consume enough calories all play a role in your physical performance.

Drills To Improve Your Performance

  1. Running for days: Interval training improves stamina and allows the player to sprint full out before returning to a simple jog – and then repeating this throughout the game. Try to spend four minutes jogging, followed by four minutes of full out sprinting. If you cannot make it through the full four minutes, try starting with two and work your way up.
  2. It’s all about speed: To maximise your ability to sprint in short bursts will help push you ahead. Weighted sled pulls or using bungee cords are a great way to work on this aspect of your training.
  3. More power: Being able to turn and navigate quickly, football players need to exert maximum effort to maintain speed while moving around the field. Plyometric movements, for example, box jumps, will give you the ultimate competitive edge in terms of power, while traditional drills such as shuttle runs can improve your agility.

While all of these tips can keep you in tip-top shape, you cannot underestimate the power of a good rest day. Your body needs time to recover as well as repair itself to reduce the risk of injury and keep you in top form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Proper training of football players is something that a football coach needs to know. Keen on becoming a football coach yourself? Follow this link to find out more.

sport coach registration button

The post What Are The Benefits Of Training Like A Professional Football Player? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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 –...

The post Jump Rope Vs. Running: Which One Offers A Better Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -jump rope

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Jump Rope Vs. Running: Which One Offers A Better Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Mistakes Do People Make When Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Mistakes Do People Make When Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercise Tips for Beginners. Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Exercise Tips for Beginners. Learn more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 5 Seated Core Workouts Which Are Ideal For People With Limited Mobility appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post 5 Seated Core Workouts Which Are Ideal For People With Limited Mobility appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
5 Crucial Yoga Poses for the Time-Poor Runner. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/5-crucial-yoga-poses-for-the-time-poor-runner/ Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:05:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22035 Runners often struggle to see the importance of anything other than running for exercise. However, if you’re a weekend warrior who pushes your body through long runs and race training, yoga should be an extremely important part of your weekly routine. And that doesn’t automatically mean stretching it out at a yoga studio — just...

The post 5 Crucial Yoga Poses for the Time-Poor Runner. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Runners often struggle to see the importance of anything other than running for exercise. However, if you’re a weekend warrior who pushes your body through long runs and race training, yoga should be an extremely important part of your weekly routine. And that doesn’t automatically mean stretching it out at a yoga studio — just adopting a few simple poses as part of your usual pre-run ritual can improve flexibility and strength over time and help prevent injury.

Specifically, yoga can reduce the risk for common running injuries, such as plantar fascia and Achilles tendonitis. This allows the runner more efficient running with less effort, increased flexibility in hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves, and open supple hips to decrease knee strain and injury.

If you are a regular runner, you are probably familiar with the importance of stretching. Yoga is a particularly good way to stretch your body, but also provides many other benefits for runners such as improving your flexibility, range of motion, and your muscular strength. Thereby, it assists in improving your running ability and posture in the long term.

However, some people don’t have time to do a full yoga workout alongside their regular running routine. Luckily, yoga is full of fantastic poses that you can incorporate into your regular stretches to receive the benefits of yoga stretching, while not losing any time.

Here are five poses that are key for runners:

 

  1. Forward Fold

The forward fold stretches the hamstrings, lower back, and glutes – areas often overworked in runners.

Method: Standing feet hip-width apart slowly bend forward at the hips, folding forward. Hold onto your shins. Reach further towards your toes for a deeper stretch. Maintain this position for as long a period that you possibly can, but do not push yourself. If you are in pain, try bending over less (i.e. holding the shins, not the ankles) or holding the position for less time.

  1. Low Lunge

The low lunge stretches your hips and helps to build stretch in your hamstrings as well as your quads.

Method: From a plank position, step your left foot forward to between your hands. Lower your right knee and slide it back, pointing your toes back (the top of your foot should be on the floor). Then carefully lift your body upright and stretch your arms upwards with your face to the sky. Hold and breathe in and out deeply. Repeat on the other side.

  1. Reclining Pigeon

The reclining pigeon is a great move for releasing tightness in your hips.

Method:  Lie on your back and bring your knees up to your chest. Make a cross with your right ankle on your left thigh and then hold your left thigh with both hands. Point your left foot. Press your right leg against your leg to stretch. Repeat on the other side.

  1. Downward Dog

The downward dog or downward-facing face is a great pose for stretching your hamstrings.

Method: On your hands and knees (hands below shoulders and knees below your hips) slowly push your toes under and bring your knees off of the floor. Push your hips towards the sky and flatten your heels down as much as you can without discomfort. You can make sure that your knees remain bent slightly if necessary.

  1. Reclining Spinal Twist

This post is perfect for cooling down as it is a calm relaxing stretch that allows you to stretch you back and glutes.

Method: Lying on your back with your arms stretched out away from your body, lift your right knee up and slowly twist it over the left side of your body until it crosses your left leg and your knee is resting on the floor. Keep your head and chest on the ground and feel the twist stretch your back. Repeat on the other side.

All of these poses can be easily incorporated into a busy runner’s routine, from a quick stretch in the evening to a warmup before a run. If you have any pain while performing the yoga asana, you should stop immediately. It is crucial to comprehend the difference, on the one hand, between feeling a “stretch” and feeling pain on the other hand. Stretches should feel like a position that you can hold comfortably for 30 seconds.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you attracted to learning more about yoga – and possibly even becoming a yoga instructor yourself? If you are, then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post 5 Crucial Yoga Poses for the Time-Poor Runner. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Choose A Workout That Will Decrease Stress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - stress

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Choose A Workout That Will Decrease Stress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Is Your Resting Heart Rate A Gauge Of Your Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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).

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Is Your Resting Heart Rate A Gauge Of Your Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Intuitive Eating? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - intuitive eating

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post What Is Intuitive Eating? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post New Research: How Much Exercise Should We Do Each Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post New Research: How Much Exercise Should We Do Each Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Correct Stance For A Squat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Correct Stance For A Squat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Best Way To Breathe During Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Best Way To Breathe During Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Utilise A Foam Roller Before And After You Work Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Utilise A Foam Roller Before And After You Work Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post A Suspension Training Workout For Runners. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - suspension training

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post A Suspension Training Workout For Runners. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post Which Kettlebell Workouts Build Strength And Endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Which Kettlebell Workouts Build Strength And Endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Do Anaerobic Exercises Mean For Your Training Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Do Anaerobic Exercises Mean For Your Training Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Do Ice Baths Help In Post-Workout Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post Do Ice Baths Help In Post-Workout Recovery? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Important Is Being Flexible? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post How Important Is Being Flexible? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Can Strength Training Help With Lower Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Can Strength Training Help With Lower Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Chronic Shortages Of Micronutrients Lead To Health Problems https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-chronic-shortages-of-micronutrients-lead-to-health-problems/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:05:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21571 It’s a simple concept that we were taught as children and that we’ve started to teach ours, your body needs nutrients to survive and function properly. If we don’t give our body the nutrition it needs, we’ll see the consequences and suffer as a result. Mike Adams further supports this notion by saying: “Today more...

The post How Chronic Shortages Of Micronutrients Lead To Health Problems appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It’s a simple concept that we were taught as children and that we’ve started to teach ours, your body needs nutrients to survive and function properly. If we don’t give our body the nutrition it needs, we’ll see the consequences and suffer as a result.

Mike Adams further supports this notion by saying: “Today more than 95% of all chronic disease is as a result of food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical exercise.”

There are six crucial nutrients that our bodies need that its unable to produce. These include fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Fats, carbohydrates and protein are macronutrients because we need them in larger quantities. They provide energy and calories to fuel as throughout the day and promote metabolic reactions. For these reactions to take p0lace, we need certain enzymes, and this is where micronutrients come into play.

The Functions Of Micronutrients

  • B vitamins take energy from our food
  • Vitamin B12 promotes nerve functioning ad red blood cell development
  • Vitamin promotes vision, immunity and healthy skin
  • Vitamin D forms bone promotes immunity and functions as a hormone
  • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is responsible for protecting the body cells from being damaged
  • Vitamin K helps to form blood clots and put calcium into bone
  • Calcium assists with bone formation and facilitates muscle contraction
  • Iron transports oxygen
  • Magnesium assists in forming teeth and bone as well as regulate muscle contraction and nerve transmission
  • Potassium also facilitates muscle contraction as well as nerve conduction. It also maintains the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body.

This is not an extensive list; in fact, there are over 30 variants of vitamins and minerals that we should be consuming regularly. The amount that you need to consume of each will be determined by your age, weight and gender. If you have a deficiency of any of these vitamins and minerals, you will need to find a way to supplement them in your diet.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -micronutrients

The Most Under-Consumed Nutrients

Some of the most under-consumed nutrients include fibre, calcium, choline, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins D, A, C and E. These essential vitamins as well as minerals are needed for certain processes in the body. Without them, we run the risk of getting heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and other chronic health conditions.

Taking A Multivitamin

While a multivitamin can help you address some of your deficiencies, it cannot replace a healthy diet. Rather look into changing your diet before reaching for a multivitamin as it will give you all the nutrients your body needs.

You would not fill a petrol car with diesel and expect it to do what it’s supposed to do, so why would you treat your body any different? Just as your car needs petrol, brake fluid and all other kinds of liquids and greases to function, so does your body when it comes to nutrition. While micronutrients may be perceived as less important to macronutrients, this is not the case and this mindset needs to change is we are to address nutritional deficiencies properly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are enthusiastic just about learning more about nutrition, then you should really be doing our Specialised Nutrition Course. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post How Chronic Shortages Of Micronutrients Lead To Health Problems appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are Perturbations? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - perturbations

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Are Perturbations? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Are The Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise? Find out in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Alactacid System (ATP-PC)? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Alactacid System

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Having a good understanding about what happens to the body’s systems during exercise is crucial information that the personal trainer needs. If you are interested in learning more – and becoming a personal trainer – then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Alactacid System (ATP-PC)? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is Tempo Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

The post What Is Tempo Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The Biomechanical Analysis Of The Elliptical Machine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - elliptical machine

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post The Biomechanical Analysis Of The Elliptical Machine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Is The Cross Trainer? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cross trainer

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post What Is The Cross Trainer? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Is Boxercise Such An Intense Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - boxercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Is Boxercise Such An Intense Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Communicate Effectively As A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Communicate Effectively As A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Important Is Strength Training For Cricketers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Important Is Strength Training For Cricketers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is The Relationship Between Nutrition And Teeth? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-the-relationship-between-nutrition-and-teeth/ Sun, 08 Nov 2020 05:05:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20994 We all know that eating healthy foods is good for the body and mind, but did you know that it’s also good for your oral health? It makes perfect sense, if you give it some thought, that everything we eat comes into contact with our mouths and more importantly, our teeth. So how can we...

The post What Is The Relationship Between Nutrition And Teeth? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We all know that eating healthy foods is good for the body and mind, but did you know that it’s also good for your oral health? It makes perfect sense, if you give it some thought, that everything we eat comes into contact with our mouths and more importantly, our teeth. So how can we avoid damage to our pearly whites? To start with, we need to take a look at what can happen to them if we don’t and put or best foot forward to avoid it at all costs.

Tooth Decay, Cavities And Caries

This is the most common form of oral health issues. The main causes are usually not brushing properly, sugary snacks and drinks and the bacteria present in your mouth. The carbohydrates and sugars that we consume mix with the bacteria to form an acid that eats slowly eats away at your teeth’s enamel, eventually making holes or cavities in your teeth. In turn, the cavities can cause bad breath and even lead to tooth decay.

Oral Friendly Foods

Foods rich in calcium and phosphorous can assist in remineralising and filling any holes in your teeth. This includes meat, milk, cheese and nuts as well as green vegetables. Eating fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables can encourage the production of saliva, which can help to rinse away food particles which may be stuck on your mouth, gums, teeth and even tongue. Following that same train of thought, fruits and vegetables with higher water content can also dilute sugars which are present in the foods that we eat.

When it comes to choosing things to drink, always look for something low in sugar and carbohydrates, ideally with little to no acid. Try to drink water containing fluoride to hydrate your mouth, rinse out particles, neutralise acid and kill bacteria. Milk, which contains calcium, is great for strengthening teeth and also a great beverage option.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -teeth

Foods To Avoid

Acidic foods not only cause cavities but can also promote the development of canker sores. The most obvious examples include citrus fruits.

Carbohydrates and sugars combine with the bacteria in your mouth mix and in turn, become acidic. Baked goods such as bread, biscuits and pies are the most common culprits. Dried and preserved fruits also contain high levels of sugar.

Lemonade and cold drinks are should be avoided due to their acid and sugar content. Coffee, tea and cordials are also things to be mindful of.

Regular Check-Up

The best way in order to find out about your oral health and what you should be doing to keep your teeth in tip-top shape is to visit your dentist regularly. A visit will identify any potential issues and give you the insight needed to manage whatever condition you may have and preventing it from worsening.

If you feel any sensitivity or pain while eating or drinking, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. It isn’t one of those things which can be put off; it will become progressively worse and eventually be irreversible.

Contract Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are ready to discover more about nutrition then you should do our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post What Is The Relationship Between Nutrition And Teeth? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Olympic Lifts Increase Speed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Olympic Lifts Increase Speed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Should HIIT Workouts Be A Regular Part Of Your Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Should HIIT Workouts Be A Regular Part Of Your Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Train For Trail Running? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/how-to-train-for-trail-running/ Wed, 28 Oct 2020 05:05:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20811 Take the road less which is travelled and hit the trails on your next run. You won’t be alone. One of the recent surveys stated that the number of people who participate in trail running increased by 15% between the years of 2007 and 2008. The total number of trail races is also on the...

The post How To Train For Trail Running? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Take the road less which is travelled and hit the trails on your next run. You won’t be alone. One of the recent surveys stated that the number of people who participate in trail running increased by 15% between the years of 2007 and 2008. The total number of trail races is also on the rise, especially in the beginner-friendly 5 000 to 10 000 distances.

Trail running offers a fun challenge. In addition, it is a refreshing way to get outdoors as well as explore nature. Although your pace might suffer a little off-road, every step that you take challenges your hips, quadriceps as well as calves. This helps to improve balance, strength in addition to foot turnover. The bonus is that because of the softer terrain, trail running offers a lower risk of injury as opposed to running on hard roads or paved paths.

The Next Logical Step

Once you’ve undertaken a marathon, there are two ways to challenge yourself beyond:

  • Boost your distance into ultramarathon territory, or
  • Make the same distance more challenging by changing up your terrain.

Tackling a distance which is more than 26.2 can be intimidating to some individuals, but running a marathon on trails? That is much more accessible, which is part of the reason trail running participation has increased by 26.4% over the past three years.

However, running a marathon on the trail isn’t precisely the same thing as running one on the road. A trail run allows you to step outside the pace/splits construct of a road race as your kilometre pace is dictated more by the terrain as opposed to anything else.

And while there are pluses (such as less impact on your body versus running on pavement as well as better scenery), a trail marathon also comes with distinctive elevation changes, different strength requirements, and less aid on the course.

Trifocus Fitness Academy-trail running

Leave Your Watch at Home                                                        

Pace is the most significant difference between a road as well as a trail race. This is, obviously, besides the terrain. Throw your concept of time out of the window. It’s more about the distance as opposed to the time.

In fact, you should go into your trail running knowing that you could double your time on the trail versus the road. You need to change your expectations and also expect to go slower. If you don’t you’ll end up disappointed.

When you run a trail race, think of it as effort-sensitive versus time-sensitive. You need to be able to equate effort with the terrain that you’re on. On straight and flat terrain, it’s going to be simpler to hold a certain pace. However,  if you’re going up a ski slope and are then trying to maintain a certain pace, you’re going to blow up in the second half of the race.

Think Before You Move

Any type of running can be mindful running. However, while the road running gives you the opportunity to be mindful in a zoning-out sort of way, trail running needs you to be totally present. Trail running is a continuous physics problem. You’re always attempting to see what you can get away with.

One of the best things is for you to do is to get used to not looking down, however at least two or three steps ahead of where you actually are. Trail running can be frightening for runners who are anxious about perhaps tripping over – or rolling an ankle – rocks and roots. This means that it takes practice on the actual terrain which you’ll be racing on to get comfortable. Learn how to react as well as respond to the terrain. This requires a looser body in addition to more agility. And that only comes with practice.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about training people in other sports? If you do then you need to do our Sports Conditioning Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Train For Trail Running? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Exercise Your Mind And Body? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - yoga

The post How To Exercise Your Mind And Body? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Best Foods For Dealing With High Blood Pressure https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/the-best-foods-for-dealing-with-high-blood-pressure/ Thu, 22 Oct 2020 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20624 When it comes to managing high blood pressure, healthy food is almost as effective as medication. It’s also more easily accessible and a lot more affordable without the risk of side effects. All you need to do is the research and make the right choices – as easy as that. It’s essential to remember that...

The post The Best Foods For Dealing With High Blood Pressure appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to managing high blood pressure, healthy food is almost as effective as medication. It’s also more easily accessible and a lot more affordable without the risk of side effects. All you need to do is the research and make the right choices – as easy as that.

It’s essential to remember that although there are foods that can lower your blood pressure, there are also foods that can increase it. This has even led to a phenomenon called DASH – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

Whether you’re following a diet or plotting your way forward, the most important thing to remember is that it’s easier to focus on what you can eat than what you can’t. Foods to add to your blood pressure friendly diet will be things like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, while things to avoid would be salty, fatty and fried foods.

Healthy food choices will assist you in controlling your blood pressure while helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Four food groups to lower your blood pressure

Fruits

Fruits that are high in potassium, fibre and magnesium are ideal for lowering blood pressure as it can relax blood vessel walls and flush out sodium. Sweet fruits can also replace unhealthy desserts.

Blood pressure friendly fruits include raspberries, apples, pears, cantaloupe, apricots, oranges and prunes. Fresh fruits are always first prize, but you can buy canned versions that are low in sugar and salt.

Vegetables

In a similar fashion to fruit, vegetables high in fibre, potassium and magnesium are good for lowering your blood pressure. You may need to increase the serving size of the vegetables for them to be able to make a significant difference. There are extremely simple ways that you can achieve this, for example, adding vegetables to your smoothies or snacking on raw veggies throughout the day.

Blood pressure friendly vegetables include avocado, butternut, pumpkin, artichokes, beets, green peas, cauliflower, broccoli, okra, leafy greens, brussels sprouts, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Whole grains

Whole grains are rich in dietary fibre which is why they are healthier than the refined versions. Any easy switch to make would be to buy whole-grain versions of your pantry staples. For example, whole grain pasta or whole grains bread. A straightforward rule of thumb is to opt for brown instead of white.

Low-fat dairy

Enjoy the benefits of protein, calcium and vitamin. Still, without the extra fat. calcium is responsible for telling blood vessels to expand and contract, which is beneficial to managing blood pressure. Combining low-fat dairy with grains and fruits can take your blood pressure management to a tastier, more appetising level.

Legumes, seeds and nuts

For a boost of magnesium, try incorporating legumes, nuts and seeds into your diet. They’re also packed with fibre to protect your heart. They’re also convenient on the go snacks, although you need to look for packs that contain little to no salt.

Managing high blood pressure may seem daunting, but with a few simple adjustments to your diet, you will have the ability to take it on like a pro. Every bit helps and as soon as you start incorporating healthier versions of your favourite foods into your diet, you will begin to feel a major difference.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about nutrition then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - nutrition

The post The Best Foods For Dealing With High Blood Pressure appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post What Are Functional Exercises? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What Are Functional Exercises? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post A Guide to Battle Ropes. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post A Guide to Battle Ropes. Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Combining Pilates And HIIT Training Is A Good Idea appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post Why Combining Pilates And HIIT Training Is A Good Idea appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Exercise For Better Sleep? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post How To Exercise For Better Sleep? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Can You Exercise When Suffering From A Cold? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post Can You Exercise When Suffering From A Cold? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Men Should Start Taking Pilates? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-men-should-start-taking-pilates-find-out-more/ Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20347 If you of the opinion that Pilates is just ‘stretching’ for women who have dancer’s bodies, then you’re maybe not alone. However, you’re definitely wrong. While women are attracted to the practice for its all-but-assured results, men can reap the same benefits which include everything from strength as well as coordination to balance and flexibility...

The post Why Men Should Start Taking Pilates? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you of the opinion that Pilates is just ‘stretching’ for women who have dancer’s bodies, then you’re maybe not alone. However, you’re definitely wrong. While women are attracted to the practice for its all-but-assured results, men can reap the same benefits which include everything from strength as well as coordination to balance and flexibility – not to mention, mental clarity in addition to better posture.

It’s no wonder that the world’s biggest names from the worlds of basketball, football and baseball have been seen on the reformer machines. If you are afflicted by back pain, tight muscles or would like to appear taller or more toned  then Pilates is for you. Still need convincing? It was created by a man. Joseph Pilates created the discipline back in the early part of the 20th century, naming it Contrology as he felt his method uses the mind in order to control the muscles.

The Benefits Of Pilates For The Body

Core Strength

Encouraging greater core strength and stability, enhanced muscle tone and definition, as well as the advanced joint elasticity as well as flexibility, Pilates does a lot of good for the body. However, for some reason, men don’t seem to be taking part. As stated by a 2013 Sports Marketing Survey, an estimated 16 percent of Pilates participants are male. While that number has probably gone up a bit in the past few years, a lot of men are still missing out on the benefits Pilates has to offer.

The focus on core training makes Pilates an extremely effective technique for entire-body fitness. In addition, it builds a rock-solid foundation for cross-training or other types of sports as well as fitness disciplines. You could be a bit wobbly at first as every Pilates exercise focuses on making use of your core in order to power movement throughout your body and limbs. Pilates will often isolate your transverse abdominals, which are the base ab muscle under your burgeoning six-pack.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -men

Lengthening And Strengthening Muscles

You might have heard the term ‘lean muscle’ bandied about when you look into Pilates. While all muscle is really lean muscle, Pilates will assist you with lengthening your muscles while – at the same time – building strength.

Pilates exercises are a type of dynamic stretching. This means that you will be engaging one muscle group in order to lengthen an opposing muscle group. At first sight, you could see the subtlety of Pilates movements and fail to see that these movements are building strength.

Enhance Performance in Your Other Workouts

With any training or exercise routine, it is essential to cross-train. This will not only guarantee that you have aspects of both cardio and strength training in your week however it helps to prevent injuries and keep your workouts more interesting. And if you are looking for a new cross-training activity, Pilates might be the way to go. In addition, men who practise other activities see great results from cross-training with Pilates. For instance, weightlifters see the amount of weight they can lift increase and marathon runners notice their run times lower when they add Pilates to their routine.

Whichever Pilates class you decide to do keep in mind that you must be patient with yourself. The exercises may possibly not come easily at first however, with practice, these will. What could come easy for someone else may be challenging for you. There are things we all struggle with.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to become a Pilates Instructor then you need to do our Pilates Instructor course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post Why Men Should Start Taking Pilates? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post Can I Train With Kettlebells Every Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Can I Train With Kettlebells Every Day? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Cardio and Strength Training Are Both Equally Important appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post Why Cardio and Strength Training Are Both Equally Important appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post How To Use A Medicine Ball Correctly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Use A Medicine Ball Correctly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Restart Your Workout Routine? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workout routine

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How Restart Your Workout Routine? Learn more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post How To Make Walking More Of An Intense Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - workout

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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

The post How To Make Walking More Of An Intense Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates Workout Essentials for your Exercise Sessions https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/pilates-workout-essentials-for-your-exercise-sessions/ Fri, 25 Sep 2020 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20080 There are many advantages to Pilates, from increased flexibility and strength and better overall balance and stability to improved mental health and a connectedness to the body. However, one of the biggest advantages of this workout is that you can do it anywhere and you do not need any equipment to perform basic workouts. That...

The post Pilates Workout Essentials for your Exercise Sessions appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are many advantages to Pilates, from increased flexibility and strength and better overall balance and stability to improved mental health and a connectedness to the body. However, one of the biggest advantages of this workout is that you can do it anywhere and you do not need any equipment to perform basic workouts.

That being said, if you are a Pilates enthusiast over time, you might want to up your game and improve your experience and progress. In this case, you might be on the lookout for some equipment that will allow you to perform new moves and change up your normal practice. Whether you are looking for one piece to boost your home workout or wanting to set yourself up with a full home Pilates studio, here are our Pilates workout essentials:

  1. A Good Mat

This is the one piece of equipment that everyone who does Pilates will have, as it cushions your body from the floor and prevents injury. It is definitely worthwhile to invest in a quality mat that is thick enough to cushion and support you. Do your research into how long your mat lasts, how liable it is to shed or break, and how reliable its non-slip abilities are. Your mat plays a large role in your balance, support, and confidence when performing moves – so make sure that you will feel relaxed moving on it regularly.

  1. A Foam Roller

This a great addition for your home, whether you workout there or at a gym. It is the perfect reminder and encouragement to stretch properly throughout the week. The foam roller allows you to stretch muscles more deeply than when unsupported and can give you much improved results in the long run.

  1. A Pilates Magic Ring

If you are looking to boost your Pilates experience to another level, the Pilates magic ring is the best way to do so. Designed for Pilates, it allows you to do the moves with added resistance and therefore helps to improve your strength overall. There are a variety of magic rings available on the market, so make sure to do your research in order to find out which one is right for you.

 

  1. Quality Clothing

Pilates involves a lot of stretching and movement. If you feel uncomfortable or restricted by your clothing, you will find it harder to perform to the best of your ability. Many people also report feeling more inspired to work out when they have workout clothes that are beautiful and confidence-boosting. A properly fitting sports bra or workout top, as well as high waisted leggings, will help you to feel your best to perform at the best of your ability.

There are countless other things which you can add into your routine to boost your workouts, such as resistance bands, exercise balls, or even a reformer Pilates machine! However, the beauty of Pilates lies in its ability to be adjusted as little or as much as you like. You can begin by adding one or two pieces of equipment in and add more later if you want to, or you can keep it simple with just a quality mat and comfortable, supportive clothing.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If Pilates is something that you want to do regularly, then you may want to consider becoming a Pilates Instructor. For more info. about how to achieve this dream and make it a reality, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post Pilates Workout Essentials for your Exercise Sessions appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Pilates Workout will Target your Obliques? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-pilates-workout-will-target-your-obliques/ Wed, 23 Sep 2020 05:05:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20065 While you have probably heard many times before that Pilates will help you to create strong abs and an overall strengthened core, you might have struggled to figure out how it (or any other workout) can help to target your obliques. Oblique are the muscles that run along your sides from the bottom of your...

The post What Pilates Workout will Target your Obliques? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
While you have probably heard many times before that Pilates will help you to create strong abs and an overall strengthened core, you might have struggled to figure out how it (or any other workout) can help to target your obliques. Oblique are the muscles that run along your sides from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your hips.

There are actually two sets of oblique muscles, the internal and the external, that run in opposite diagonals to one another. They are engaged when you twist your body and when you bend sideways. They are also notoriously hard to work out, but when you learn how to engage them and work on them, you will see a huge improvement in the tightness of your core and the shape of your waist. Here are a few Pilates workouts that can help you to target those oblique muscles:

Criss Cross

This is a commonly used move that you might have come across before, but you might not have realised how useful it is for engaging your obliques.

  • Starting on your back place your hands behind your head with your elbows stretched out wide.
  • Raise your legs off the ground while making sure that your knees remain bent in a tabletop position.
  • With your head and chest slightly lifted pull in your right knee towards your left elbow as you twist your upper body to meet it. Keep your elbows wide throughout this. Repeat on the other side.

Side Plank With Hip Dips

This move is fantastic for the obliques, as well as the back and other ab muscles. It also helps to improve stability and can be easily adjusted according to skill or fitness level.

  • Lie down on one side and then prop yourself up onto your elbow, palm flat into the ground.
  • Stack your feet on top of one another (or bend your knees for more support).
  • Lift your hips off the floor and raise your free hand for balance.
  • Gradually lower yourself back to the floor and repeat for 10 reps. Repeat on the other side.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - pilatesTrifocus Fitness Academy - pilates

Curl Ups With Twist

This move is a great core exercise and adding the twist really targets your oblique muscles.

  • Lie supine with your knees bent while your feet are flat on the floor.
  • With your arms on the back of your neck (elbows out the sides) or using a small weight, curl your body up while keeping your lower back pressed into the mat and twist to one side.
  • Maintain for a few seconds before you lower back down. Repeat on the other side.

These exercises will help to target your oblique muscles, helping you to tone and strengthen your waist. This will help to slim your waist and assist in building deeper core strength, that will improve your overall ability to perform in your daily workout routine.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Pilates exercises target far more muscles than just your obliques – it’s a full-body workout! To learn more about this exercise form, you need to become a Pilates Instructor. For more information on how to do this, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post What Pilates Workout will Target your Obliques? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
5 Simple Pilates Exercises for Lower Abs https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/5-simple-pilates-exercises-for-lower-abs/ Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19970 If you have ever tried to achieve the flat and toned abs of the workout gurus of Instagram, you will probably have noticed how difficult it is to target your lower abs. It is easy to do crunches to tone the upper abs, but it is much harder to feel the burn across your lower...

The post 5 Simple Pilates Exercises for Lower Abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you have ever tried to achieve the flat and toned abs of the workout gurus of Instagram, you will probably have noticed how difficult it is to target your lower abs. It is easy to do crunches to tone the upper abs, but it is much harder to feel the burn across your lower abdominals.

However, if there was ever a workout that would be able to do it, it is Pilates. Notorious for its ability to build a stronger core, certain Pilates moves can help to target those elusive lower ab muscles and give you the core strength you have been searching for.

And the advantage of focusing on your lower abs is not just a flat stomach as those muscles are also important for helping you stabilise your back and pelvis as well as overall balance. When working your lower abs, make sure to focus on the muscles you are trying to work and take it slow and steady in order to see the best results.

5 Lower Ab Pilates exercises

  1. 90 Degree Static Press

This move is the perfect way to start off a workout as it will definitely warm up your abdominals!

  • Lying on your back with your knees lifted off the ground at a 90-degree angle keep your feet flexed towards the sky. Keep your head and shoulders pressed into the ground and press your palms onto the top of your thighs. Breathe in deeply. As you exhale engage your core and press your lower back into the floor as you press your thighs back into your hands. Hold for a second before releasing.
  1. U-Boat

This is a deceptively good move for the lower abs – don’t let the tiny movement fool you because this will engage your core intensely.

  • Sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, carefully lean back and rest your body on your elbows, with your hands facing towards your body. Engage your abdominals and slowly lift your legs (keeping the knees bent) up at a 90-degree angle. Holding this position and bring your legs over to the right side. Lower the legs to the middle and then over the right (tracing a ‘u’ shape in the air).
  1. Lift and Switch

This is a fantastic move for not just the lower abs but the entire core. It may take a little practice to get good at it but you can start small and then work your way up (a great way to see the progress that you have made).

  • Start on your back with your arms resting at your sides. Cross your feet at the ankles (or press the ankles together) and, using your core, lift your legs up straight. Hold for a second before bracing your abdominal muscles and lifting your lower body and legs off the ground (keeping your head and shoulders on the ground). Pause for a second before lowering yourself back down.

  1. Jackknife

This move will help you to engage your abs and improve your control over them.

  • Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms stretched back overhead. Press your lower back into the floor. Engage your abs. Pointing your toes and engaging the muscles in your legs and glutes, lift your legs and upper body off the ground to create a ‘V’ shape. Use your core to hold the position and slowly lower yourself back down to the mat.
  1. Plank Jack

This is a dynamic move that will help you to engage your core muscles and build strength in your spine, improving alignment.

– Begin from a plank position with your hands under your shoulders, toes pressed into the floor, and core engaged to support your back. Then jump your feet in and out, like you are performing star jumps or jumping jacks in the floor. Keep in mind that you need to keep your core and glutes engaged as you move.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Pilates is an exercise that works more than just your core. If you want to learn about the other exercises which Pilates offers then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Pilates

The post 5 Simple Pilates Exercises for Lower Abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Should You Stretch More Often? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post Why Should You Stretch More Often? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Health Benefits Of Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post What Are The Health Benefits Of Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Enhance Your Soccer Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/how-to-enhance-your-soccer-fitness/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 06:05:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19801 Few team sports around are as physically demanding as soccer is. The average professional soccer player now covers over 10km in a 90-minute match. At the moment, it’s not just about increasing lung capacity.  The pressures of the game have increased so much that being bigger, more powerful and explosive is more important than ever....

The post How To Enhance Your Soccer Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Few team sports around are as physically demanding as soccer is. The average professional soccer player now covers over 10km in a 90-minute match. At the moment, it’s not just about increasing lung capacity.  The pressures of the game have increased so much that being bigger, more powerful and explosive is more important than ever. So if you aspire to any half-decent level of football, you’ll need to work on your stamina.

Soccer is an intense as well as a demanding sport. To be a great soccer player, it is necessary for you to be in top physical condition. While practising with a team and participating in a competitive play can up your level of fitness, it’s also important to undertake some extra conditioning on the side. By increasing your stamina, enhancing your agility in addition to fine-tuning your footwork, you’ll be able to do better during games and even stay fit during the off-season.

Although natural talent certainly plays a pivotal role in a player’s performance on the soccer field, sufficient personal training is also of the utmost importance. While it is no secret that regular gym and field drills are an absolute necessity for players, home workouts can be equally beneficial.

Up Your Cardio

Get yourself on a treadmill or, alternatively, find any open space which you can run in. Interval training is not a traditional stamina-builder however it is what you’ll find most Premier League players doing in order to help them to improve their VO2 Max, which is the maximum rate at which someone’s body is able to consume oxygen during exercise. Hitting maximum sprinting at high tempo prior to jogging, and then going all out once more, allows them to build the stamina and flourish deep into added time.

Find Your Balance

The game of soccer is really a game of balance. Being able to elude defenders, jump over tackles in addition to just controlling your own body can be a difficult challenge. By creating a strong centre of gravity and building abdominal muscles, you can increase your sense of balance and control over movements. Creating a strong mid-section will also benefit your shot. With strong abdominal muscles your shot will be much harder and travel with a greater velocity.

Don’t Forget About The Plyometrics

As agility is so vital to soccer players, plyometric drills should form a part of each exercise routine. These drills usually consist of a lot of:

  • Hopping,
  • Jumping, as well as bounding exercises.

These are aimed at improving both explosive strength as well as coordination.  Even though plyometric boxes can be purchase from any respectable sporting goods store, anyone with a knack for DIY could easily make them at home. The exercises, which involve jumping onto and over the boxes, can boost a soccer player’s performance significantly. Studies have indeed indicated that regular involvement in plyometrics can decrease ground reaction times substantially, which enables players to react to plays at a much faster rate.

Why You Need To Work On Change Of Direction

It’s all very well and good if you’re fast however if that stops at straight line speed then you’ll be confined to the wings. Every soccer player should have the capacity to change direction at any second and do so quickly, without the danger of injury and making sure that the ball is well under control.

Traditional cone drills are a simple way in order to improve a player’s agility, including slalom runs as well as shuttle runs. Don’t forget the ball, either, because the real gamechanger is being able to run as well as turn at full tilt, but still keep the ball under control.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn the ins and outs of soccer coaching? If you do, then you need to study our Soccer Coaching Course. For more information, please follow this link.

The post How To Enhance Your Soccer Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is the PACER fitness test? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/what-is-the-pacer-fitness-test/ Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:22:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19777 The PACER (which stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test is a variation of the Beep Test. The PACER is part of the FitnessGram and Brockport test families. The FitnessGram PACER Test is a multistage aerobic capacity test which gradually gets more difficult as it goes on. This fitness test is a maximal aerobic...

The post What is the PACER fitness test? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The PACER (which stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test is a variation of the Beep Test. The PACER is part of the FitnessGram and Brockport test families. The FitnessGram PACER Test is a multistage aerobic capacity test which gradually gets more difficult as it goes on.

This fitness test is a maximal aerobic fitness test, where those being tested run 20m shuttles at increasing speeds. The speeds as well as levels of the 20-m PACER fitness test are based on the original details of the shuttle run test which was developed by Leger. There is also a 15m PACER fitness test for use where space is limited.

The PACER fitness text is seen as being a particular effective test for younger children as it’s seen as an enjoyable activity for them. It also assists them with building up their self-esteem as the kids who finish last, or are in the least shape, essentially finish the PACER fitness test first. This helps the kids stay in shape, too, but doesn’t force them to run laps or sprint around the gym or field in order to do so.

What Equipment Is Needed For the PACER Fitness Test?

You will require the following equipment to conduct the PACER test properly:

  • Flat non-slip surface,
  • Marking cones,
  • Up to a 20m measuring tape,
  • PACER test CD,
  • CD player, as well as
  • Recording sheets.

Before the text, explain the procedures to the participants. Screen of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare the forms and record basic information such as:

  • Age,
  • Height,
  • Body weight,
  • Gender, and
  • Test conditions (indoors/outdoors, weather, running surface).

Measure and mark out the course. In addition, perform a standard warm-up.

How The PACER Fitness Test Works

To complete the PACER fitness test, you’ll be required to follow a few fundamental steps. It’s important that you follow these carefully in order to avoid putting anyone, who is completing the PACER fitness test, at risk:

  • Mark off a 20-m course which allows enough room for each participant to have sufficient space to run. Utilise the set of cones in order to distinguish a clear path for each runner.
  • Play the PACER fitness test CD for the participants. This allows them to get used to it. The CD is intended to play for one-minute as well as to keep each runner on pace.
  • Position the runners at the starting line and then press play on the CD. Each runner must then run the full 20 metres, touch the line at the end of the 20 metres with their foot and wait for the CD to beep.
  • When it does, they are able to then pace themselves and run back to the starting place. Runners then wait for the following beep before repeating the run. They keep doing this until they are unable to get to the next line before the CD beeps.
  • The beeps will start off slow, so make sure to tell them to pace themselves before attempting the PACER fitness test. Once they are unable to reach the other end before a beep twice, they are finished.
  • Every 20-metre run counts as one lap. As a runner runs, have a partner at hand to mark down each lap that he runs. Once he does not make the run before the beep, they are finished. Their total laps completed amounts to their total score. The CD contains 21 minutes or 21 levels. The highest score wins at the PACER fitness test.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

In our Personal Training Diploma, we teach students how to measure other aspects of fitness using different fitness tests. To learn more about this diploma, please follow this link.

The post What is the PACER fitness test? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What You Should Know About Choosing A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal trainer

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What You Should Know About Choosing A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What You’ll Do In A Boxercise Class. Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - boxercise

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What You’ll Do In A Boxercise Class. Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Functional Fitness Helps You In Everyday Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How Functional Fitness Helps You In Everyday Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of CrossFit? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Are The Benefits Of CrossFit? Find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Are The Benefits Of Battle Ropes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Are The Benefits Of Battle Ropes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Best Vitamins And Minerals To Add In Childhood Nutrition? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/what-are-the-best-vitamins-and-minerals-to-add-in-childhood-nutrition/ Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:05:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19465 We need vitamins and minerals to grow, to see properly, to make bones, muscles and organs, and to battle infections. If we don’t get enough of all the vitamins and minerals, it can lead to serious problems. Vitamins and minerals are vital for healthy growth as well as development in children. Youngsters who eat a...

The post What Are The Best Vitamins And Minerals To Add In Childhood Nutrition? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We need vitamins and minerals to grow, to see properly, to make bones, muscles and organs, and to battle infections. If we don’t get enough of all the vitamins and minerals, it can lead to serious problems.

Vitamins and minerals are vital for healthy growth as well as development in children. Youngsters who eat a well-balanced diet do not normally need a vitamin or mineral supplement. However, some kids are at risk for deficiencies and may require a supplement.

Which Children Require Vitamin Supplements?

Given the truth of time-crunched parents, those well-rounded, home-cooked meals aren’t always a possibility. That’s why paediatricians may suggest a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement for:

  • Children who aren’t eating regular, balanced meals which are made from fresh, whole foods
  • Finicky eaters who simply aren’t getting enough nutritional value
  • Children with persistent medical conditions such as asthma or – alternatively – digestive problems, particularly if they’re taking medications. (Check to make sure to talk with your child’s doctor before beginning a supplement if your child is on medication.)
  • Children who consume a tonne of fast food, convenience food in addition to processed food
  • Kids who are on a vegetarian or a vegan diet (they may require an iron supplement), a dairy-free diet (they may require a calcium supplement), or other limited diets
  • Children who drink heaps of fizzy drinks as these can lead to leaching vitamins and minerals from their bodies

Vitamins Your Children Need

Vitamin A

You find vitamin A in liver, meat, milk, eggs, and orange fruit and veggies such as carrots as well as sweet potatoes. You require vitamin A for eyesight, skin, growth, development in addition to immune functioning.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

You will find vitamin B1 in fish, meat, yeast extracts (like Marmite), wholemeal breads as well as fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B1 assists with releasing energy from foods, so that the nervous system and muscles can work properly.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

You find vitamin B2 in milk, yoghurt, meat, cheese, yeast extracts, eggs, wholemeal breads as well as fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B2 assists with releasing energy from food.

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

You find Vitamin B3 in meat, fish, chicken, nuts as well as yeast extracts. Vitamin B3 also helps to release energy from food.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

You find vitamin B6 in meat, fish, wholegrain foods, vegetables and nuts. Vitamin B6 is responsible for releasing energy from protein and helps with red blood cell production in addition to brain functioning.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

You will find vitamin B12 in animal foods including meat, fish, eggs and milk, and also in some fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B12 assists promoting growth.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

You find vitamin C in fruits as well as vegetables, particularly citrus fruit,  kiwi fruit, capsicums and potatoes. Vitamin C develops collagen and helps you fight infections as well as absorb iron from food. It also maintains teeth, bones and gums in a healthy state. You could lose some vitamin C when you cook food.

Vitamin D

Our bodies make the vast majority of the vitamin D we need when we get sufficient direct sunlight on our skin. There are tiny amounts in oily fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, butter and margarine. Vitamin D assists you with absorbing calcium to keep bones strong and healthy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -childhood nutrition

Vitamin E

You will find vitamin E in sunflower and canola oils, margarine, seeds and nuts. Vitamin E improves your immune system and assists with the development of healthy skin and eyes.

Vitamin K

You find vitamin K in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and also from eggs as well as beans. The bacteria in your body also makes vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for helping your blood to clot.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you anxious to discover more about nutrition for children? If you are, then you should really do our Nutrition for Children Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

The post What Are The Best Vitamins And Minerals To Add In Childhood Nutrition? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Barley Tea? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-nutritional-benefits-of-barley-tea/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19425 The aroma of a freshly brewed cup of barley tea is something that we should all experience at least once in our lifetime! However, if you form the habit of drinking barley tea on a regular basis you’ll get something much more than the incredible aroma — you’ll get great health! Roasted barley tea has...

The post What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Barley Tea? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The aroma of a freshly brewed cup of barley tea is something that we should all experience at least once in our lifetime! However, if you form the habit of drinking barley tea on a regular basis you’ll get something much more than the incredible aroma — you’ll get great health!

Roasted barley tea has been drunk in Asian countries for hundreds of years. Touted as a healthier alternative to coffee, and having more nutritional benefits, it delivers both flavour and nutrition. Proponents of this type of tea say that it settles blood sugar levels, stimulates fat loss and enhances a person’s digestion.

People who are interested in drinks with therapeutic properties may be fascinated by roasted barley tea, which is known in Japanese as mugicha or in Korean as boricha. Barley tea is available in the following formats:

  • Loose grains,
  • Tea bags, or
  • Ready-made tea drinks.

Barley tea may be enjoyed warm or as a cold beverage. In Japan, people prefer to have it chilled as a summer cooler.

What Goes Into Barley Tea?

The main ingredient in barley tea is, of course, roasted barley. Barley is a whole grain which is grown around the world and is popular with healthy-eaters because of its high fibre content as well as its mild taste. The grain is simple to use in recipes and is used to produce bread and cereal. Barley is also fermented and utilised in the production of some alcoholic drinks such as beer as well as distilled beverages.

The flavour of barley tea is frequently described as light and nutty. However, some Korean tea makers include roasted corn in their recipe in order to boost sweetness. When corn is added, the tea is called oksusu bori cha.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - barley tea

What Are The Health Benefits Of Barley Tea?

Roasted barley tea possesses high antioxidant levels. It’s also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, phytonutrients in addition to tryptophan. Lignans as well as other antioxidants in this drink fight oxidative stress, which is a significant contributing factor to ageing. These nutrients also provide protection against cellular damage, repair your hormonal balance and lessen the risk of heart disease.

Owing to its antibacterial properties, roasted barley tea helps to ward off infections. Vitamin C, which is one of its key nutrients, boosts immune function and keeps your skin looking young by boosting collagen levels. Vitamin A protects eyesight and slows down ageing.

Barley tea is especially beneficial when you have a common cold or flu. It can alleviate your symptoms and accelerate healing. It’s also utilised as a natural antacid, assisting with heartburn, nausea and indigestion. As barley tea boasts large doses of iron, potassium, niacin and folic acid, it’s perfect for pregnant women. Ferulic acid, which is an essential nutrient in barley, may inhibit tumour growth.

Some individuals drink roasted barley tea in order to lower their cholesterol levels, avoid tooth decay or enhance prostate health. Others think that it’s an outstanding sleep aid because of its high tryptophan content.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn about the nutritional benefits that other foods, besides barley, have? If you do, then you need to check out our Specialised Nutrition Certification. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

The post What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Barley Tea? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is The Role Of Protein In Sports Nutrition? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-the-role-of-protein-in-sports-nutrition/ Wed, 02 Sep 2020 05:05:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19407 One hears a lot about sports nutrition and protein. And although it is true that a number of athletes – who participate in strenuous exercise – may have a somewhat heightened need to get some quality protein in their diet, it may not be so much as you may think. No matter if you’re running...

The post What Is The Role Of Protein In Sports Nutrition? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
One hears a lot about sports nutrition and protein. And although it is true that a number of athletes – who participate in strenuous exercise – may have a somewhat heightened need to get some quality protein in their diet, it may not be so much as you may think.

No matter if you’re running sprints, swimming long distances or lifting weights, athletes consume more energy than the average person. This means that their bodies need additional nutrients in order to recover from intensive physical activity. Protein plays an essential role in an athlete’s eating plan as it assists with repairing and strengthening muscle tissue. High-protein diets are popular among athletes and especially those who are seeking a leaner, more defined physique.

Technical expertise, as well as training, are the cornerstones of improving athletic performance, however, good sports nutrition is equally crucial for athletic success. Over the 20 years or so, our knowledge of the important role that dietary protein plays in building muscle and recovery has grown vastly. We now know that it is not merely the quantity of protein consumed, but also the quality of that protein and when we consume it that dictates muscle health and function.

Where Does Energy Come From?

All the energy that we need in order to maintain our body and mind, in addition to the fuel to help us exercise, comes from the:

  • Foods we eat, and
  • Fluids we drink.

To determine the correct amount of calories, and nutrients to consume, it’s useful to contemplate how we utilise our energy stores on a daily basis and broken replace energy accordingly. It’s also useful to understand the main groupings of nutrients in the typical diet.

The macronutrients our bodies need the most are broken down into three main categories:

  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats

Each of these categories of food is important for health. In addition, everyone needs to consume foods from each food group. The ratios in which we have to consume these foods, however, is often the topic of debate, especially when it comes to athletes.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -sports nutrition

Endurance Athletes Need Protein

Endurance athletes tend to concentrate on carbohydrate intake and pay little, if any, attention to protein. As a consequence, protein shortage appears often among endurance athletes with its unavoidable negative effects on performance and health. Serious endurance athletes do require substantial amounts of protein which is far above the normal adult RDA. This is because maintenance, repair, and growth of lean muscle mass all rely on it as well as optimum immune system functioning.

Low dietary protein prolongs recovery time, triggers muscle weakness, and inhibits the immune system. Chronic protein shortage will cancel the positive effects of your workouts. Instead, you will become prone to fatigue, lethargy, anaemia, and possibly even more severe disorders. Athletes with over training syndrome typically have a protein deficiency.

Athletes fall into a somewhat different category than the characteristic non-exerciser. An athlete uses protein mainly to repair and rebuild muscle that is broken down during exercise and to help optimise carbohydrate storage in the form of glycogen. Protein isn’t an ideal supplier of fuel for exercise but can be utilised when the diet lacks sufficient carbohydrates. This is detrimental, though, because if used for fuel, there isn’t sufficient available to repair and rebuild body tissues, among them muscle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about sports nutrition? If you are then our Sports Nutrition Diploma is for you! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post What Is The Role Of Protein In Sports Nutrition? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to use kettlebells for strength and cardio appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to use kettlebells for strength and cardio appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to increase circulation with Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-increase-circulation-with-pilates/ Wed, 26 Aug 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=18130 Unlike an aerobic activity (for example, running)  where you can feel that your heart is being strengthened with every noticeable beat, the direct health effects of Pilates can be a bit less obvious—though this doesn’t imply that your body isn’t loving you for putting it through its Pilates paces just the same. Some people think...

The post How to increase circulation with Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Unlike an aerobic activity (for example, running)  where you can feel that your heart is being strengthened with every noticeable beat, the direct health effects of Pilates can be a bit less obvious—though this doesn’t imply that your body isn’t loving you for putting it through its Pilates paces just the same.

Some people think Pilates is only for the young and limber, but don’t let that discourage you from trying it and experiencing the health benefits that can bring. Several of the exercises that you’ll do in a Pilates session are done in a reclining or sitting position. Most are low impact and just partially weight-bearing. This makes it a safe activity for most individuals. Moreover, Pilates is so gentle that it is utilised in physical therapy facilities in order to rehabilitate injuries.

The nature of the Pilates workout

Pilates is thought to be a low-impact, big result workout routine. It was originally intended to be a workout for dancers who were suffering from injuries. Knowing what it was meant for it should not come as a surprise that the series of movements work out the entire body but also tends to focus more on the core muscles as well as balance.

Pilates is comprised of a series of movements that are slow, disciplined, require a lot of concentration and precision coupled with controlled breathing. As it is not considered cardio, yet it is considered exercise, and as it is so adjustable, Pilates is perfect for those just starting out in the exercise world or those returning from an injury.

Pilates is located in the same exercise family as yoga (mind-body), but is definitely not the same. Pilates is about:

  • More balance
  • Greater muscle toning
  • More stretching
  • Increased flexibility
  • More mind/body connection

Pilates can be performed as a stand-alone exercise if it is challenging enough in itself however a lot of people do Pilates on their “day off” from a rigorous workout routine.

Pilates helps to increase blood circulation

Increasing blood circulation is one of those important things when starting a good workout routine. All nutrients in your blood can then reach all organs and these will start to work so much better.

Poor blood circulation can lead to several negative symptoms such as flaky skin, hair loss, water retention, headaches, memory loss, bad vision, and much more. There is nothing like a good Pilates workout with apparatus – such as the reformer, Cadillac or barrel to improve your blood circulation without straining your heart.

As you move into and out of Pilates exercises, breathing in deeply through your nose and exhaling completely through your mouth, you also move a large amount of air from the lungs. This improves the blood flow to all working muscles, as well as the other organs in your body.

Pilates is a great choice to improve blood circulation and Joseph Pilates had the importance of this subject in mind when he created his exercise method. Long before heart disease was a common everyday term Joseph Pilates was talking about the advantages of his technique of exercise (which he called Contrology) regarding heart and the health of the entire body.  In his book Return to Life, Joseph Pilates states the following, “Contrology exercises purify the blood in the bloodstream and whip it into immediate action with the result that the organs of the body get the benefit of clean fresh blood carried to them by the rejuvenated bloodstream.”

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you are then please follow this link.

The post How to increase circulation with Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Everything you want to know about Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/everything-you-want-to-know-about-pilates/ Wed, 26 Aug 2020 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=18127 Pilates is a type of low-impact exercise which aims to strengthen muscles while – at the same time – improving postural alignment as well as flexibility. Pilates moves have a tendency to target the core, although these exercises work other regions of your body as well. You can perform Pilates moves with or without equipment....

The post Everything you want to know about Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is a type of low-impact exercise which aims to strengthen muscles while – at the same time – improving postural alignment as well as flexibility. Pilates moves have a tendency to target the core, although these exercises work other regions of your body as well. You can perform Pilates moves with or without equipment. However, no matter what, expect the moves to include slow, precise movements and breath control.

Pilates is a full-body exercise methodology which will help you do it all better. This exercise methodology strengthens and stabilises the core of your body, which is your foundation. This means that you can move more efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility. A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to an hour-long.

What is your core powerhouse?

While most individuals may consider only your abdomen to be the core powerhouse of your body, , it extends far beyond that. Everything in your body is attached to each other. Your body’s muscles are all connected by way of those core muscles. With the core, in addition to the stomach area, you’re also speaking about your sides, your back as well as your hips. This is why what happens in your core affects the rest of your body.

There’s a therapeutic and precautionary benefit to Pilates. Owing to the fact that the exercise isolates and relaxes muscle groups, it strengthens them using control and breath. This can also give you additional resilience and assist with your alignment in a manner that also improves your posture, that will lead you to walk straighter and sturdier.

Something as simple as Pilates, which improved posture, can have significant,  positive consequences. Relaxing as well as strengthening the muscles is a big help for your body. It makes sure that you’re not bent against the back of a chair as when you are slumped against the back of a chair, you’re shrunk down. This puts pressure on your lower back. In addition, you can’t digest or breathe as well.

Can anyone do Pilates?

As Pilates may be modified to provide either a gentle strength training programme or a challenging workout, most individuals will have no problem with this form of exercise. It is appropriate both for beginners and for individuals who are already exercising regularly.

If you’re a beginner to Pilates you can start with fundamental exercises and then when you’ve mastered those, you can go to work on the more advanced moves. It’s a great idea when you’re just getting started in Pilates, to go to Pilates exercise classes or to engage a private instructor. In this way, the instructor can make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly in order to avoid any injury.

It is advised to check in with your health professional if you:

  • Haven’t exercised for a period of time,
  • Are older or pregnant, or
  • Have health problems.

If you’ve been searching for a new workout routine which can give you a great balance of flexibility, strength, muscle tone as well as assistance for a few aches and pains, there could be an answer that’s simpler to get into than you think.

While Pilates has been around for almost 100 years, it’s still getting traction among new converts, picking up new followers all the time. And there is a good reason why it remains to be a popular mode of exercise: it works.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are super keen to become a Pilates Instructor then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post Everything you want to know about Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why life coaching is an essential skill in a business https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/why-life-coaching-is-an-essential-skill-in-a-business/ Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:05:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=18112 Life coaching is a relationship between client and life coach. The life coach provides clients with established tools and skills to allow them to realise their goals as well as dreams. A life coach provides a supportive and caring – yet challenging – environment where the focus is totally on the client in addition to...

The post Why life coaching is an essential skill in a business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Life coaching is a relationship between client and life coach. The life coach provides clients with established tools and skills to allow them to realise their goals as well as dreams. A life coach provides a supportive and caring – yet challenging – environment where the focus is totally on the client in addition to what is best for him or her.

A business life coach will assist and steer the business owner in running an organisation by assisting them to clarify the vision of their business as well as how it fits in with their own goals. Business life coaching is a process which is used to take a business from where the company is at the present moment to where the business owner wants it to be in the future.

What is a business life coach?                                       

A business life coach is a type of consultant who provides an outside perspective for you as well as your business. They will assist you with addressing not only business issues but also issues of a more personal nature, such as finding career fulfilment and trying to figure out what’s most crucial to you.

Business life coaching can play a critical role in the success of your company — but it may not precisely be what you are anticipating. Business life coaches don’t teach hands-on business skills. Instead, they are partners in achieving profound personal understanding.

The process of business life coaching is a thought-provoking, contemplative as well as a creative process. Finally, the process allows clients to maximise their personal as well as business potential.

What does a business life coaching session look like?

During a standard business life coaching session, the business life coach and the client participate in a uninterrupted progression of conversations, observations and practice. (Note that the business life coach may decide to omit one of these steps, depending on the client’s needs.)

Conversations

Conversations develop around the business life coach’s exploration of the client’s existing issues. The coach questions any entrenched thought patterns or beliefs which serve to underpin the status quo, because such ingrained patterns hinder or block the client’s ability to accomplish new goals and ideas.

Observations

Observations include stating inconsistencies between the client’s asserted goals, objectives and his or her counterproductive actions. Intuitive, high-performance feedback enables the client’s increased awareness of his or her operating style and finding of the most effective ways to produce wanted change. The client also needs to give feedback to the business life coach in order to ensure that the business life coaching relationship is always serving the client’s ability to meet goals.

Practice

Practice includes a range of action-oriented business life coach interventions, client activities or assignments which are designed to assist the client in attaining improved business performance. These may involve:

  • Coach-client role plays
  • Assignments that will be undertaken between sessions (e.g., reading, researching, journaling as well as self-care initiatives)
  • Client efforts to deal with disputes in a work relationship

In terms of time, the suitable session length is defined by the nature of the client’s goals as well as objectives, time pressures on the part of the client in addition to budget considerations. Individual business coaching sessions are typically between 30 and 90 minutes in length.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in becoming a business life coach? If you are, then you should really check out our Life Coaching Certification. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Life Coaching Registration

The post Why life coaching is an essential skill in a business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 7 Different Types of Strength Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 7 Different Types of Strength Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Strength training tips for runners appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

 

The post Strength training tips for runners appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to build strength at home without buying bulky equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to build strength at home without buying bulky equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How To Eat To Build Muscle https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-to-eat-to-build-muscle/ Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17911 There are so many advantages to developing muscle, from strengthening your bones and improving your joint health, to just looking good and feeling strong. But if you are serious about building muscle it is going to take more than a good strength training exercise routine – you need to pay attention to your nutrition. It...

The post How To Eat To Build Muscle appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are so many advantages to developing muscle, from strengthening your bones and improving your joint health, to just looking good and feeling strong. But if you are serious about building muscle it is going to take more than a good strength training exercise routine – you need to pay attention to your nutrition. It would help if you ate enough to fuel your body through your workout as well as eating the right food to allow you to recover from workouts and build muscle. So, here are our tips for how to eat right in order to build muscle.

  1. Eat Enough

One of the most crucial activities to do is to make sure that you are eating enough total calories every day. The major error that people make when attempting to build muscle is not to eat enough to fuel their workouts. When you do not eat enough calories, then during a workout, your body will run out of calories to burn and will start to break down muscle instead. Therefore, you should ensure that you are eating a little more calories than you would need to maintain your body if you want to see results.

  1. Hydration is Key

Your muscles are made up of almost 80% water, so staying hydrated is incredibly important for maintaining and building muscle. Make sure to remain hydrated before and during your workouts to avoid muscle fatigue that will stop you from reaching your goals.

  1. Protein, Protein, Protein

You have perhaps heard this one before, but do not underestimate the importance of protein for building muscle. Your body is breaking down protein into amino acids, which are very important for building and repairing muscle tissue. Finding a good balance of protein sources is important, and do not overlook plant-based options as they often contain fibre as an added bonus. However, please do not overdo it. There is no proof to show that eating extra protein will build more muscles – try to stick to a balanced diet that will support your exercise journey.

  1. Pre and Post Workout Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is important and balance does not just refer to the food groups – it is also about eating throughout the day in balanced portions. Fuelling your body with enough carbohydrates and protein to complete a workout is just as important as eating another balanced meal of carbs and protein after you have finished working out. It is about making sure that your body has enough fuel and has the time to break it down properly. This is particularly important in terms of protein, and it is suggested that you spread your protein intake out over the whole day, instead of having it all in one meal, as this allows your body to break it down better.

In conclusion, to build muscle, you need to be eating for that process. Ensure that you are eating enough to maintain your body throughout a workout as well as during recovery. Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated and don’t skip meals, and you will be able to see the results of your hard work.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out more about our series of fitness and nutrition courses, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

The post How To Eat To Build Muscle appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post The Most Useful Stretches to Prepare You for the Trail appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post The Most Useful Stretches to Prepare You for the Trail appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 6 Stretches to Loosen Up Your Tight Glutes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 6 Stretches to Loosen Up Your Tight Glutes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the Effects of Exercise on Resilience and Mental Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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%.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -exercise

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post What are the Effects of Exercise on Resilience and Mental Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Reboot Your Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -workout routine

  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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more strategies to help people reboot their exercise routines then you need to become a personal trainer! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How To Reboot Your Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is sports biomechanics? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports biomechanics

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about biomechanics and the way that a knowledge of this can help to improve exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is sports biomechanics? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is sports kinetics? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Understanding kinetics is a huge part of being a personal trainer. Want to find out more about entering this profession? Follow this link!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is sports kinetics? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is a warm-up? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -warm-up

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you love fitness? Do you want to make this love your career? If you do, then you should become a personal trainer! For more information on the best way for you to do this, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post What is a warm-up? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to do the Open Leg Rocker https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-do-the-open-leg-rocker/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17590 The Pilates Open Leg Rocker is a phenomenal abdominal workout, which benefits trunk stabilisation as well as spinal articulation. It is a Pilates exercise which requires balance and control. This Pilates exercise provides an opportunity to practice using consecutive control between the upper and lower abdominal muscles. You will need to maintain your abdominals in...

The post How to do the Open Leg Rocker appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Pilates Open Leg Rocker is a phenomenal abdominal workout, which benefits trunk stabilisation as well as spinal articulation. It is a Pilates exercise which requires balance and control. This Pilates exercise provides an opportunity to practice using consecutive control between the upper and lower abdominal muscles.

You will need to maintain your abdominals in an engaged state and a deep scoop for the Open Leg Rocker. Use your breath to keep this rolling exercise flowing and controlled. The Open Leg Rocker should only be attempted once rolling like a ball and the teaser have been perfected. This exercise requires a considerable amount of flexibility.

Starting position for the Open Leg Rocker

Sit on your sitting bones holding onto your shins. Maintain a straight back and posteriorly tilt your pelvis slightly and straighten one leg at a time. Both legs need to be straight and not abducted wider than your shoulders.

Inhale and maintain the hold of the shins. Rollback and lift your hips up. Exhale and return to your starting position. Perform between six and eight reps per set.

Muscles worked:

Watchpoints:

  • Avoid rolling further than your shoulder blades
  • Do not use momentum
  • Do not lose abdominal control

Modifications:

  • Hold on behind the knees or the heels depending on your level of flexibility.
  • Bend your knees slightly to accommodate shorter hamstrings.
  • Use a prop such as a small ball or magic circle
  • To make the exercise more challenging, hold onto your ankles or toes

What are the benefits of the Open Leg Rocker?

Make use of the Open Leg Rocker in order to massage as well as stretch your back. This exercise also helps you to train your core muscles to remain engaged. The Open Leg Rocker helps to cleanse the lungs and, as a result, helps you to sleep restfully. It is a move that also permits you to practise the control that is central to Pilates.

Common mistakes in the Open Leg Rocker

Not Doing Preparatory Exercises

Don’t try to do the Open Leg Rocker until you can perform the Open Leg Balance while maintaining your back in a straight angle as well as your legs completely extended.

Throwing Yourself Back 

Rolling exercises are never completed by throwing yourself back from the shoulders as well as the head. Remain in the C-curve, until you come up, to maintain your balance. Your roll is started and regulated by the deepening of the abdominals, the breath in addition to the extension of the back in relation to the breath.

Coming Too Far Forward

After you roll back, don’t bring the legs too far back in the air. They should go no farther than just over your shoulders.

Sloppy Line

Prevent the pelvis from rocking or tipping when going back to the starting position. Focus on your midline.

If you are being troubled by back or neck issues, or tight hamstrings, make use of this routine as an open leg balance exercise and do not perform the rolling. You might also avoid it if you have a sensitive tailbone.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about Pilates, or if you want to become a Pilates instructor, then you should have a look at our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post How to do the Open Leg Rocker appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Does your mood impact your workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -workout

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about how exercise and fitness can benefit you, then you should become a personal trainer. For additional information regarding the best manner to go about this, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Does your mood impact your workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Seven Recommendations for Running a Life Coaching Enterprise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/seven-recommendations-for-running-a-life-coaching-enterprise/ Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:58:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17550 When it comes to running a life coaching business, it’s about more than merely knowing how to deal with clients; it’s a fully operational business. This means that you need to have business knowledge and expertise in order to turn your skill into a profitable business. While some coaches prefer to run independently, others would...

The post Seven Recommendations for Running a Life Coaching Enterprise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to running a life coaching business, it’s about more than merely knowing how to deal with clients; it’s a fully operational business. This means that you need to have business knowledge and expertise in order to turn your skill into a profitable business.

While some coaches prefer to run independently, others would rather not worry about the business admin and thus work within a group. It’s all about preference and choosing the option that best suits your needs.

What do you need to start a life coaching enterprise?

Firstly, you need to take a look at the demand for life coaches as well as the availability, or supply, of them. For any organisation to be effective, you need to be able to meet the needs of a group of people. You need to understand your competitors and what they lack so that you can maintain a competitive advantage.

You need to determine if you can run a business. This includes, but isn’t limited to, having funds available, the time to manage the admin and operations of the company and, of course, additional coaches to assist in managing the workload. In addition to this, you still need to be able to meet the needs of each client without dropping the ball.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - life coaching

Seven recommendations for running your life coaching enterprise

  1. Make sure that you are truly ready. Owning an enterprise is much more complicated than being a self-employed coach. You will need to be able to manage all of the admin—tasks as well as your team of coaches.
  2. Choose your location and target market. Are you only targeting a specific town, or are you looking to go bigger? Study the dynamics of the market you are looking to enter and make sure that your timing for an entry is well received.
  3. Will you focus on a particular kind of coaching? Or are you going to try to cover as many niches as possible?
  4. Make a lasting impression. Whatever niche you are focusing on, make sure that you are embedded in the context thereof and can provide coaching programmes relevant to it.
  5. Look out for internal coaching opportunities. This means that you have a coach working within an organisation to acquire insights and achieve desired results.
  6. Never forget your qualification. A lot of work went into becoming a life coach and you must remember your responsibilities and obligations at all times.
  7. Empower future coaches. To meet the requirements of an ever-growing business, a training programme can assist in providing the skills needed for interested parties to become life coaches.

It’s clear to see that there is a lot of work that goes into running a life coaching enterprise, but the results speak for themselves. In the same way that you would instruct your clients, you need to decide if this is something you want and create an action plan to achieve it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to study to become a life coach? If you do, then the first thing that you need to do is to check out our Life Coaching Certification. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Life Coaching Registration

The post Seven Recommendations for Running a Life Coaching Enterprise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is optimal nutrition for eye health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-optimal-nutrition-for-eye-health/ Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17529 Most of us take our eyesight for granted, even those who wear glasses on a daily basis! When we are shopping for food or planning meals, we might consider what foods are good for our digestive system or our heart health, but we rarely think about what foods might help maintain our eye health. However,...

The post What is optimal nutrition for eye health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Most of us take our eyesight for granted, even those who wear glasses on a daily basis! When we are shopping for food or planning meals, we might consider what foods are good for our digestive system or our heart health, but we rarely think about what foods might help maintain our eye health. However, maybe we should – as in today’s technology-heavy world of screens and bright lights, our eyes suffer from a lot of strain.

Our eyes are also very susceptible to something known as oxidative stress, which occurs when the body cannot correctly counteract free radicals which are unstable molecules that can break down healthy tissue in the body. One of the main ways to counteract oxidative stress is to provide your body with essential nutrients, minerals and antioxidants to help to prevent further stress and damage. Therefore, taking some time to include some foods that will benefit your eye health is an essential part of maintaining your eye health in the long run. But what nutrients should you be considering for proper eye health?

  1. Vitamin C

Evidence suggests that Vitamin C can play an essential role in improving and maintaining eye health. In the eye, there is a clear liquid called the aqueous humour, which nourishes the lens and carries nutrients to the structures of the eye. It has an extremely high concentration of Vitamin C and it is thought that a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to worsening eye health and may be a contributing factor in the development of cataracts. Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and citrus fruits.

  1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3  are thought to assist with vision development in childhood and the continual retinal function throughout your life. They are also suggested to help those who suffer from dry eyes by improving the formation of tear fluid, as well as helping to prevent other eye diseases in the long run, for example, diabetic retinopathy. Omega-3 fatty acids can found in fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines as well in nuts such as walnuts and Brazil nuts.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -eye health

  1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is considered to be essential to maintaining your photoreceptors, which are the cells in your eyes that sense light and is thought to help to reduce your risk of eye infections. A vitamin A deficiency is believed to contribute to night blindness and dry eyes, among other conditions. Vitamin A can be found in animal products such as liver, eggs, and milk, as well as vegetables like kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

A balanced diet with a lot of nutrient-dense foods is the best way to ensure that your body can maintain your eye health. Try to incorporate foods which are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 fatty acids in order to give your eyes the best chance of performing correctly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about nutrition, then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

The post What is optimal nutrition for eye health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How can good nutrition help with mental health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/how-can-good-nutrition-help-with-mental-health/ Thu, 16 Jul 2020 04:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17495 Eating a healthy and balanced diet is something that we associate with our bodily health. However, what we often overlook is how important it is to put effort into our mental health and stability. Having a healthy mind is just as important as being physically fit, but unfortunately, we usually put our mental struggles on...

The post How can good nutrition help with mental health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is something that we associate with our bodily health. However, what we often overlook is how important it is to put effort into our mental health and stability. Having a healthy mind is just as important as being physically fit, but unfortunately, we usually put our mental struggles on the back burner. Luckily, research suggests that you might be able to work on both your physical and mental health at the same time, by eating a balanced, nutritious diet that supports not just your bodily functions but your mental state too.

Why Is This Important?

If you think of your body as a machine, your brain is the engine that runs the whole project – it is continuously working and therefore needs fuel to keep functioning correctly. If you were only to feed a machine poor-quality, cheap fuel it will eventually start to perform poorly and slow down.

The food that we eat is our fuel and therefore, what we eat has an immediate effect on the way that our body works. If you only eat low-quality fuel, your body will start to feel the effects. In terms of food, this means eating a lot of processed foods and a diet high in refined sugars. These foods do not just have an effect on your physical health, as studies show that there is a correlation between this kind of diet and mood disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that you are getting the right type of nutrition regularly.

How A Bad Diet Makes You Feel

A diet that consists of a lot of processed foods and refined sugar is unhealthy for many reasons, but when it comes to affecting your mood, it can have a drastic effect.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your body that regulates your sleep, appetite, and moods. Therefore, any disruption to the production and cycle of serotonin in your body will have a significant impact on the way that you feel. Interestingly, serotonin is mainly produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which is also the site of millions of nerve cells. This means that the health of your digestive system has a direct link to your emotions. Processed foods and foods high in refined sugar can cause inflammation in your digestive system, which will cause you discomfort, and this, in turn, will affect your mood and energy levels.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -mental health

How A Good Diet Can Help

In terms of creating a healthy diet to help with your mental health, it is simple – unprocessed, nutrient-rich, low in refined sugar, and fresh vegetables.

Unprocessed foods tend to contain higher amounts of nutrients and vitamins that will help your body to function better. Some nutrients to look out for in particular, for mental health, including omega-3, B Vitamins, and Vitamin D. High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, that can be found in salmon and dark green leafy vegetables, help to improve brain function and are suggested to reduce the risk of depression.

B Vitamins, such as B12 that can be found in eggs, milk, and meat, help to boost your immune system and have been shown to support mental health. Vitamin D is vital for brain function, particularly when it comes to our moods and critical thinking. You can increase your Vitamin D intake by choosing to include foods such as salmon and tuna, eggs, and other dairy products.

Lastly, as mentioned, your gut health plays an essential role in your mental health so you should avoid foods that will aggravate or inflame your digestive system, such as those with refined sugar, and make sure to eat plenty of probiotic foods that will help you maintain a healthy digestive environment. You should also eat regularly to keep your body fuelled and choose slow-release foods like wholegrain products that will stop your blood sugar from rapidly falling and climbing throughout the day.

It is essential to treat your body with respect and fuel it with good quality foods. Keeping your gut bacteria healthy and eating foods that are high in nutrients will help to improve the way your body functions, and this, in turn, will help you to better understand and deal with your mental health.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a nutritionist? If you do, then we really recommend that you do our Specialised Nutrition Course! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

 

 

 

The post How can good nutrition help with mental health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why Exercise May Help Reduce Your Sleep Apnea Risk appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Exercise May Help Reduce Your Sleep Apnea Risk appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Exercise and Staying Fit will Benefit You in all Aspects of Life https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/why-exercise-and-staying-fit-will-benefit-you-in-all-aspects-of-life/ Fri, 10 Jul 2020 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17404 We are all aware that exercise is important for being fit and keeping your body healthy, but the benefits of staying active do not stop there. ‘Regular’ exercise is usually considered to be about 150 minutes of activity per week. While this could sound like a lot, it works out at a very manageable 30...

The post Why Exercise and Staying Fit will Benefit You in all Aspects of Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We are all aware that exercise is important for being fit and keeping your body healthy, but the benefits of staying active do not stop there. ‘Regular’ exercise is usually considered to be about 150 minutes of activity per week. While this could sound like a lot, it works out at a very manageable 30 minutes a day, five days a week! Here are several ways that regular exercise can help you in all aspects of your life:

Improve Mental Health and Memory

Regular physical activity has been linked to the improvement of mental health. If you have ever had a good workout and felt uplifted afterwards, you have experienced the magic of endorphins! By staying active throughout the week, you can reduce your stress and feel happier. Exercise has also been suggested to help with anxiety and depression.

Strengthen Muscles and Bones

Habitual exercise will ensure that your bones and muscles stay strong as you grow older. By keeping your muscles strong, you can reduce your risk of back pain, maintain your joints, and will assist with improving your balance and coordination. Exercise will also benefit your bone strength and prevent ­­bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.

Prevent Future Illnesses

Staying active can also help you to avoid the problems that can arise from a sedentary lifestyle. For example, regular activity can help you to:

  • avoid heart disease
  • strokes
  • lower blood pressure
  • improve circulation
  • And maintain a healthy weight.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercise

Improve Your Sleep

People who are active in their daily lives tend to sleep better at night. Using energy and moving your body will make you ready for a good rest and will help you to feel more relaxed.

Boost Your Confidence

Regular exercise can help to boost your self-confidence. While staying active can help you to lose weight and define your muscles, the confidence that exercise can bring is not just about the physical changes you can achieve. Seeing yourself improve your running time, master a yoga position that you could not do before, or just feel a little stronger will help to improve your view of yourself.

As you can see, staying active can benefit many areas of your life. Just 30 minutes of activity a day will help you to have a better quality of life, improve your mental health, and prevent injuries and disease later in life. Make sure to consult your doctor if you are trying a new exercise routine for the first time, particularly if you have any preexisting medical conditions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about the benefits of exercise, then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. For more information about how you can do this, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Exercise and Staying Fit will Benefit You in all Aspects of Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Which Should You Buy: Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

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!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Which Should You Buy: Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to exercise to boost your immune system appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to exercise to boost your immune system appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why skipping needs to be part of your daily workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - skipping

  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!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why skipping needs to be part of your daily workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 5 Affordable Exercise Machines For Your Home Gym appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 5 Affordable Exercise Machines For Your Home Gym appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?...

The post How to work out with an online personal trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - online personal trainer

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How to work out with an online personal trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to make best use of your sporting organisation’s resources https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/how-to-make-best-use-of-your-sporting-organisations-resources/ Mon, 06 Jul 2020 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17321 Resources are assets – such as people, machinery, raw materials, information, skills and financial capital. As a sports administrator, you are responsible for supervising the use of the sporting organisation’s resources to achieve its goals. This would include managing people and ensuring that they take responsibility for the resources that they use and that they...

The post How to make best use of your sporting organisation’s resources appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Resources are assets – such as people, machinery, raw materials, information, skills and financial capital. As a sports administrator, you are responsible for supervising the use of the sporting organisation’s resources to achieve its goals. This would include managing people and ensuring that they take responsibility for the resources that they use and that they use them responsibly to ensure that the organisation achieves what they set out to.

What are the types of resources?

  • Human resources include the physical talents, skills and mental abilities employed to create products and services. The value of the labour force, as a resource, depends on the level of education and training. In order for the human resources of an organisation to be of any value, they need to be trained to a certain level of skill.
  • Financial resources are the amount of available money the organisation has to use for the expansion or, alternatively, the production of goods or services.
  • Physical resources may include buildings, machinery and equipment with which to produce items or services to sell and other goods that we do not necessarily sell but help with the further production of final consumer goods.
  • Informational resources may include internal and external information that the sports administrator could use to help the sporting organisation grow. Information within the company consists of the intellectual property or a body of knowledge that the business owns and that makes the production of its goods or services possible.

Resources are the basic inputs in the production of products and services, which is often referred to as a process. Within the integrated management process, these resources may be viewed as inputs, i.e. what the organisation will be using to produce goods or services and achieve its goals.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sporting organisation

Inputs need to be planned in advance to ensure that everything is available at the right time and the right place for the business to run efficiently. Examples of inputs would include:

  • The human resources of any organisation that provide management skills
  • Technical labour and knowledge
  • The equipment available
  • The building that the sporting organisation owns or rents
  • The capital at the disposal of an organisation
  • The stock required and used in the business process

The transformation process refers to the activities during which resources are combined and changed in such a way that a service is provided or a physical product is made and sold. The work done during the transformation process results in a product or service which can be delivered to the market.

Outputs are the outcomes of the transformation process. The results have to be controlled to determine the success of the planning which preceded the transformation process. If this is not managed the organisation will not achieve is goals and could even fail.

Resource management may be a real hassle if it is not done properly. The drawbacks of an inadequate resource management system include failure to make use of the potential of your existing resources which makes the entire organisation suffer. Poor resource management will lead to resources being under-utilised or over exhausted. It can also result in wastage of assets which could have been utilised to generate revenue if a proper management system was implemented.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a Sports Administrator then you need to do our Sports Administration Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

The post How to make best use of your sporting organisation’s resources appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the nutritional needs of a soccer player? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/what-are-the-nutritional-needs-of-a-soccer-player/ Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:05:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17300 The game of soccer is a typical acyclic sport. This is because the intensity during the match changes all the time. The loading has an interval character with frequent breaks and short rests. During a game, phosphate and glycogen supply most of the energy through anaerobic (without oxygen) production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Soccer is...

The post What are the nutritional needs of a soccer player? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The game of soccer is a typical acyclic sport. This is because the intensity during the match changes all the time. The loading has an interval character with frequent breaks and short rests. During a game, phosphate and glycogen supply most of the energy through anaerobic (without oxygen) production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Soccer is a different game and so are the requirements it places on the player’s body. Long-lasting workouts develop endurance as well as strength and agility since the players are running plenty of sprints at high speed.

The neuropsychological load is considered as the matches are emotional and the situation is ever-changing. So, during the execution of these max and sub-max efforts lactate builds up in the person and, as a result of the accelerated metabolism, waste products are eliminated by athletes during pauses and at the break at half-time.

What does a soccer player eat?

The characteristic of a player’s nutrition determines the biochemical changes in their bodies. The foods that they consume have to cover the energetic deficit which is around 627 – 646 kJ (149 – 154 cal) per kilogram of body weight in order to obtain the essential substances to aid the development of the soccer-specific physical characteristics. It is imperative to follow an appropriate diet as well as maintain an adequate liquid intake.

The diet of the players has to be well balanced and include a broad range of food at all times. This is especially during the pre-season period. It has to contain:

  • Enough complete proteins which are necessary for the development of the strength and the speed
  • Optimal quantity carbohydrates which are essential for the increase of glycogen reserves in the body of the soccer player.
  • Fewer fatty foods.
  • Sufficient quantities of vitamins, minerals, microelements and other biologically active elements.

The ingredients of the food have to vary, considering the character of the loading and the physical qualities which are being mostly developed at that particular period.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -soccer player

Hydration requirement of a soccer player

As a result of the sweating during a match, the soccer players can lose from about two up to 7kg from their body weight. Dehydration may occur, which could lead to poor thermoregulation and prevent adequate oxygen and energy supply to the muscle tissue. That’s why it is recommended, during the hot months of the year, to increase the liquid intake. However, more than the required amount of liquids doesn’t improve performance or progress.

The food distribution during the day is influenced by time, more specifically, when the significant physical effort occurs. If the initial training is in the afternoon breakfast should be more substantial and higher in calories. Lunch should be lighter. If the practice is in the morning, breakfast should be lighter and the lunch richer and more restorative. It is recommended to eat between four and five times a day if the players’ workout twice a day. In such cases, the meals should be evenly distributed.

Soccer is a very energy‐intensive sport for which players need to be in superb physical condition. Proper conditioning techniques are an essential part of coaches’ and players’ soccer training.   So too must be the knowledge of proper nutrition and hydration.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a soccer coach, then you should really check out our Soccer Coaching Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

 

The post What are the nutritional needs of a soccer player? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What is the key to fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

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

 

The post What is the key to fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are body conditioning exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are body conditioning exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to make exercise irresistible appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to make exercise irresistible appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to build muscle without any gym equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to build muscle without any gym equipment appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Five simple ways you can strengthen your abdominal muscles https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/five-simple-ways-you-can-strengthen-your-abdominal-muscles/ Mon, 29 Jun 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17167 Every single one of us has a six pack just waiting to show off under their belly fat. It is unfortunately impossible to gain a six pack overnight but some regular exercise and a good diet can help you reach that six pack dream. Bicycle Crunches Lie down on your back with your fingers behind...

The post Five simple ways you can strengthen your abdominal muscles appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Every single one of us has a six pack just waiting to show off under their belly fat. It is unfortunately impossible to gain a six pack overnight but some regular exercise and a good diet can help you reach that six pack dream.

Bicycle Crunches

Lie down on your back with your fingers behind your ears. Pull your upper body up and your legs into table top. Your legs then need to follow the same movement as you would do when pedaling a bicycle but just in the air. Turn your upper body away from your knee when it comes into your chest. Touch your elbow to your opposite knee in order to feel the maximum work in your abdominal muscles.

Hanging knee-ups 

Hang from a pull-up bar and bend your knees keeping them next to each other. Raise your legs towards the ceiling. This will be difficult for a newbie but if you put in lots of effort the results will be fantastic and soon enough you will be able to do multiple reps and sets without any hesitation!

Staying hydrated is key

Regularly drinking water is crucial for your health. Most of our body is made up of water so if you are dehydrated it won’t work the way that it should. Staying hydrated helps your metabolism to work faster and cleans out all the toxins inside your body.

Cardio exercises 

Add some cardio exercises to your daily routine as cardio, or aerobic exercise, is very effective when it comes to burning belly fat. This method of training will not just benefit your abdominal muscles but your entire body as well.

Try your best to get in at least 20-30 min of moderate cardio activity a few days a week or everyday if you can squeeze in the time for it.

Focus on your diet

Quit eating unhealthy processed foods. Increasing your everyday protein intake helps to form the basis of muscle tissue in the body. Following the right diet and consuming the right nutrients can make your workouts so much easier and help you to reach your goal even quicker. Eat healthy fats such as raw nuts, fish oils and even olive oil – obviously not too much but the correct amount will do loads of good for your physique.

A well-defined six pack is all thanks to well-developed abdominal muscles and low percentage of body fat. It takes a lot of discipline as well as dedication to get this but the rewards are well worth it! Regular core and cardio exercise is a must for a good-looking six pack and always remember to stay hydrated at all times. You can’t underestimate the importance of this – ever!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you think that you have what it takes to help others get the six pack of their dreams then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. As the gold standard in fitness education, you can’t go wrong with this. To learn more and to sign up, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Five simple ways you can strengthen your abdominal muscles appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is rhythmic yoga? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-is-rhythmic-yoga/ Thu, 25 Jun 2020 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17127 This form of yoga involves practising asanas (poses) with music. The movements become synchronised with the music to become a fluid-like dance. Not only does this become a fun way to practise yoga, but it can also be a source of entertainment. Dancing and yoga: what is the link? Sometimes learning new asanas can be...

The post What is rhythmic yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
This form of yoga involves practising asanas (poses) with music. The movements become synchronised with the music to become a fluid-like dance. Not only does this become a fun way to practise yoga, but it can also be a source of entertainment.

Dancing and yoga: what is the link?

Sometimes learning new asanas can be challenging and finding a way to make it less threatening can help ease the transition into your yoga journey. Yoga and dance are both a form of self-discovery, self-expression and self-awareness.

Another similarity between the two is that poses and dance moves are performed in a sequence that is often count-based. By coordinating movement with breathing, we can easily make the transition from pose to pose a lot easier by synchronising it with music.

If you had to stop and take a minute to compare the two, you can see a correlation between the two, especially when you slow down the dancing aspect. If you were to speed up the yoga side, it would look almost like a dance.

Benefits of rhythmic yoga

Music has been proven to relax a person’s mind and enlighten your senses. By pairing yoga and dance, you are also able to burn more calories and it can act as a gateway between the two art forms. Rhythmic yoga also offers all the same benefits as “normal” yoga, for example, stress relief, improved flexibility and open-mindedness.

Recommended asanas for rhythmic yoga

  • Eka Padasana

This asana focuses on strengthening the joints and further developing muscle coordination. It has also been found to improve concentration as well.

  • Sarvangasana

By practising this asana, you will strengthen your back and shoulders. It has also been found to reduce back pain and tension. This is largely due to the fact that promotes blood circulation throughout the body.

  • Dwipadasana

If you are looking to enhance your muscle tone and upper body strength, this asana is definitely worth trying out.

  • Bhoonmanasana

Improved muscle strength and flexibility are brought about as a result of practising this asana.

  • Dimbasana

Not only does this asana strengthen your upper body – arms, wrists and hands – but it also stimulates your thyroid. It also improves lung capacity.

  • Garbhasana

This asana can assist with mood imbalances and is great for toning your stomach area. It also assists in stimulating the digestive organs and promotes a healthy appetite.

  • Shirshasana

If you are looking to further develop and improve your strength and endurance – as well as flexibility – give this asana a try.

  • Chakrasana

This asana targets the heart and lungs and works towards improving the capacity thereof. This is also beneficial for building up the strength of your arms and legs.

  • Karna peedasana

This asana can be described as a full-body workout as it targets every aspect of your body.

  • Kukkutasana

This is a great tool for strengthening your arms and shoulders – as well as improving the flexibility.

As you can see, the benefits of practising yoga are immense and, when paired with a cardiovascular exercise such as dancing, it can be incredibly efficient in improving your overall fitness level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about becoming a yoga instructor, follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

The post What is rhythmic yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Benefits of Yoga for Runners https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/the-benefits-of-yoga-for-runners/ Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17086 While runners are incredibly fit, with toned physiques to match, there is one thing that they cannot get away from – muscle stiffness. Muscle stiffness or tightness can result in injury if not properly addressed – and the fact that we sit most of the day does not help in terms of decreasing the risk...

The post The Benefits of Yoga for Runners appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
While runners are incredibly fit, with toned physiques to match, there is one thing that they cannot get away from – muscle stiffness. Muscle stiffness or tightness can result in injury if not properly addressed – and the fact that we sit most of the day does not help in terms of decreasing the risk of injury as a result of this.

Yoga is an excellent method of improving flexibility and, when practised before training or a race, can help to reduce the risk of muscle stiffness and potential injury. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits for runners that come with practising yoga.

Benefits of yoga for runners

Improvement in strength

When practising yoga, you often hold poses for extended periods of time. These poses strengthen your quads, hamstrings and core while increasing hip flexibility. By strengthening your hamstrings, you reduce your risk of injury that comes with frontal loading – the phenomenon whereby your quads are stronger than your hamstrings.

Improved flexibility

With most of the yoga poses including bending, you are able to improve flexibility in your lower back as well as your hamstrings. Tight hamstrings are notorious for causing injury, so by stretching them out and loosening the muscle, you can reduce the risk of hamstring tears. By stretching out your lower body, you also help relieve tension and improve flexibility in your hips as well.

Assists with breathing control

Holding yoga poses for extended periods forces yogis to manage their breathing in a way that supports their movement. By learning to breathe under pressure, you are giving your lungs the ability to cope with strain and this allows for the delivery of oxygen to your muscles which improve your performance. It also helps to improve your lung capacity which is great for endurance training.

Increased bodily awareness

Through yoga, you are able to understand your body a whole lot better. It gives you the ability to listen to your body and respond accordingly.

Pain management

Yoga also acts as a great pain management tool as a result of the endorphins released during practice. These hormones are not only responsible for letting you feel good but also acts as a natural painkiller.

Reaffirms dedication

Just as you need to be dedicated to your training schedule, you also need to be dedicated to practising yoga in order to utilise its full benefits and reap the rewards. Once-off sessions will not help you in the long term. You need to commit to at least three yoga sessions a week and make it part of your training routine.

Improved posture

Running with the correct form will help in minimising your risk of injury. The posture alignment practised in yoga will transfer to your running style – back straight, shoulders relaxed and core activated.

Assists with recovery

Yoga relieves tension and stiffness while improving your range of motion. By incorporating yoga into your running routine, you can assist your body in recovering after strenuous workouts. When starting out, try not to push your body too far. Listen to your body and know your limits.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

With all of the benefits of yoga, are you keen to start teaching others this ancient art? If you are then why not become a yoga instructor with us? Check out our Yoga Instructor Course for more information.

Trifocus Yoga registration

The post The Benefits of Yoga for Runners appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Pilates is the Secret Weapon for Athletes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-pilates-is-the-secret-weapon-for-athletes/ Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17031 Pilates is often not taken seriously by athletes as it appears to be nothing more than simple stretching and deep breathing. However, whether you are a professional athlete, an aspiring one, or simply someone who really enjoys regular workouts, adding Pilates to your routine can be surprisingly beneficial. Here are six reasons why Pilates can...

The post Why Pilates is the Secret Weapon for Athletes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is often not taken seriously by athletes as it appears to be nothing more than simple stretching and deep breathing. However, whether you are a professional athlete, an aspiring one, or simply someone who really enjoys regular workouts, adding Pilates to your routine can be surprisingly beneficial. Here are six reasons why Pilates can be your secret weapon:

  1. Full Body and Low Impact

Pilates is a low-impact workout that works your entire body. This makes it a great secondary workout for athletes who usually perform workouts or sports of higher intensity, such as running, basketball, or netball. It is also a good workout for athletes recovering from injuries as it does not put too much strain on the body but allows you to regain strength.

 

  1. Core Focus

A strong core is beneficial to any athlete as it aids in balance and better posture in both your daily routine and workouts. Though there are many ways to build core strength Pilates uses repetitive moves that are specifically designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles. These moves do more than strengthen the muscles worked in moves like sit-ups or crunches and instead target all of the muscles involved in your core as well as the supporting muscles of your back. Therefore, you are more likely to see quicker results and experience more overall strength over time.

  1. Alignment and Correction

Many popular sports – such as tennis, golf, or cricket – are one-sided. This means that you work one side of your body more than the other and this can cause injury and discomfort in the long run.

Pilates workouts are designed to improve body alignment and muscular symmetry, and therefore – by adding Pilates to your workout routine – you can prevent further injuries while improving your overall strength.

  1. Flexibility and Mobility

For any athlete who spends a lot of time on their chosen sport Pilates will be a challenge, and this is a positive thing. If you play a particular sport and perform the same types of workouts over and over again you are making use of the same muscles every time. Pilates forces you to make use of and become aware of new muscle groups and will aid in your flexibility.

  1. Improved Breathing

Though many athletes will know that correct breathing is a crucial part of improving your workout results and performance, it can be easy to become too comfortable in a familiar sport and forget to breath properly or with awareness. Pilates uses a method of breathing, known as diaphragmatic breathing, which places focus on being aware of breath and focusing that breath into the muscles that you are working.

  1. Body connection

Lastly, Pilates can offer a unique insight into your personal fitness journey and mental connection with your body. During other workouts, you are not necessarily focused on the exact muscles and tiny movements of your body, but during Pilates movements, you are encouraged to do just that. Building this connection with your body can help in a lot of ways in your preferred sport or other workouts, including being more aware of the way that you move and allowing you to make small adjustments to your movements that can improve your game.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a Pilates Instructor then the ONLY way to make this happen is if you study our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post Why Pilates is the Secret Weapon for Athletes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is the Difference between Barre and Pilates? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-barre-and-pilates/ Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17013 You have probably heard about Pilates and the benefits of it by now – it has been around for a very long time. In addition, everyone seems to have tried it. However, the new workout craze that seems to have taken Instagram by storm might not be as familiar to you. Barre has become the...

The post What is the Difference between Barre and Pilates? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You have probably heard about Pilates and the benefits of it by now – it has been around for a very long time. In addition, everyone seems to have tried it.

However, the new workout craze that seems to have taken Instagram by storm might not be as familiar to you. Barre has become the workout routine of choice for many, but you might be wondering what exactly it is all about.

 Barre and Pilates are Similar

 Pilates and barre share a lot of similar elements, which is why you will often see classes that are a hybrid of the two, like Pilates-barre classes, or even those that include principles of yoga as well, like barre-yoga and yoga-lates. But, as they are seen as being so similar it can be hard to determine what makes these workouts distinct. We are here to break down what these two workouts are and how they can benefit you.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full-body, low-impact workout that can be performed on a mat or using equipment. These workouts usually consist of moves designed to help you build strength, flexibility, and balance. Mindfulness and breathwork also play a large role in Pilates as the practice is designed to assist you with becoming more in tune with your body as it moves.

The benefits of Pilates include:

  • Builds core strength,
  • Improves joint alignment and posture,
  • Full-body workout and focuses on muscle toning,
  • Great recovery or second workout for athletes,
  • And it is accessible for everyone, regardless of your fitness level.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - barre

What is Barre?

Barre workouts incorporate moves from ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It usually requires (as the name suggests) the participant to be supported by a barre, although mat work also plays a large role in barre workouts. Unlike Pilates, barre workouts are designed to include segments of higher intensity cardio that raise your heart rate, although there is still an emphasis on low-impact moves like Pilates and yoga. While Pilates movements are usually slow, intentional, and based around a large range of motion, barre movements are often smaller, deliberate, pulsing movements.

The benefits of barre include:

  • Increased balance and core strength,
  • A full-body workout which increases flexibility and posture,
  • Micro-movements work to tone as well as define muscles
  • Cardio portions can help to burn calories
  • Accessible to everyone, regardless of dance experience or fitness level.

What is the Difference?

As you can see the two are slightly different although both share a lot of the same benefits. Barre workouts are more cardio intense and often include music and choreography, while Pilates tends to be a quieter more introspective experience. Therefore, choosing between the two is more a matter of workout preference than picking the ‘better workout’. Both Pilates and barre are great workouts, with fantastic physical and mental benefits – so no matter which one you choose, it will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to find out more about becoming a Mind Body Specialist, which will make you into an all-round yoga and Pilates specialist? If you do, then follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

 

The post What is the Difference between Barre and Pilates? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to programme a resistance training programme appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to programme a resistance training programme appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to work out your abdominals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

Do you love exercising and want to learn how to teach others the correct exercise technique? If you do then you should really check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post How to work out your abdominals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 3 Stretches to do after your workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to learn more about exercise? If you are, then you should really check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 3 Stretches to do after your workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A Pilates exercise to test your muscle-isolation skills https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/a-pilates-exercise-to-test-your-muscle-isolation-skills/ Tue, 09 Jun 2020 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16859 At first glance, the Pilates chest lift with leg float looks a lot like your typical abdominal crunch. However, there are a number of fundamental discrepancies between the two exercises. Whether chest lifts with leg float are a part of your Pilates routine or, alternatively, your basic workout, the move strengthens your core. In addition,...

The post A Pilates exercise to test your muscle-isolation skills appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
At first glance, the Pilates chest lift with leg float looks a lot like your typical abdominal crunch. However, there are a number of fundamental discrepancies between the two exercises. Whether chest lifts with leg float are a part of your Pilates routine or, alternatively, your basic workout, the move strengthens your core. In addition, it helps to increase flexibility. The chest lift with leg float can also adapt to the location as well as intensity of your workout. This because it is possible for you to perform it at the gym or in your living room, or try variations to the classic move for a more advanced workout.

How to do the chest lift with leg float

Lie on your back with your left hand behind your head and your right hand on the edge of your sitting bone. Bend both legs with your feet relaxed and placed a comfortable distance from your body.

Exhale and contract forward, engaging your stabilisers and lifting your head and chest off the floor. Simultaneously fold your right knee as your fingers monitor your gluteal function, which should remain prominent throughout.

Inhale to lower your leg to the starting position.

Repeat eight times on your right leg before reversing the movement for another eight repetitions. With the right leg held in the raised position, the leg lowers as you exhale. It contracts and then rises as you inhale and your head and chest return to the starting position.

Repeat this exercise with the left leg, eight times in each direction.

If you would like to intensify the exercise, after floating your knee off the floor extend your leg and lower it to the floor while maintaining a chest lift. This exercise requires a longer exhale and will load your abdomen much more, so strong core stabilisation, glute and pelvic floor activation is required to keep your back long and relaxed.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - pilates

What are the benefits of the chest lift with leg float?

Pilates chest lifts with leg float provide a fantastic core workout. The tone as well as sculpt your abdominal muscles and. In addition, these exercises are responsible for strengthening the supportive muscles of your chest and upper area of your back.

Chest lifts with a leg float can also help to improve your posture and make sure that your neck muscles remain strong. An exceptional benefit of this exercise is that,  in order to perform the move correctly, it is necessary for you to learn how to isolate muscles in your chest and back. You may not realise that these muscles provide a key support for your spine so by strengthening your spine’s support you can reduce muscle tension which can lead to back and neck pain in addition to even headaches.

A strong, stable, core also buoys the rest of your body, including your pelvic girdle as you move during your day. As you get older, exercises which strengthen these muscles groups and make sure that they are maintained as flexible can help improve coordination as well as balance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about Pilates and even become a Pilates Instructor? If you do then follow this link to find out more information.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post A Pilates exercise to test your muscle-isolation skills appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to do the spine twist in Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-do-the-spine-twist-in-pilates/ Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16792 One of the challenges of day-to-day movement is keeping the spine and muscles of the trunk flexible in different directions. Most of us are used to bending over, or reaching up, but what happens when we reach or look to the side? Often, the head or the arms will go with the motion, but the...

The post How to do the spine twist in Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
One of the challenges of day-to-day movement is keeping the spine and muscles of the trunk flexible in different directions. Most of us are used to bending over, or reaching up, but what happens when we reach or look to the side? Often, the head or the arms will go with the motion, but the trunk will be immobile. The result is a compromised range of motion that gets worse as we age. Spine twist, a Pilates mat exercise, helps guard against this.

Technique for the Pilates spine twist

  • Lie flat on your back. Have your arms out diagonally at each side and your palms facing down. Position your feet and knees together with your knees bent at right angles.
  • Inhale and sequentially roll your spine to one side keeping your knees aligned and your shoulders on the floor at all times. Ensure that when rolling across, you move your knees and feet first followed by your hips, waist and finally your rib cage.
  • Exhale and roll sequentially back through the spine to the starting position. When rolling back, move your ribcage first then your waist, hips and lastly your knees and feet.
  • Repeat between 12 and 15 times, alternating sides.

Use a flexed lumbar spine to imprint your back, from your thorax to pelvis, section by section, feel your vertebrae rotate like a necklace of cotton spools, rolling them across from top to bottom and back again. If you want to intensify the exercise, try performing it with both legs in a knee-fold position with a 90-degree alignment maintained.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - spine twist

What are the benefits of the spine twist?

The spine twist increases the range of motion in the upper body. It does this by training the trunk to spiral on the central vertical axis while, at the same time, maintaining the support of a stable pelvis. This range of motion is vital in sports such as golf and tennis. In addition, the spine twist promotes good posture and is an opportunity to make use of the breath in the manner that Joseph Pilates encouraged: taking in a lot of fresh air and then utilising movement in order to expel old air forcefully. In the spine twist, the twisting motion assists you with feeling as if you are literally wringing the old air out.

What are some of the common mistakes people make with the spine twist?

The spine twist happens from the waist and not from the arms, shoulders, or neck. The upper body -including the head – moves as one piece. The pelvis remains stable and does not perform a twisting motion at all. You can monitor this by making sure that your feet remain even with each other.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about Pilates and perhaps even become a Pilates Instructor yourself? If you do, then we really recommend that you do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information about this fantastic learning opportunity and to register, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post How to do the spine twist in Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What type of full-body workout you can do with your foam roller? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What type of full-body workout you can do with your foam roller? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is metabolic strength training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about teaching people how to exercise correctly, we recommend that you become a personal trainer. For more information on how you can do this, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is metabolic strength training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How regularly should you do cardio to create endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If so, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How regularly should you do cardio to create endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is a good balanced diet for women? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-a-good-balanced-diet-for-women/ Mon, 01 Jun 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16553 Everyone needs to consume three major sources of energy, in their diet, daily: carbohydrates, protein and fat. Of these, carbohydrates should form the main source of total energy (45-65%), then fat (15-30%) and lastly protein (10-35%). Don’t forget about vitamins and minerals – they are also necessary for a healthy body. The required amounts are...

The post What is a good balanced diet for women? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Everyone needs to consume three major sources of energy, in their diet, daily: carbohydrates, protein and fat. Of these, carbohydrates should form the main source of total energy (45-65%), then fat (15-30%) and lastly protein (10-35%). Don’t forget about vitamins and minerals – they are also necessary for a healthy body. The required amounts are scientifically set out by the daily reference intake (DRI) standards. The nutritional information on food packaging will show how much of each nutrient it contains compared to the DRIs.

Why women need less energy in their diets?

We know that women are generally smaller than men and, therefore, will need less energy per day. The amount will vary depending on age and lifestyle, and whether she is pregnant or breastfeeding.

The average energy for sedentary women is approximately 8 000kJ, and 11 100kJ for active women. When a woman is pregnant or, alternatively is breastfeeding, she will need about an additional 1 000 to 1 600kJ per day. However, regardless of a woman’s condition, if she consumes more energy than her body needs, she will gain weight and vice versa.

What women should focus on eating?

Women should focus on good sources of calcium daily to prevent osteoporosis in later life. Good sources of calcium are dairy products and sardines with the bones included. Calcium in vegetables is not easily absorbed. If you cannot obtain enough calcium from your diet, consider taking a calcium carbonate supplement that provides 1 000-1 300 mg/day.

Try to eat three fruits and one cup of cooked vegetables daily. Eat them with skins as far as possible to meet your requirement of 25g of fibre a day. If you are planning to fall pregnant or are breastfeeding take extra folic acid (400-600μg) daily.

Iron is important for women during childbearing age. Menstruation contributes to a substantial amount of iron loss through bleeding and during pregnancy, it fills up a foetus’s iron stores needed for the first six months of life. If you can’t eat enough iron-rich sources (meats), take a chelated supplement containing 18-27μg.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - diet

Why omega 3s are important?

Omega 3 fatty acids are also important. Good food sources are fish and olive oil or supplements.

A good guideline to follow when you are dishing up a cooked meal is to dish a hand-palm-sized amount of protein, two handfuls of vegetables, and a fist-sized amount of starch or starchy vegetables. Also refrain from using more than a thumb-tip amount of oil or fat during food preparation, No deep fat frying.

Take off all visible fat and skin from meats before cooking. Refrain from adding sugar or butter to already sweet starchy vegetables (e.g. pumpkin). Keep in mind that you need to run for half an hour or walk for an hour to burn off the amount of energy in a chocolate bar! Alcohol also contributes to energy. Limit your intake to one alcoholic beverage a day (1 glass of wine or 1 beer/cider or 1 tot of hard liquor).

So, yes, we can have a slice of cake, in one hand only, occasionally as a treat, and as long as it stays part of a balanced diet.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about balanced nutrition? If you do, then follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

 

The post What is a good balanced diet for women? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the principles of a keto diet? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-principles-of-a-keto-diet/ Fri, 29 May 2020 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16512 The ketogenic diet (or keto diet) was originally devised to treat children with severe epilepsy. Because of its restrictive nature, these children need to see a registered dietitian regularly to check compliance, proper growth and seizure symptoms. Ketogenic diets focus on meat, fish, eggs, dairy fat (including butter, cream and cheese), plant-based fats, avocado, nuts,...

The post What are the principles of a keto diet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The ketogenic diet (or keto diet) was originally devised to treat children with severe epilepsy. Because of its restrictive nature, these children need to see a registered dietitian regularly to check compliance, proper growth and seizure symptoms.

Ketogenic diets focus on meat, fish, eggs, dairy fat (including butter, cream and cheese), plant-based fats, avocado, nuts, seeds and non-starchy vegetables. They exclude starches (cereals, grains, rice), starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, beetroot, peas, pumpkin, etc.), milk, fruit, beans and legumes.

A comparison between keto and non-keto diets

In comparison, a balanced non-ketogenic diet consists of:

  • 45 to 65% carbohydrates (250g on 2000 kcal);
  • 10 to 35% protein; and
  • 20 to 35% fat, but limiting saturated and trans fats.

However, as we can see, ketogenic diets limit carbohydrate intake and promote moderate amounts of protein and high amounts of fat. Because of this, the ketogenic diet is also more expensive and more difficult to maintain.

The process in a carbohydrate-rich diet

In a carbohydrate-rich diet, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and stored as glycogen in the body to use as energy when needed. Without enough carbohydrates for energy, the body breaks down glycogen stores first (which leads to water loss), and only thereafter metabolizes fat (into ketones). With a ketogenic diet, however, the body has to function on ketones. A depleted glycogen store makes workouts difficult and less effective as your muscles function better on glucose.

Keto diets argue for weight loss, because they allegedly reduce appetite, increase body fat usage, reduce body fat storage; and increase metabolism. However, weight loss is because of water loss due to the glycogen and muscle breakdown.

This diet is difficult to maintain as it is not a long-term weight loss solution. You will gain all the weight back when you stop. You also can’t cherry-pick which part of the diet you want to follow, e.g. you cannot just add “bulletproof” coffee to your normal diet and call it “keto”. Also, when you follow a high-fat diet, you don’t necessarily burn body fat, even though you may show ketone production since your body burns the fat you eat first before it touches your fat stores.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -keto diet

The side effects of a keto diet

This diet has side effects such as:

  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle cramps
  • Kidney damage.

There will be nutrient deficiencies of fibre; B vitamins; phytochemicals; calcium; vitamins A, C, D, K; folate,; selenium; magnesium; zinc; phosphorus; iron; essential fatty acids and probiotics. Taking a vitamin-mineral supplement is a good idea. A keto diet is unsafe for people with gout, diabetes, eating disorders or problems with their kidneys, pancreas, liver or gallbladder, and people with a family history of high cholesterol or osteoporosis.

If you do choose to follow this challenging diet, avoid constipation by eating low-carb veggies like kale, spinach, cabbage, mushrooms, green beans and green bell peppers.

In the long run, however, the best diet will be the one you can stick to for years. It seems that perhaps following a balanced diet, inclusive of all food groups, is easier, cheaper and safer whilst focusing more on portion control and a good helping of exercise can also lead to weight loss that stays off.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about good nutrition? If you do, follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

 

The post What are the principles of a keto diet? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 5 things to know about cardio exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardio exercise

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 5 things to know about cardio exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Pilates is a Great Home Workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-pilates-is-a-great-home-workout/ Wed, 27 May 2020 05:05:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16456 Pilates is a great workout for anyone, regardless of their fitness, and one of the biggest advantages of taking on Pilates is that it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Though in a gym or class environment you will have access to reformer machines and other equipment, these are not necessary...

The post Why Pilates is a Great Home Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is a great workout for anyone, regardless of their fitness, and one of the biggest advantages of taking on Pilates is that it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Though in a gym or class environment you will have access to reformer machines and other equipment, these are not necessary to achieve a successful workout.

Why Pilates?

If you have not tried Pilates before, you might not be sold on the idea. However, Pilates is a fantastic workout for everyone as it has a variety of benefits. It is a full-body workout that does not overly focus on one area over another, though many people find that it is extremely helpful for building core strength.

Pilates is beneficial as both a supplementary workout for runners (or other cardio-based workouts) and as an exercise routine in itself. It helps to build muscle strength, improve flexibility, build body awareness, and can help to improve the alignment of your joints – and that does not even begin to touch on the benefits of Pilates!

Trifocus Fitness Academy - home workout

Pilates At Home

If you are looking to get more workouts done at home, Pilates might be one of the best choices. Here are five reasons why:

  1. You do not need any equipment! Although a yoga mat would be very helpful if you are just starting out you can easily use a towel or something else to cushion your back or knees (over time you can start to include equipment if you choose to).
  2. You do not need a large space to work out. Most Pilates routines only require space the size of a yoga mat to complete, so it is perfect for those in small apartments.
  3. No need to worry about angering your neighbours as most Pilates workouts do not require a lot of jumping or heavy-impact movements.
  4. Pilates workouts are easy to find. There are plenty of workouts online and on YouTube that you can access at home. This means that you can work out whenever you want (no restrictions based on class times!) and you can search for an instructor that you like to listen to.
  5. Pilates is for anyone – as an introduction to fitness, a pre- or post-workout flexibility routine, for post-injury strength-building, or a great daily workout to increase your connection to your body.

In conclusion, Pilates makes for the perfect at-home workout. If you are looking around for a new workout routine, Pilates is a good place to start, no matter what your skill level.

Remember to chat with your doctor before starting a new fitness programme, particularly if you have any existing injuries or medical conditions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to deepen your knowledge of Pilates and become a Pilates instructor? If you do, then please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post Why Pilates is a Great Home Workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are the Advantages of Pilates for Runners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-are-the-advantages-of-pilates-for-runners/ Wed, 27 May 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16447 While a lot of runners might not see the slowness and control of Pilates as appealing, there are plenty of benefits to introducing Pilates into your workout routine in the long run. In a study published in 2018 by PLOS ONE, professional runners who engage in Pilates twice a week showed a significant increase in...

The post What Are the Advantages of Pilates for Runners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
While a lot of runners might not see the slowness and control of Pilates as appealing, there are plenty of benefits to introducing Pilates into your workout routine in the long run. In a study published in 2018 by PLOS ONE, professional runners who engage in Pilates twice a week showed a significant increase in their running times and improvement in their running ability. Here are just a few reasons why Pilates training can benefit runners:

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that often makes use of various pieces of equipment to aid in movements, such as exercise balls, foam rollers, and Pilates Reformer machines, but can be done without any equipment. The main principles of Pilates are alignment, breathing, and core.

What Are the Benefits?

Full body workout

Pilates is, in the most simple sense, a full body, low-impact workout. This is greatly beneficial to many athletes, not just runners, who wish to vary their exercise routines. Each exercise is designed to improve the alignment of the body, which in the long run helps to refine your posture. And, though it is a full-body workout, many of the movements greatly improve core strength and stability.

Mindfulness

When running we tend to allow our minds to drift as we are performing a repetitive motion with the body that does not require much attention. In the long term, this repetitive motion and our lack of connection with the body can lead to injury or bodily imbalance. Pilates requires you to slow down and connect with each part of the body as your exercise, which greatly improves your body awareness. This awareness will carry over into your running, helping you to avoid injury in the long term.

Breathing

Pilates workouts require you to connect to your breath as proper breathing is integral to this exercise modality. A good instructor will help you to learn proper diaphragmatic breathing, which is a deeply aware method of breathing that focuses on oxygenising each muscle as it is used. This method of breathing can be very helpful for runners by helping you to properly oxygenate your body while running and improve your endurance.

Alignment and balance

Lastly, Pilates can help with improving your stability, posture, and alignment. As mentioned above, runners often develop imbalances in the body due to the repetitive motion of running. Pilates works to help correct misalignment in the hip, knees, and ankles as well as stabilising leg muscles and core. Even small adjustments to your posture can make a huge difference to your running ability over time.

Pilates is a simple way to improve your running ability, so whether you are doing matwork at home or making use of the equipment that a class environment can provide, consider adding Pilates to your workout routine.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a Pilates instructor? If you do, then follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post What Are the Advantages of Pilates for Runners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The correct breathing technique to adopt while exercising appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about teaching people how to exercise correctly? If you do, then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post The correct breathing technique to adopt while exercising appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to Master Pilates Leg Kicks appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to increase your knowledge of Pilates and perhaps even become a Pilates Instructor? If so, check out our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post How to Master Pilates Leg Kicks appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to combine yoga and strength training to attain any fitness goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/how-to-combine-yoga-and-strength-training-to-attain-any-fitness-goals/ Wed, 20 May 2020 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16264 The term ‘’yoga’’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘’yuj’’ which means to bind or join. This pretty much sums up what yoga is: It is the process of bringing about harmony within oneself as well as your environment. It is about finding balance and bringing everything together as one. While yoga is about finding...

The post How to combine yoga and strength training to attain any fitness goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The term ‘’yoga’’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘’yuj’’ which means to bind or join. This pretty much sums up what yoga is: It is the process of bringing about harmony within oneself as well as your environment. It is about finding balance and bringing everything together as one.

While yoga is about finding balance in your day to day life, it is also about finding balance in your workout routine and using this balance to reach your goals.

At first glance, yoga appears to be a bunch of poses put together to help you become more zen. This perspective will quickly change once you have taken your first yoga class.

So, how can you pair yoga with your strength training?

Flexibility and exercise

Research has found that hot yoga can be very beneficial for runners, cyclists, weightlifters and Crossfitters. The heat assists in expediting flexibility and counteracting the muscle resistance brought on by other workouts.

Improve your posture

Forms of yoga that have a strong emphasis on alignment and precision, such as Iyengar yoga, work great for runners and cyclists as it focuses on your posture as well as improving cardiovascular activity. It is also good for helping with balance – making it ideal for golfers as well.

Joint health

High-energy workouts such as running, cycling and CrossFit can damage your joints owing to the high impact from exercising. Yin yoga is great for helping connective tissues, fascia, and joints as it is done sitting or lying down and requires very little muscular effort.

Improve your endurance

Get your heart pumping with a rhythmic, cardio-intensive Vinyasa yoga class. This is great for people doing weightlifting workouts as the added cardio is beneficial to improving lung capacity and overall endurance and stamina.

Build muscle

Yoga is a bodyweight exercise, and this means that you need to be able to hold your own bodyweight – this will improve your arm and core strength. Ashtanga yoga is a great addition to any workout routine. Research has found that this form of yoga improves not only the upper body and core strength but also the strength in your lower body – the legs.

Wind down

After an intense HIIT training session, it is important to slow down and relax. Restorative yoga allows the body and muscles to relax and expand. It allows your body to recover and acts as a great stretching exercise.

How to amplify your strength training with yoga

  • Hold the poses for longer to get more out of your workout.
  • Repeat your poses to get more strength training in.
  • Add weight to your workout – ankle and wrist weights will help you develop more strength.
  • Modify your poses to increase the difficulty level.

Yoga may not be sufficient enough for all in terms of strength training but is still a great addition to any workout. By including yoga in your training programme, you can build strength and flexibility without putting a damper on your progress.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out how to become a Yoga instructor, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

 

The post How to combine yoga and strength training to attain any fitness goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The correct way to do the leg extension appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a personal trainer and learn more about exercises such as the one above? If you do then follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post The correct way to do the leg extension appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to do the hack squat appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about the proper form for exercises such as the hack squat? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to do the hack squat appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to do the one-arm dumbbell row appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you passionate about teaching others to exercise? If you are, then you should really consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to do the one-arm dumbbell row appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why do sports administrators need to know about financial management? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/why-do-sports-administrators-need-to-know-about-financial-management/ Mon, 11 May 2020 05:05:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16147 A sound financial management system enables sports administrators to accomplish important big picture and daily financial objectives. A sound financial management system will help the sports administrator to become a better macro-manager by allowing them to: Manage proactively rather than reactively. Borrow money more efficiently. Not only can they plan for their financing needs but...

The post Why do sports administrators need to know about financial management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A sound financial management system enables sports administrators to accomplish important big picture and daily financial objectives. A sound financial management system will help the sports administrator to become a better macro-manager by allowing them to:

  • Manage proactively rather than reactively.
  • Borrow money more efficiently. Not only can they plan for their financing needs but sharing budgets with the sporting organisation’s banker will assist in the loan-approval process.
  • Provide financial planning information for investors.
  • Make the sporting operating more profitable and efficient.
  • Access a fantastic decision-making tool for critical financial considerations.

Financial planning and control help the sports administrator to become a better micromanager by enabling them to:

  • Avoid investing too much money in fixed assets.
  • Maintain short-term working capital needs to support account receivable and inventory more efficiently.
  • Set sales goals. You need to be growth-oriented and not just an ‘order-taker’.
  • Improve gross profit margins by pricing your services more effectively or by reducing supplier prices, direct labour, etc., that affect the cost of goods sold.
  • Operate your businesses more efficiently by keeping selling and general as well as administrative expenses down more effectively.
  • Perform tax planning
  • Plan ahead for employee benefits
  • Perform sensitivity analysis with the different financial variables involved

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports administrators

A financial assistant to assist the sports administrator

Being a sports administrator, and in charge of a sports club, is a massive job and quite time-consuming. This means that you may want to hire someone, like a financial assistant, to help you in the running of the club’s finances.

A financial assistant is typically someone who provides a combination of administrative assistance and financial help to his or her co-workers.

A financial assistant will typically have more knowledge about finances and accounting principles than most administrative assistants and may be responsible for running reports or checking data in addition to administrative tasks. Otherwise, this individual will also be responsible for tasks such as answering the phones, greeting clients and scheduling meetings or appointments among other typical office duties. Many businesses will hire a financial assistant to work in their payroll or accounting departments.

If you want to hire a financial assistant, here are some things that you can expect them to do:

  • To investigate and answer routine queries arising from budget holders, management and other financial staff as well as external bodies.
  • To be aware of the policy and relevant legislation concerning client confidentiality and communicate appropriately.
  • To develop and maintain a good knowledge of the process and procedures and the accounting system relating to the activities of a section of the finance directorate.
  • To have knowledge and awareness of the application of relevant national accounting standards.
  • To attend finance meetings and document key information and decisions as required.
  • To apply basic accounting knowledge and techniques to all areas of work, including the production of journals, routine costing and variance analysis.
  • To perform financial calculations to support business transactions relating to a section of the finance directorate
  • To analyse necessary financial information in response to queries from managers, suppliers and customers
  • To identify and resolve errors and discrepancies
  • To be able to process high volumes of information while also evaluating the data’s relevance for inclusion in costing and other reports.
  • To plan, organise and manage own workload to ensure your contribution to monthly financial reporting process is achieved in a timely and accurate manner.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a sports administrator? If you do, then you need to have completed our Sports Administrator Course. For more information, please follow this link.

 Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

 

The post Why do sports administrators need to know about financial management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the bones of the foot? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foot

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about anatomy? If you do then you need to study our Exercise Science Certification Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are the bones of the foot? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to perform Utthita Trikonasana https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/how-to-perform-utthita-trikonasana/ Wed, 06 May 2020 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16081 Utthita Trikonasana – or Extended Triangle Pose – is the quintessential standing pose in many styles of yoga. You will almost inevitably encounter it within your first couple of yoga classes in addition to many years to come. Extended Triangle Pose’s relatively simple set-up contradicts its strength as a stretch for the hamstrings. Creating the...

The post How to perform Utthita Trikonasana appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Utthita Trikonasana – or Extended Triangle Pose – is the quintessential standing pose in many styles of yoga. You will almost inevitably encounter it within your first couple of yoga classes in addition to many years to come. Extended Triangle Pose’s relatively simple set-up contradicts its strength as a stretch for the hamstrings. Creating the foundation of the pose with feet which are grounded and strong legs allows the chest to twist in a deep fashion and to open.

What are the effects of Utthita Trikonasana?

The following list looks at what the effects of Utthita Trikonasana are:

  • Strengthens thighs, knees and ankles.
  • Stretches hips, groin, hamstrings and leg muscles.
  • Removes stiffness in legs and corrects minor deformities.
  • Stimulate internal organs.
  • Relieves backache and neck sprains.
  • Relieves stress.
  • Improves digestion.
  • Helps to relieve menopausal symptoms and backache, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy.
  • Helps with flat feet, sciatica, osteoporosis and anxiety.

The best technique to adopt with var

  • Begin in Tadasana. Inhale deeply and jump your feet apart by between one and 1.3 m. Raise your arms sideways in line with your shoulders and your palms facing downwards.
  • Turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right and turn your left foot in slightly to the right. Tighten your knees and keep your legs straight.
  • Exhales and glide your body over to your right side. Bend your torso and not your waist.
  • Place your hand near your right ankle. Strengthen your left leg and press your outer heel firmly to the floor.
  • Stretch your left arm towards the ceiling in line with the tops of your shoulders. Continue with your head in a neutral position or, alternatively, turn it to the left with your eyes gazing softly at your left thumb.
  • Extend your trunk and pull the top hip back. Keep the back of your hips and chest in a straight line. Keep your knees locked and your right knee in line with your toes.
  • Breathe deeply while holding the position between 30 seconds and one minute.
  • Lift your palm from the floor, inhale and return to the front with your arms at shoulder height with your feet facing forward.
  • Repeat on the other side.

If you are a beginner and you can’t reach the group, place your hand on the ankle or calf. Alternatively, you can also use a block. If you feel unsteady, practise with your back heel, or the back of your torso, against a wall.

Advanced students can place the palm of their hands on the floor behind the leg. If you suffer from a neck problem, we advise that instead of looking up, you look at your bottom foot.

Variation on Utthita Trikonasana

A variation on this asana is Parivrtta Trikonasana (or revolved triangle). To perform this pose:

  • Exhale and rotate your trunk, together with your left leg, in the opposite direction to the right. Place your left palm on the floor near the outside of your right foot. Extend your arm in line with your shoulders and gaze at your top hand.

Beginners can use a block under the bottom hand place their top hands-on their wait.

If you have the following conditions, it’s best not to practise this pose:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Headaches
  • Low blood pressure

If you suffer from a heart condition, practise Parivrtta Trikonasana against a wall and keep your top arm on your hip. If you suffer from high blood pressure, turn your head to gaze downward in the final pose.

Preparatory poses are Tadasana and Vrksasana. Follow-up poses are standing poses, seated forward bends or twists. Counter poses are mountain pose and gentle forward standing bend.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to get a richer understanding of yoga poses, then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

yoga course registration

The post How to perform Utthita Trikonasana appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to perform the scissors exercise in Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-perform-the-scissors-exercise-in-pilates/ Tue, 05 May 2020 05:05:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16061 The scissors exercise in Pilates is a very challenging exercise that aids in the stability of the abdominals as well as the mobilisation and flexibility of the hamstrings and calves. It is the third exercise in the Ab Series of Five. The breathwork is coordinated with the movement and so helps with basic coordination. It...

The post How to perform the scissors exercise in Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The scissors exercise in Pilates is a very challenging exercise that aids in the stability of the abdominals as well as the mobilisation and flexibility of the hamstrings and calves. It is the third exercise in the Ab Series of Five. The breathwork is coordinated with the movement and so helps with basic coordination. It also strengthens the thoracic back section as the movement is done with the head elevated.

With the scissors exercise, you also require the ability to wrap your mind around really lengthening through your core powerhouse while you are in an upside-down position. If this sounds like it’s too advanced, instead try side scissors. In the traditional Pilates mat series, the scissors exercise is to be found in the midpoint of the routine. It comes after the neck pull and is followed by the bicycle.

The benefits of the scissors exercise

The scissors exercise targets, among others, the upper as well as the lower abs. These muscles also need to enlist the obliques in order to maintain stability. This makes the scissors exercise an excellent challenge for your abs. It provides a stretch to your hamstrings (back of the thighs) and the iliopsoas (hip muscle) which opens up the front of your hips.

Starting position

  • Lie supine on the mat with your head and shoulders elevated. Both legs must be elevated towards the ceiling with your feet plantar-flexed.
  • Inhale to prepare.
  • Exhale and double-pulse the right leg in the air towards the body. While you do this, hold gently onto the leg and keep your abdominals well connected.
  • Inhale and switch legs.
  • Exhale and repeat the movement with your left leg.

Muscles worked

  • Abdominals
  • Upper back muscles
  • Hamstrings
  • Hip flexors

Watchpoints

  • Keep your scapulae stabilised.
  • Do not strain your neck.
  • Keep your abdominals connected. As you’re requesting the core muscles to ‘kick it into high gear’, ensure that you adequately warm-up before doing scissor kicks.
  • Keep your arms still throughout the entire movement. Your arms serve as stability which means that you shouldn’t use them as a momentum.
  • Keep the motion rhythmic in addition to control.

The scissor kick is an isolation exercise. This means that it’s often more effective when it is included in an overall fitness routine. It is possible to find the scissor kick in a line-up of Pilates exercises as well as other styles of exercise modalities.

Modifications

  • Hold your legs lower to the mat as this can assist with taking the pressure off your lower back. If you’re feeling that your lower back is arching up away from the mat while you’re performing the scissors exercise, begin with your feet just hovering off the floor. As you become stronger, expand the distance between the floor and your legs. Ensure that your back is not arching.
  • Replace a bicycle crunch for the scissor kick as it follows a similar movement pattern to the scissor kick.
  • Keep your head on the mat or a small barrel if you’re straining your neck.
  • Keep your hands supporting your head.
  • This exercise can be performed on a small arc barrel for lower back stability

Perform between five and 10 reps on each side.

By focusing on the leg muscles with the “scissoring” move, you immediately recruit your core muscles. In addition, proper spine alignment via a solid core is what assists your lower body do the “scissoring” movement. As the focus of this move is on recruiting your core, you don’t want to be in a rush to finish the reps. Slow down and ensure that you follow the steps as well as maintain your form throughout all of the sets in addition to reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to find out more about becoming a Pilates Instructor? If you do, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post How to perform the scissors exercise in Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post 3 Tips to Avoid Failure in the Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 3 Tips to Avoid Failure in the Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Can drinking too much water be bad for you? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/can-drinking-too-much-water-be-bad-for-you/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15885 We’ve all heard the saying: “too much of a good thing…” but how much is too much water and is that bad for you? Water is life and about half of your body consists of water. Water does many important functions in the body. It forms a large component of our blood, urine, sweat, and...

The post Can drinking too much water be bad for you? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We’ve all heard the saying: “too much of a good thing…” but how much is too much water and is that bad for you?

Water is life and about half of your body consists of water. Water does many important functions in the body. It forms a large component of our blood, urine, sweat, and stomach juices. Our brains are mostly made of water. In addition, fat and all nerve impulses travel with the help of water.

We lose water on a daily basis

Our bodies lose water every day through normal bodily functions like sweating, breathing and urinating. When you exercise, you sweat more and breathe harder. Believe it or not, you can lose up to a litre of water during an hour of running! We lose even more water when things go wrong in the body, like when we have a fever, or during a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Our bodies tell us when we need to replenish our water supply by creating thirst. However, sometimes we do our bodies a disservice by drinking fluids that are not necessarily the best option to rehydrate, like: coffee, cola and other fizzy cold drinks.

If we vomit or have diarrhoea we cannot just take in water alone to replenish the fluids we have lost. We also need to put back the electrolytes and glucose. The easiest way to do this at home is to take a glass of clean, safe water and then add a teaspoon of sugar to it and a pinch of salt. Mix well and take small sips of this mixture over an extended period of time. You can also make this drink when you’ve run out of sports drinks (like Energade or Powerade) during or after an exercise session. Flavour it with sugar-free flavouring or add some lemon juice.

Our bodies regulate water levels

Our bodies are cleverer than we think that they are and they try to keep the water levels balanced as much as possible. However, they can only get rid of extra water at a certain pace. If you take in more water than your body can excrete through urine, it will try to get rid of it another way by inducing vomiting. If that doesn’t work your body will swell up as it tries to divert the water out of your blood and into cells to keep you alive. Therefore, drinking too much water can be life-threatening, especially if you already have a compromised heart or kidneys.

Drinking too many energy drinks that contain caffeine can also be harmful since caffeine retains water and increases your heartbeat, which then raises your blood pressure. Energy drinks may contain other stimulants as well, like guarana, which can aggravate heart palpitations. Drinking too many energy drinks can damage your kidneys since they cannot get rid of all the additives fast enough.

The general rule is to drink approximately 2 litres of water or fluids a day, which is about the same as 8 glasses of water. Try to make the source of water mainly normal filtered or tap water, with rooibos or herbal tea as a close second. Try and avoid cola drinks or other caffeinated beverages like coffee or energy drinks as these could end up dehydrating you badly.

Maintaining good nutrition is an incredibly important part of maintaining good health which is why it’s essential to be clued up on good nutritional principles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about nutrition? If you do then you need to study our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Can drinking too much water be bad for you? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is phosphorus important for our bodies? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-is-phosphorus-important-for-our-bodies/ Fri, 24 Apr 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15867 Did you know that we need a mineral in our body that can glow in the dark? Yes, phosphorus is an important mineral that is needed by our bodies. It is found in high amounts in our skeleton and teeth, but is also present in most other cells in our body. It also acts as...

The post Why is phosphorus important for our bodies? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Did you know that we need a mineral in our body that can glow in the dark? Yes, phosphorus is an important mineral that is needed by our bodies. It is found in high amounts in our skeleton and teeth, but is also present in most other cells in our body. It also acts as a buffer to keep our body’s pH constant. Phosphorus is essential for us to be healthy and alive. It forms part of the structure called adenotriphosphate, which is the form in which our bodies use energy – the proverbial petrol that runs our organic body’s engine. Without phosphorus, we won’t have any power and will eventually die.

Phosphorous in food

In foods, phosphorus forms a compound with oxygen and is known as phosphate. So, unfortunately, we can’t glow in the dark if we eat foods rich in phosphate, but we will have stronger bones and lots of energy – which does make us all superheroes in a way!

In order for phosphate to make healthy bones, we also need calcium and vitamin D. A good source of both calcium and phosphate is milk products. Phosphorous is also found in cereals, meat, nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, fish, fruits and vegetables. So if you follow a balanced diet, your risk of developing a phosphate deficiency is quite low. Deficiencies usually only occur among alcoholics, or people with diabetes or liver disease.

Trifocus fitness Academy - phosphorus

Who is at risk for phosphate overload?

On the other end of the spectrum, people who have problems with their kidneys may develop a phosphate overload and are given calcium carbonate to bind it in the body so that it can be excreted safely. They should avoid fizzy cola drinks, beer, and milk products, which are especially high in phosphate and should be careful of taking multivitamin-mineral supplements or any other medication without talking to their doctor or nutritionist first. However, it is still important for them to consume other food sources of phosphorous every day, because without it their bodies won’t function.

Drinking too much fizzy cool drinks high in phosphoric acid can also make your bones brittle, cause cavities in your teeth, and increase your risk for osteoporosis as you get older. Children should also avoid drinking fizzy cool drinks, since it impairs the development of their skeleton and teeth. Milk or other dairy products are always a better choice, especially among those of us who are already suffering from osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.

How can I increase my phosphorous intake?

If you are following an unbalanced diet, taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement may be prudent. Look for an adult supplement that contains approximately 550-775 mg phosphate and 700 to 100 mg of calcium. This is equivalent to about two glasses of milk a day or two small containers of yoghurt.

There are also lactose-free dairy products on the market for lactose intolerant individuals. Those of us who are allergic to cow’s milk can opt for soy yoghurt or milk. If you are taking calcium supplements on their own, always take them with fruit juice, since coffee, tea or cola drinks will hamper the absorption.

So, next time you see something glow in the dark, ask yourself if you remembered to have enough phosphorus that day. Go on, take that drink of milk!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about nutrition? If you do then you need to study our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Why is phosphorus important for our bodies? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Work With Cable Attachments in the Gym appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How To Work With Cable Attachments in the Gym appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post What is a dangerous heart rate? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - heart rate

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is a dangerous heart rate? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to do the Pilates shoulder bridge https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-do-the-pilates-shoulder-bridge/ Tue, 14 Apr 2020 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15694 The Pilates shoulder bridge is a staple in any class as it improves posture, works your abdominal muscles and glutes. In addition, the shoulder bridge teaches you the best method for stabilising your shoulders. The shoulder bridge has a number of variations however but they all begin with the fundamental stance: Lying supine on your...

The post How to do the Pilates shoulder bridge appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Pilates shoulder bridge is a staple in any class as it improves posture, works your abdominal muscles and glutes. In addition, the shoulder bridge teaches you the best method for stabilising your shoulders.

The shoulder bridge has a number of variations however but they all begin with the fundamental stance:

  • Lying supine on your back with the soles of your feet placed firmly on the mat
  • Bent knees
  • Pelvis lifted.

Similar in form to the normal gymnastics bridge, this mid-level Pilates exercise focuses on stability in addition to steady breathing. It is a beautiful exercise that challenges strength and stability in the back and pelvis to stay neutral without rocking or tilting. The shoulder bridge challenges coordination and breath work when initiating leg movement. the exercise allows an individual to stretch and strengthen the hamstrings and quadriceps. Strong abdominals allow one to perform the exercise correctly and with ease.

Starting position

Lie supine on the mat with your legs bent and slightly abducted. Make sure that your feet are facing forward and your arms are extended with your palms resting on either side of your body.

Inhale to prepare.

Exhale and keeping your abdominals strong and stable lift up your pelvis, articulating your spine gently off the mat a single vertebra at a time until you’re resting on your thoracic spine. Ensure that your scapulae are stabilised and depressed.

Inhale and keeping your abdominals strong and stable for balance extend one leg up towards the ceiling with a plantar-flexed foot.

Exhale and, while still keeping your abdominals contracted, dorsi flex your foot and lower it to the height of your opposite knee.

Inhale. Keep your abdominals strong and stable for balance extend one leg up towards the ceiling with a plantar-flexed foot. Repeat between five and 10 times for each leg.

As we said earlier in this article, the muscles worked by this exercise are:

  • Abdominals
  • Back muscles
  • Hamstring group
  • Gluteus group
  • Calves

What are the benefits of the shoulder bridge?

If you’re searching for a move to incorporate into your routine which works your core as well as your butt, the basic bridge is a fantastic place to start.

For this exercise, the target muscle is the erector spinae. This muscle runs the length of your back from your neck towards your tailbone. A basic bridge stretches the stabilisers of the posterior chain, plus your hip abductors, gluteus maximus hamstrings.

As antagonist stabilisers for the shoulder bridge exercise, the rectus abdominis, obliques as well as quadriceps get a workout as they are responsible for maintaining stability. Your holistic strength will improve as these muscle groups become stronger. A core which is strong will also improve your posture and can assist with easing lower back pain. In fact, as long as you maintain good form, bridge exercises are usually safe for people who suffer from chronic back problems. The shoulder can even aid in pain management.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more Pilates exercise so that you can teach them to others? If you do then you should do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post How to do the Pilates shoulder bridge appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to do the Pilates roll up https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/how-to-do-the-pilates-roll-up/ Mon, 06 Apr 2020 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15580 The Pilates roll-up is 30% more effective, as opposed to the standard crunch when it comes to targeting the rectus abdominis. Colloquially speaking this is often called the “six-pack” muscle. As the move challenges your abs through a broader range of motion, it recruits more muscle fibres. This exercise aims to promote stability and strength...

The post How to do the Pilates roll up appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Pilates roll-up is 30% more effective, as opposed to the standard crunch when it comes to targeting the rectus abdominis. Colloquially speaking this is often called the “six-pack” muscle. As the move challenges your abs through a broader range of motion, it recruits more muscle fibres. This exercise aims to promote stability and strength to the entire abdominal region. It also promotes mobility and strength to the spine and back muscles.

Starting position for the roll-up

Lie supine on the mat. Make sure that your legs are parallel, extended and adducted. Your arms must be above your shoulders and over your head. In addition, your palms should be facing upwards towards the ceiling.

Inhale and lift your arms towards your ears. Keep your scapulae stabilised and well connected.

Exhale and start rolling your entire body up, articulating vertebra by vertebra. This motion starts with your cervical vertebra (which are those closest to your head) through all the regions of your spine. Remember to articulate one vertebra at a time. Keep your abdominals stabilised and connected as you flex your spine forwards over your legs.

Inhale and hold your position.

Exhale and slowly lower your body down to your starting position. Remember to articulate your spine into the mat while still keeping your abdominals well connected.

Watch points for the roll-up

While you do this exercise keep your scapulae depressed and stable. Make sure that you keep your feet on the mat and your abdominals contracted throughout the exercise. Work through your entire spinal region when lifting and lowering your body.

Like most of the Pilates exercises, to do the roll-up properly you need a good amount of ab strength. More precisely, you need your rectus abdominis muscles and obliques to start the exercise.  Once you peel the upper portion of your back off the mat, it is necessary for you to begin bending at the hips so to do this, you need your hip flexors as well as even more abs.

Why people struggle with the roll-up

An incredibly common problem that people run into when they begin their spinal articulation is having their legs lifting off the ground. You may have extremely powerful abs and hip flexors however if you are unable to ground your heels into the mat, it is impossible to do a proper roll-up. For you to do a proper roll-up you need hamstring strength to anchor the lower part of your body as you roll up the rest of the way.

All Pilates exercises need you to have some level of flexibility as strength without mobility just isn’t practical. In order to execute a good roll up, you’ll need flexibility in your spine as well as the back of your legs.  The more you have the ability to curve your spine, the easier it will be for you to roll up. Curving your spine gets your weight forward and moves you in the direction that you need to go.

Leg flexibility is just as important, and not just so that your roll-up looks nice when you complete the movement. Maintaining straight legs ensures that weight is kept in your heels and assists with anchoring them. When you have tight hamstrings and are required to bend your knees, your heels get nearer to your body and much more difficult to anchor.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to teach others fundamentals Pilates moves such as this one then you need to take our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

 

The post How to do the Pilates roll up appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to put together an endurance programme appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise and fitness and love the idea of teaching clients how to keep fit themselves, then you REALLY need to seriously think about becoming a personal trainer. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How to put together an endurance programme appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why fitness professionals NEED to know about social media appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to find out more about how you, as a fitness professional, can put your business on social media? If you do then follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why fitness professionals NEED to know about social media appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is entrepreneurship in the fitness industry? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What is entrepreneurship in the fitness industry? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are dynamic warm-up exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are dynamic warm-up exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is VO2 max and how can personal trainers use it? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal trainer

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

 

The post What is VO2 max and how can personal trainers use it? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is female triad syndrome? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about training sportsmen and women in order for them to be able to participate at their prime? If you do and want to train to become an accredited personal trainer, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is female triad syndrome? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What benefits will yoga bring into my life? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-benefits-will-yoga-bring-into-my-life/ Wed, 11 Mar 2020 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15217 You’d be forgiven if you think that life today reminds you of a hamster running around on their wheel in their cage. The faster that wheel turns, the quicker that the hamster has to run. Technology, although it has had astronomical benefits for our life, it’s also sped up the pace that things happen. We...

The post What benefits will yoga bring into my life? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You’d be forgiven if you think that life today reminds you of a hamster running around on their wheel in their cage. The faster that wheel turns, the quicker that the hamster has to run. Technology, although it has had astronomical benefits for our life, it’s also sped up the pace that things happen. We are expected to run many things simultaneously because it is thought that because apps and smart devices have made specific tasks ‘easier’ that we can divert our attention to other things.

However, the result of this is rather than making us less stressed it’s making us more stressed because there are so many processes that are happening that it’s challenging for us to keep up. We still need to monitor the processes that technology has taken over because, although it is very intuitive, it can’t make decisions about whether or not the task has been done correctly.

Enter yoga

Yoga is an ancient exercise form which was developed many centuries ago. Together with specific positions (which are called asanas in Sanskrit) that work the body, yoga brings in an element which exercises the mind as well. This is called meditation.

The premise behind meditation is to quieten your mind and let all the strains and stresses go. During this quiet time, we listen to our bodies, hear what they are telling us, and feel the space which we find ourselves in. The banishing of stressful thoughts – such as what our bosses need us to do – helps us to eliminate the stress that we are feeling.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel stress-free after your first meditation session. It takes time and practice to cement the habit of meditation into your life and to reap the full benefits of it. There are many forms of meditation out there, so don’t think that you have to remain in one place, cross-legged and chanting ‘ohm’.

A popular alternative form of meditation is walking meditation. During this practice, you walk to a specific point, and while you’re doing this, you concentrate on what you’re doing. You make sure that you focus on your surroundings, the air and sun on your face and empty your mind of any extra thoughts. By honing your attention and emptying your mind, you can think more clearly and apply your mind to the challenges that you need to find solutions to.

Asanas to relieve anxiety

Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with Forward Bend

The addition of a forward bend intensifies the exhale, which leads to the relaxation response.

Sit in Easy Pose. Make sure that your shins are crossed and ensure that your right shin in front. Come into a slight forward bend. Remain here for five breaths and then put the other shin in front. Put your hands on the mat and then straighten both of your legs into a Standing Forward Bend.

Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) with Shoulder Opener

Forward bends increase the exhalation, which helps to relieve stress and also turn us inward. Also, with the arms behind the back, shoulder tension is released. This pose also assists with releasing the hamstrings, which can get extremely tense when you’re stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

When you are in Standing Forward Bend, utilise your front thigh muscles to pull your kneecaps up towards your hips actively. With your fingers interwoven and your arms behind your back, lift your arms away from your back. Hold for five breaths and then change the interlace by putting the other index finger on top. Remain for an additional five breaths. Put your hands to your hips, and your thumbs to the top of your butt. Drop the flesh of your butt to the floor to propel you up to stand. Take a giant step out to your right-hand side.

Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana)

This asana has the benefits of a forward bend with the comfort of your head touching a prop. This also releases some of the pressure in your head.

Turn your feet parallel to each other and put your hands on your hips. Inhale, lift your chest and, with an exhale, bend forward from your hip joints to come into a forward bend. Put your hands on the mat, shoulder-distance apart. Make sure that your fingers are in line with your toes. Release your head towards the mat. If your head doesn’t reach the mat, you can put it on a block. Maintain the pose for 10 breaths. Inhale and come to a flat back. Put your hands on your hips. After this, drop the flesh of your butt to come to stand. Heel-toe your feet together and step to the front of your mat to transition into Child’s Pose. Take your knees to the floor, sit on your heels, and fold forward with your head on the floor.

Yoga will bring in the benefit of elongating and stretching your body with a calmness of mind. If you’re searching for these two, then we recommend that you give yoga a shot!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn how you can become a Yoga instructor, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

 

The post What benefits will yoga bring into my life? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to design cardiorespiratory workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardiorespiratory workout

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.”

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How to design cardiorespiratory workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to draft a constitution for a sports club https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/how-to-draft-a-constitution-for-a-sports-club/ Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15133 As a sports administrator, you’ll need to draft a constitution for the sports club that you administer. In basic terminology, a constitution is simply a set of written rules or an agreement which governs the aims of your organisation, how it will be run as well as how the members will work together. Many sporting...

The post How to draft a constitution for a sports club appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As a sports administrator, you’ll need to draft a constitution for the sports club that you administer. In basic terminology, a constitution is simply a set of written rules or an agreement which governs the aims of your organisation, how it will be run as well as how the members will work together.

Many sporting groups adopt a written constitution as an agreement, where people are working towards mutually agreed aims. When a sports club or sporting league first forms, it is usually not a legal entity but merely a gathering of individuals who are brought together to share an activity or interest in a particular sport.

The moment your sports group starts to deal with finances or property, or attempts to raise funds in the format of grants or loans, a formal statement documenting decision-making processes, responsibility and rule for all taking part within the group’s activities is essential. This will also prevent individual members from exposure to possible risk if, for instance, your group incurs financial problems or packs up shop by dividing risk between members.

Find out how to put together the optimal constitution for your sports club in this article.

The sections of a constitution

Although every constitution is different, it should contain the following elements:

Name of your organisation

The name of your organisation needs to reflect what your sports organisation is all about. In addition, it is a very important factor. You remember that every member of your organisation should identify with the name of your group.

Aims or objectives of your organisation

Your objective should cover not only what you objective you aim to reach at this point in time but also what you may wish to do in the future. Keep your aims as wide as possible in order to enable you to change your activity without amending your constitution. This will give you flexibility as you develop.

Powers

The powers chapter of your constitution should discuss what the group is allowed to do in order to carry out its activities and meet its objectives.

Membership

All sporting groups are made up of members who want to work in association to achieve the stated aims. Members essentially own and control the group.

Management committee

A management committee is vital to managing not only your group’s work but to make decisions and direct policy-making.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - constitution

Officers

It is not-unheard-of for committees to have named individuals, which are known as officers, to carry out different tasks on behalf of your group.

 Meetings

Within your constitution, you must state where as well as how often you will meet to discuss the work of your group and make any decision surrounding it.

Finance

For the finance section of your constitution, you will need to address several factors. To begin with, you should consider where you will keep the group’s money. If it often a good idea to open a bank account in the name of your organisation.

Amendments to the constitution

It is essential that you acknowledge, from the beginning, that your group may change as it grows. As such you may find that you need to make amendments to your constitution. You will need to decide how changes will be implemented

Dissolution

If for whatever reason, you need to wind up your sporting group you must adopt rules which are similar to those which you have put in place to make changes to your constitution. This may occur if your group is simply lacking in support or resources or if your activities have been transferred to another organisation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Drafting a constitution for a sports club is just one of the many duties that a sports administrator has. If you want to learn more about being a sports administrator yourself, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

 

The post How to draft a constitution for a sports club appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What do ‘workload’ and ‘variation’ mean in terms of exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What do ‘workload’ and ‘variation’ mean in terms of exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the risks associated with exercise for the elderly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - elderly

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are the risks associated with exercise for the elderly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to design an exercise programme for children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to design an exercise programme for children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How fitness entrepreneurs should be keeping records and information appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness entrepreneurs

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more about running a successful fitness business? If you do, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post How fitness entrepreneurs should be keeping records and information appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to do a bench press correctly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to do a bench press correctly appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is cross-training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
‘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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cross-training

  • 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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more about different exercise modalities? If you do, then you need to do our gym instructor course. For more information and to register for this course, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post What is cross-training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why kettlebells are the ultimate for calorie-burning appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post Why kettlebells are the ultimate for calorie-burning appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to increase athletic performance with Olympic lifting appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to increase athletic performance with Olympic lifting appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to incorporate kettlebells into your workout routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post How to incorporate kettlebells into your workout routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to develop upper body mass using kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

 

The post How to develop upper body mass using kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The ins and outs of becoming a sports administrator https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/the-ins-and-outs-of-becoming-a-sports-administrator/ Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14605 In sports, most people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. All we see are a bunch of athletes competing, coaches yelling orders and other supporters yelling from the stands. But there is a lot more to sports than what happens on the field. Behind every sport is a sports administrator. What is a...

The post The ins and outs of becoming a sports administrator appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
In sports, most people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. All we see are a bunch of athletes competing, coaches yelling orders and other supporters yelling from the stands. But there is a lot more to sports than what happens on the field. Behind every sport is a sports administrator.

What is a sports administrator?

Sports administrators are pretty self-explanatory. They carry out the administrative tasks across various functions within sports clubs and organisations. These functions can include marketing, fundraising, procurement, supply chain management or general admin tasks. They also help organise and schedule sports events, manage the budgets and oversee the recruitment and training of staff.

What are a sports administrator’s responsibilities?

A sports administrator’s responsibilities can range from routine admin to managing complex projects, budgets and resources.

These are some of the responsibilities sports administrators can have:

  • Making use of systems as well as processes that are relevant to the organisation
  • Responding to enquiries as well as requests for information from other organisations in addition to members of the public
  • Managing admin systems, processes and databases efficiently
  • Providing admin support to managers and heads of the organisation
  • Organising meetings, training, coaching, festivals, conferences as well as other events
  • Promoting sport in schools
  • Working with students or, alternatively, young people
  • Liaising with local sports councils, regional committees in addition to national governing bodies
  • Consulting with clients, members, the community as well as local sporting organisations
  • Advising sports clubs regarding areas such as organisation, funding, promotion as well as regulations
  • Regulating budgets, controlling finance allocated for community activities and sometimes coordinating or, alternatively, raising sponsorship
  • Undertaking or, alternatively, commissioning research as well as collating, mapping and monitoring data
  • Producing promotional literature, reports as well as event materials in addition to liaising with marketing and media organisations
  • Making presentations to grant-making bodies and authorities who are relevant
  • Managing, supervising and training staff as well as sometimes running an office
  • Supporting colleagues in order to encourage as well as develop sport in the local, regional, national or international community
  • Serving on regional as well as national government think tanks and task groups
  • Participating in the resolution of political and ethical issues, for examples conflicts of interest between partner organisations, the use of banned substances and breaches of regulations.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - sports administrator

What hours do sports administrators work?

Sports events usually happen on weekends and holidays. This means that the sport administrator, along with their 9 am to 5 pm working hours, sometimes needs to work over weekends and holidays, especially during tournament and professional league seasons.

As teams have to travel around to sports events, so does the sports administrator.

Sports administrators are what make sports organisations and clubs function properly and successfully. They are responsible for ensuring that the administration that goes into events, marketing, finance and more gets done. From something as simple as answering calls to something as complex as managing budgets, sports administrators do it all!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you kneen to become a sports administrator? If you are then you need to do our Sports Administration Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

The post The ins and outs of becoming a sports administrator appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga moves to help lower-back pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/yoga-moves-to-help-lower-back-pain/ Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14495 Lower-back pain is something everyone starts experiencing as they get older. It doesn’t need to be provoked by injuries or accidents. Sometimes it’s as simple as a weak core and pore posture from sitting all day. Whether your lower-back pain is caused by an injury, weak core or bad posture, these simple yoga moves can...

The post Yoga moves to help lower-back pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Lower-back pain is something everyone starts experiencing as they get older. It doesn’t need to be provoked by injuries or accidents. Sometimes it’s as simple as a weak core and pore posture from sitting all day.

Whether your lower-back pain is caused by an injury, weak core or bad posture, these simple yoga moves can help to alleviate the pain without putting too much strain on your lower back.

  1. Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose elongates and aligns your spine, taking some of the pressure off your lower back.

Kneel on your mat. Your knees should be hip-width apart and your feet together.

Bring your upper body forward so that it is resting on your thighs. Lengthen your neck and spine by moving your ribs away from your core and your head away from your shoulders.

Rest your forehead on the ground and extend your arms out in front of you.

Hold this position for up to three minutes.

  1. From Cat to Cow

From Cat to Cow flexes and extends your spine. It improves your mobility and relieves tension in your lower back.

Start on all fours. Your shoulders should be over your wrists and your hips over your knees.

Round your spine upwards while lowering your head to the floor. You will look like a frightened cat.

Then lift your head, chest and tailbone upward. Your spine will arch downward, like a cow.

Repeat this for up to three minutes.

  1. Downward Facing Dog

Downward Facing Dog stretches out your hamstrings and calves, which can often lead to lower-back  pain if they are too tight.

You start in Child’s Pose. Keeping your hands on the floor, sit up on your knees. Then lift your butt into the air so that your legs are straight and your arms and back are aligned.

Your heels should be pressed onto the floor and your fingers spread wide. Let your head hang between your arms.

Hold this pose for up to three minutes.

  1. Sphinx

The Sphinx pose creates a natural curve in the lower back. It engages your core, which helps to support your lower back.

Lie prone with your legs straight out behind you. Your elbows should be under your shoulders and your forearms on the floor.

Lift your chest up off the floor as you press the rest of your body into the floor. Keeping your shoulders relaxed, sit up until you feel your lower back stretching.

Hold the pose for up to three minutes.

These animal-like poses will help to stretch, flex and extend your spine. It also stretches your legs and engages your core. By doing this, you alleviate some the tension and pressure from your lower back and help to build its support. This can help to reduce the lower-back pain you experience from day-to-day activities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about yoga? If so, then you should definitely think about doing our certified yoga instructor course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

 

The post Yoga moves to help lower-back pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to manage your stress levels with life coaching https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/how-to-manage-your-stress-levels-with-life-coaching/ Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:27:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14452 Stress is ever-present in the world we live in today. Whether it is work, money or relationship related, we all experience it. Studies have shown that 75-90% of doctors’ visits are due to stress. But with the help of a life coach, you can understand and manage your stress levels. How does life coaching help?...

The post How to manage your stress levels with life coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Stress is ever-present in the world we live in today. Whether it is work, money or relationship related, we all experience it. Studies have shown that 75-90% of doctors’ visits are due to stress. But with the help of a life coach, you can understand and manage your stress levels.

How does life coaching help?

Through a series of conversations, a life coach will ask you questions to help you understand where your stress is coming from. Based on the root causes of your stress, they can then offer strategies and coping techniques to handle these causes and their effects.

Help to understand your stress response

When you find that you are in a complicated situation, your fight-or-flight response is triggered. This means that stress hormones flood your system and your brain has to decide whether it wants to face the situation or escape.

A life coach will help you to identify your physical and mental reactions.

Help to identify your stress triggers

The life coach will help you identify the situations, events and people that cause these stress responses. The coach can then help you set boundaries to reduce the chances of your stress responses being triggered, like not seeing certain people and avoiding certain places.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - stress levels

Help to manage your response

We can’t always control the situation we find ourselves in or the people we are around. We end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, our energy levels run out quickly and our stress levels increase exponentially.

The life coach will help you understand how your feelings are making the situation a lot more stressful than it already is. They will help you manage these feelings and tap into your energy reserves.

Help you manage stress long-term

Sadly, you can’t always depend on someone else to manage your stress for you. While managing stress can be stressful in itself, life coaches can teach you how to calm your mind and body on your own.

They will teach you techniques that you can try when faced with a stressful situation, like breathing, visualisation and mindful meditation. By practising these techniques regularly, you will develop neurological shifts in your brain.

These neurological responses will change the way you respond to the causes of your stress levels.

Being stressed often influences the way we perform our daily duties. Whether it is maintaining relationships, meeting deadlines at work or money-related, stress can have a major negative impact. With a life coach, you can tap into your stress levels and learn to manage them. Through the right management, you will be able to improve your self-awareness and the way you handle stressful situations and your reactions to them.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about life coaching and possibly even become a life coach yourself? If you do then you should really check out our Life Coaching Certification.

Trifocus fitness academy - register Life Coaching certification

 

The post How to manage your stress levels with life coaching appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Yoga poses can I do to curb anxiety? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-yoga-poses-can-i-do-to-curb-anxiety/ Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14397 Anxiety can hamper your life immensely. Whether you suffer from a generalised or acute anxiety disorder – or if the anxiety that you’re suffering from is just due to a supremely stressful situation at work –  this debilitating condition can create feelings of limited control, low self-esteem in addition to persistent fear, panic, anger as...

The post What Yoga poses can I do to curb anxiety? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Anxiety can hamper your life immensely. Whether you suffer from a generalised or acute anxiety disorder – or if the anxiety that you’re suffering from is just due to a supremely stressful situation at work –  this debilitating condition can create feelings of limited control, low self-esteem in addition to persistent fear, panic, anger as well as defeat.

The endless flow of information from news sites as well as social media feeds can cause even calm people to feel anxious or, alternatively, stressed. It’s no wonder that one in six people, in South Africa, suffer from anxiety and depression.

While many people find that using medication and psychotherapy is helpful in terms of treating this disease, there are a lot of alternative therapies – such as yoga, meditation as well as Ayurveda – which can assist with improving your mental health.

What is Ayurveda?

More than just a system of curing illness, the term ‘Ayurveda’ means the science of life. This offers a body of wisdom which is designed to assist individuals to stay vibrant as well as healthy while realising their full human potential.

The two focal guiding principles of Ayurveda are

  • The mind, as well as your body, are intimately connected
  • Nothing has more power to heal as well as transform the body than the mind

Freedom from illness is dependent upon expanding our own awareness, making sure that it is in balance, and then extending this balance to the body.

In a state of restful awareness, which is created through meditation, your heart rate, as well as your breath, slow down. In addition, your body produces fewer stress hormones such as cortisol in addition to adrenaline. You increase the production of neurotransmitters which enhance well-being. These include serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin as well as endorphins.

Yoga Poses to Assist with Alleviating Feelings of Anxiety

As well as the relaxation, breath awareness in addition to mindfulness in yoga, there are a number of poses which can really assist with easing anxiety and alleviating anxious feelings. We’ve chatted to a number of our Yoga Instructor Course graduates who run their own successful studio and have put together a list of the top-three yoga poses for anxiety relief.

Easy Pose (With Breath Awareness)

When we’re suffering from feelings of anxiety, we often breathe in a shallow, rapid manner. This can further enhance anxiety symptoms. So by just sitting in a comfortable cross-legged position (if that’s uncomfortable, sit on your knees or in a chair) as well as taking time to slow down and even out the breath can be a massive relief.

Be kind with yourself as you begin to encourage each inhale as well as exhale to be slightly fuller. Place one hand on your belly as well as one on your hear. This feels really soothing and can assist you with breathing in a more relaxed and expansive way.

Cat / Cow Pose

The tension which usually comes with anxiety can product rigidity in the body. Thus moving in a fluid manner, in sync with your breath, can feel very liberating. Inhale to Cow pose and exhale to Cat pose as the shape of the poses encourages fullness in the breath. However, go with what feels most calming for you. Always be slow in your movements. In addition, see if you can feel like if you’re moving through water.

Plank Pose

If you hold the Plank position for a little longer than your mind is comfortable with, it gives you the chance to keep your breath calm, even when things aren’t easy. It’s not a huge challenge but it’s enough to assist with building qualities such as self-confidence in addition to determination, which tend to be absent in the heat of anxiety.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about yoga, and become a yoga instructor, we recommend that you do our Yoga Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

 

The post What Yoga poses can I do to curb anxiety? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post The problem with many personal training certifications appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post The problem with many personal training certifications appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post A personal trainer clarifies why you SHOULD always prioritise weight training over cardio appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post A personal trainer clarifies why you SHOULD always prioritise weight training over cardio appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is repetition training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - repetition training

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise? If you do, then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is repetition training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Exercises to increase your hip and pelvis strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about exercise? If so, then check out our Personal Training Diploma.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Exercises to increase your hip and pelvis strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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,...

The post What impact does gymnastics have on your joints and bones? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - gymnastics

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you want to learn more about physiology and anatomy, then you really need to check out our Exercise Science Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post What impact does gymnastics have on your joints and bones? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is muscle imbalance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - muscle imbalance

  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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you want to discover more about how muscles work, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is muscle imbalance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to use cardio equipment safely appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardio equipment

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, our crème-de-la-crème of personal training courses – the Personal Training Diploma – will turn you into the best personal trainer out there. Gyms ask for personal training candidates by name who have gone through our course. This means doing a Personal Training Diploma a no-brainer. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to use cardio equipment safely appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What typical movement can be seen in the knee joint? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about how other joints in the body function, check out our Personal Training Diploma.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What typical movement can be seen in the knee joint? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What muscles support the spine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - spine

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about physiology and anatomy, check out our Exercise Science Course.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What muscles support the spine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What makes up the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - shoulder girdle

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to discover more about anatomy and physiology? If you do, then you need to seriously consider doing our Exercise Science Course. Read more here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What makes up the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the benefits of a cardiovascular fitness programme? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardiovascular fitness programme

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Check out our range of accredited personal training courses for more information about health and exercise.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post What are the benefits of a cardiovascular fitness programme? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why do you need a spotter during weight lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - spotter

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about proper exercise form? If you do, and perhaps want to become a personal trainer, check out our Personal Training Diploma.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why do you need a spotter during weight lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the types of endurance training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - endurance training

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about endurance exercises – in addition to other types of exercises? Then you need to do an accredited personal training course such as the one that we offer. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post What are the types of endurance training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are ligaments and what do they do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - ligaments

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are ligaments and what do they do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why doing a life coaching course is a phenomenal idea https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/life-coaching-course/ Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:05:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13754 A lot of people get the terms ‘life coaching’ and ‘psychotherapy’ confused and often they think that they are one and the same thing. During psychotherapy sessions – which people call ‘therapy’ for short – you talk about certain issues during the time you have with your psychologist. The goal of this is to find...

The post Why doing a life coaching course is a phenomenal idea appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A lot of people get the terms ‘life coaching’ and ‘psychotherapy’ confused and often they think that they are one and the same thing. During psychotherapy sessions – which people call ‘therapy’ for short – you talk about certain issues during the time you have with your psychologist. The goal of this is to find solutions however, the therapist isn’t the one giving these answers. They are merely your guide in the process. Through the process of talking about the problem and unpacking it, you find the solution yourself.

Life coaching, on the other hand, is about the life coach giving you practical solutions so that you can better navigate your life so that you can achieve the goals that you’ve set out to accomplish. While a therapist doesn’t give advice, your life coach is an active participant in your sessions. They are equipped with a number of tools so that they can coach you through the areas of your life which you are finding challenging.

A psychologist is an allied medical professional

Another huge difference between psychotherapy and life coaching is that a psychology is a medically aligned field. They are registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and you can claim these sessions back from medical aid if you belong to such a scheme. A life coach is not a medically trained professional however, they are very well trained in the soft skills that are necessary in order to assist their clients in their life’s path.

So let’s get back to the reasons why doing a life coaching course would be a phenomenal idea for you.

First of all, it equips you with the necessary skills that are required for you to help others (as well as yourself) lead a more fulfilling life. Even if you don’t want to become a life coach yourself and concentrate on this as your career, the skills that you will learn on this course will help you to take a good look at your own life, see if there is anything that is stopping you from attaining your full potential and giving you the tools so that you can remove these blockages.

One of the greatest things about doing a life coaching course is that you don’t have to put your life on hold while you study. This is especially true with our Life Coaching Course as it is conducted online.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - life coaching course

The superb benefits of our life coaching course

If becoming a life coach really does tickle your fancy and you want to pursue this as a career, what we’ve done – with our Life Coaching Package – is including courses in it which will help your business get to the next level.

Entrepreneurship Course

The first course that we’ve included in the package is our Entrepreneurship Course. We’ve found that life coaches who decide to start their own practices are brilliant at their jobs, however they don’t know the first thing about running a business.

Thus, the Entrepreneurship Course equips wanna-be life coaches with the essential tools that they need in order to run a successful business.

Social Media Marketing Course

In addition to the Entrepreneurship Course, we’ve included our highly acclaimed Social Media Marketing Course. With over a billion people being on the various social media platforms, getting yourself out there has become easier than ever before. And because, as a life coach, you can offer sessions via video conferencing you can have clients anywhere in the world. This makes social media the best platform to find these international clients.

The Social Media Marketing Course will teach you how to make use of the various social media platforms and to make sure that you use these very powerful platforms to benefit your business immensely.

Life Coaching Course made easy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

This Black Friday, we’ve made it even easier for you to become a life coach because when you purchase our life coaching package, and pay upfront, we’ll give you a massive 50% discount! Remember, this offer is only valid today so make sure that you take it up before it’s too late.

Trifocus fitness academy - register Life Coaching certification

The post Why doing a life coaching course is a phenomenal idea appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How yoga can help you to sleep better appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about yoga? If so, then you should definitely think about doing our certified yoga instructor course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

The post How yoga can help you to sleep better appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Value of a Yoga Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/the-value-of-a-yoga-course/ Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:05:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13655 Being fit and healthy doesn’t just mean that you can run up a flight of stairs without breaking a sweat or being winded. Yes, this is an integral part of fitness; however, it goes much deeper than this. Being at the top of your fitness game means that you have a healthy body as well...

The post The Value of a Yoga Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Being fit and healthy doesn’t just mean that you can run up a flight of stairs without breaking a sweat or being winded. Yes, this is an integral part of fitness; however, it goes much deeper than this. Being at the top of your fitness game means that you have a healthy body as well as a healthy mind.

In today’s hyper-stressful world, where we’re always switched on to every device possible and don’t take the time to smell the roses and take time to check in with ourselves, we need a space where we can take this time to calm our minds and feel at peace.

This is why mind-body exercises, such as Yoga, are so important and – in addition – why Yoga classes have become so popular over the years. People don’t give themselves permission to take time out and give themselves a mental health check. In addition to the powerful mental benefits that Yoga has, it also helps practitioners with developing their flexibility which will assist them with warding off age-related diseases.

With so many people clamouring to get into a Yoga class if you feel that you want to become a Yoga instructor the time is ripe for you to do a Yoga Course such as the fully accredited one that we offer. (To find out more, please follow this link.)

The tools to succeed

Being a fitness professional, such as a Yoga instructor, is about so much more than merely mastering the asanas and pranayama.

As we’ve said previously in this article, a lot of people turn to Yoga in order to reduce their stress. This means that, as a Yoga instructor, you may find people coming to you after class and telling you about things in their lives which are unrelated to the actual practice of Yoga but coming to Yoga class has allowed them to get over.

This means that you will need the tools to adequately engage with your students and to make them feel that you are really connecting with them. Many expert Yoga instructors have told us about this issue which is why we’ve decided to put together a Yoga package which includes our Life Coaching Certification that is accredited with COMENSA.

Marketing in a digital age

In this hyper-connected world, marketing has become more accessible and cheaper than ever before. By using digital platforms such as social media you are able to put together really effective marketing campaigns that rival those companies with massive budgets. To stand out, all you need is a bit of creativity.

However, we realise that you may not know how to harness the power of social media to market yourself as a Yoga instructor which is why – in our Yoga package – we’ve included our Social Media Marketing for Fitness Professionals Course. This highly interactive package will assist you with navigating the wilds of social media so that you can get the word out there about you and your fitness business.

Yoga instructors are in hot demand which is why doing a Yoga Course – if you want to follow this career path – is a genius move. We’ve given you all the tools that you need to succeed in your chosen career path.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

This black Friday week, we’ve made it even easier for you to pursue your dream of becoming a Yoga instructor. When you purchase a Yoga package – and pay upfront – you’ll receive a whopping 50% discount! For more information about this package, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

 

The post The Value of a Yoga Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why only a personal training diploma isn’t enough appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal training diploma

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Why only a personal training diploma isn’t enough appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why the elliptical machine is a super fat-burner appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - elliptical machine

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

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Why the elliptical machine is a super fat-burner appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is the biomechanical analysis of cycling? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

 

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cycling

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is the biomechanical analysis of cycling? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post Stabilisation and positioning in weight training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Stabilisation and positioning in weight training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How is running biomechanically analysed? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - running

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How is running biomechanically analysed? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to check your heart rate using your pulse appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - pulse

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

The post How to check your heart rate using your pulse appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the stages of progression? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - stages of progression

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

The post What are the stages of progression? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why is it vital to stay fit for longevity? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

 

 

 

The post Why is it vital to stay fit for longevity? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Where Can I find South Africa’s Top Personal Training Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Where Can I find South Africa’s Top Personal Training Course? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What a personal trainer can explain about plyometric training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What a personal trainer can explain about plyometric training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the best nutritional choices that long-distance runners should make? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-are-the-best-nutritional-choices-that-long-distance-runners-should-make/ Fri, 08 Nov 2019 06:07:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13389 A good race hinges on a lot more than just your training that you do to prepare. To improve your speed as well as your performance, it is necessary for you also to consider what you are putting into your body and if you’re adhering to proper nutrition principles. The correct foods at the right...

The post What are the best nutritional choices that long-distance runners should make? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A good race hinges on a lot more than just your training that you do to prepare. To improve your speed as well as your performance, it is necessary for you also to consider what you are putting into your body and if you’re adhering to proper nutrition principles. The correct foods at the right time can help to boost your running performance enormously. In addition to this, you will decrease your risk of sustaining injury and illness.

Most commercial supermarkets sell more than 30 000 items, however, every time we mission up and down the aisles of the grocery store, we usually put the same 10 to 15 foods into our shopping carts. This isn’t such a terrible thing, as long as you’re buying the right foods, in other words, the ones that will keep you healthy, fuel peak performance, and easily makeup lots of delicious meals. However, for runners food is about more than just pure nutrition principles. Food is considered to be fuel:

  • You need to plan carefully in terms of what you should eat before, during and after your runs.
  • When you are training for a long race you will have to decide how you will change how you eat.

What should be in every long-distance runner’s pantry

  1. Bananas

If require need a high-carb energy booster prior to your afternoon run, choose a banana. This fruit also holds a healthy dose of potassium (about 400 mg). The energy boost that you will be getting is especially vital for long-distance runs or marathons in hot temperatures when you are likely to sweat a lot and – as a result – lose valuable minerals. Potassium (in addition to other minerals such as sodium, magnesium and chloride) compensates for this deficiency and reduces your blood pressure simultaneously.

  1. Oats

Oatmeal is the best breakfast when you want to go running afterwards because it provides you with plenty of carbohydrates (one serving has about 25 g). In addition, oatmeal is high in fibre. Plus, oats have a low glycaemic index which means that they cause your blood sugar levels to rise slowly, provide you with energy over a more extended period and keep you having the sensation of feeling fuller for longer.

  1. Peanut butter

When we refer to ‘peanut butter’, we are talking about pure peanut butter that does not have additives such as sugar, salt or oil. This type of peanut butter is a good source of vitamin E, which is probably the most effective antioxidant among all of the vitamins.

Peanuts do contain a lot of fat and are, as a consequence, high in calories, these nuts consist of monounsaturated as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids which can help lower cholesterol levels in your blood. Plus, peanuts are essential for:

  • Strengthening your immune system,
  • Speeding up your post-run recovery, as well as
  • Preventing injuries.

Peanut butter also has a good deal of protein which makes it an ideal aid for assisting your muscles grow. Try putting peanut butter on whole-grain toast with banana slices and is also suitable as a snack together with a few slices of apple.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - long-distance runners

  1. Broccoli

This green vegetable is jam-packed with vitamin C, which can help reduce the risk of – or even prevent – sore muscles following an intense workout. Broccoli is also a fabulous source of calcium, folic acid as well as vitamin K, which strengthens our bones.

  1. Plain yoghurt

Yoghurt is the best combination of carbohydrates and protein. It has a biological value of nearly 85 %, meaning that it has a high percentage of essential amino acids. (These substances cannot be synthesised by the body, which means that you need to get these from food).

If you eat yoghurt directly after a run, it can speed up your recovery and so protect your muscles. The calcium contained in it also strengthens your bones. An additional benefit of yoghurt is that it contains live lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) which stimulate your gut flora and thus boost your immune system. Having these bacteria in your system is vital for everybody and not just runners.

  1. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate (that has at least 70% cacao) is the perfect treat because you don’t have to feel guilty afterwards. It can assist with lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, the flavanols (secondary metabolites) contained in this type of chocolate can help with reducing inflammation. What is the best thing about dark chocolate (other than the taste)? It puts you in a good mood. But here, as usual, it always comes down to portion size. Two or three squares are plenty. When combined with a handful of nuts, they can help you beat the mid-afternoon slump.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about nutrition? If so, then you should absolutely consider doing a nutrition course. Follow this link to find out more.

 

The post What are the best nutritional choices that long-distance runners should make? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is the best type of fitness programme for people suffering from type 2 diabetes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post What is the best type of fitness programme for people suffering from type 2 diabetes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What a personal trainer can explain about pain management appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What a personal trainer can explain about pain management appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Allergic to these foods? Try substituting them https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/allergic-to-these-foods-try-substituting-them/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:22:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13342 When you are allergic to something, you often find yourself scanning the labels on the back of food packets to see if they could potentially send you to hospital. The important things to look for on labels is “contains (allergens)” or “not suitable for those with (specified) allergy”. These mean that the product either contains...

The post Allergic to these foods? Try substituting them appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you are allergic to something, you often find yourself scanning the labels on the back of food packets to see if they could potentially send you to hospital.

The important things to look for on labels is “contains (allergens)” or “not suitable for those with (specified) allergy”. These mean that the product either contains certain allergens or was made in the same factory as foods with these allergens.

What is a food allergy?

Food allergies are immune responses to certain types of foods. This means that our body is unable to break down these particular foods and the IgE antibody is released, which results in allergic reactions.

When you experience an allergic reaction, try to identify what you consumed and go for medical tests as soon as possible.

Allergies are most common in children and infants and can change as they grow up.

The symptoms of allergic reactions include nausea, vomiting, redness of eyes, hives, tongue inflammation, cramping, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, pale blue skin and rashes. The worst symptom of all is “Anaphylaxis”, which impairs your breathing and sends your body into shock.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - food

How to avoid and substitute allergens

There is, however, still a way to enjoy some of your favourite foods without falling victim to an allergic reaction.

  • Lactose intolerance: Infants, and often adults, can have allergic reactions to milk. These include vomiting, nausea, upset stomachs and hives. Coconut milk or almond ‘milk’ can be used as substitutes.
  • Egg allergies: Some people are allergic to the proteins in eggs. Common symptoms are trouble breathing and skin reactions. When baking, Xanthan gum, baking powder, bananas and applesauce puree act as equally good binders.
  • Gluten intolerance: This is an allergic reaction to gluten, which is a type of protein found in grains like wheat. The symptoms are similar to lactose intolerance. Coconut, almond or oat flours are great substitutes for wheat flour and corn starch or rice can give the carbohydrates your body needs.
  • Corn: Instead of corn syrup you can use honey. You can also use potato or tapioca starch instead of corn starch.
  • Soy: Soy is usually the alternative to milk products. When you are allergic to soy, though, you need to make sure that you actually have this allergy before replacing it with milk products. Soy is used in many processed foods and can trigger hives, a runny nose and breathing problems. Alternatively, you can use chickpeas or chickpea flour.
  • Seafood: Seafood allergies can cause headaches, nausea and rashes. The omega 3 oils and proteins in fishy foods are essential for your body. Instead of fish products, you can use flax seeds, which are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids. You can find similar proteins in lentil seeds and poultry.
  • Citrus fruits: Citrus allergies are rare and can cause rashes, soreness in your throat, swollen tongue and congestion. Try replacing these fruits with vinegar, tomato juice and apple cider vinegar.

Just because you are allergic to certain ingredients, doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite foods. Instead you can replace them with ingredients that contain similar consistencies, minerals and vitamins.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in learning more about nutrition and perhaps even become a nutritionist yourself? Have a look at the Specialised Nutrition Course that we offer. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Allergic to these foods? Try substituting them appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Your Choice Between Personal Trainer Courses at Trifocus appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal trainer courses

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Your Choice Between Personal Trainer Courses at Trifocus appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is the correct technique to adopt during endurance training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - endurance training

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

 

The post What is the correct technique to adopt during endurance training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Exercises to build glute and hamstring strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/exercises-to-build-glute-and-hamstring-strength/ Fri, 01 Nov 2019 11:41:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13186 Strong glutes, as well as hamstrings, are about more than only nice-looking legs and a well-rounded bottom. The glutes, in addition to the hamstrings, are the strongest muscles that are present in our skeletal muscular system. Once we make these muscles stronger, it is possible to prevent strain as well as injury. When your hamstrings...

The post Exercises to build glute and hamstring strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Strong glutes, as well as hamstrings, are about more than only nice-looking legs and a well-rounded bottom. The glutes, in addition to the hamstrings, are the strongest muscles that are present in our skeletal muscular system. Once we make these muscles stronger, it is possible to prevent strain as well as injury. When your hamstrings and glutes are stronger, you’ll enjoy an enhanced ability to squat deeper, lunge without pain, push heavy objects, run faster as well as jump higher.

To best train those hamstrings and glutes, you’ll want to emphasise both leg curling (knee bending) in addition to hip extension (or straightening) actions to achieve balanced training. One of the best exercises which accomplish this is the glute-ham raise (GHR).

How to perform the glute-ham raise

For this exercise, you need to make use of a glute-ham developer (GHD). Adjust this machine so that, at the time when your feet are secured, your quads rest on the middle of the GHD. You must be able to lower your torso over the end.

Begin with bent knees at 90° so that your body is straight and is perpendicular to the lower part of your legs. Fold your arms across your chest. Brace your core and then, in a slow manner, lower your torso forward over the side of the GHD until you are in a horizontal position. In the next movement, return explosively to the position in which you started by contracting your hamstrings.

If there is no GHD to work with, it is possible for you to do the exercise by kneeling on a mat and getting a gym buddy to secure your feet in place as you lean forward

Glute-Ham Raise Variations: Pull-down glute-ham raise

The lat pull-down machine provides the same benefits as a glute-ham raise. However, holding onto a double-rope cable which is attached to the weight stack, counterbalances your bodyweight. This makes it a perfect beginner move for gradually building up your hamstring strength:

  • Being by setting the weight stack to the correct level of resistance.
  • Kneel and face away from the machine. Make sure that the backs of your calves are against the pad.
  • Take hold of the double-cable rope attachment with both hands just behind your head. Ensure that your elbows are pointing up.
  • Gradually, lower your upper body towards the floor. While you’re doing this, keep your core braced.
  • After you’ve performed this movement, quickly return to your starting position by contracting your hamstrings.

Not many exercises can isolate the hamstrings as well as glutes without top-loading additional weight on your spine or, alternatively, testing your grip strength with a loaded barbell. Even though you may think that this exercise looks easy in comparison to a Barbell Romanian Deadlift or Hip Thrust, it is just as challenging (if not even more so) when performed correctly.

The bridge with toe raise is another move that does well in terms of strengthening your hamstrings and glutes. Over-relying on your quadriceps in order to generate power when you run or walk can cause strain in your quads. Also, it could cause IT band syndrome, knee pain as well as other problems. Likewise, if your glutes don’t fire as well as contract during each stride, your hamstrings will take over this role, which can lead to overuse injury. This particular exercise combats both sites of injury.

The muscles that these exercise work are:

  • The back of your thighs (hamstrings),
  • Your bottom (glutes),
  • Transverse abdominis, and
  • Calves (gastrocnemius).

Exercise technique:

  • Lie supine on a mat, on the floor.
  • Put your feet flat on the floor. Make sure that your heels are close to your bottom.
  • Lift your hips off the mat until these form a straight line between your knees, hips as well as shoulders.
  • Squeeze your bottom. Pull in your tummy tight and maintain this position.
  • Lift onto your toes.
  • Gradually lower your heels. Then lower your bottom until you touch the mat. However, don’t rest completely.

If you feel a cramp in your muscles, rest for a few seconds. Reduce the number of repetitions. Build up until you can do the full set. Want to learn about exercising like a personal trainer?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Check out our full range of personal training courses for more information!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Exercises to build glute and hamstring strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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”...

The post High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises You Can do in the Pool appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises You Can do in the Pool appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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)....

The post How to prevent shin splints appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to prevent shin splints appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How To Take Your Hiking to the Next Level With These Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post How To Take Your Hiking to the Next Level With These Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to Use Watts to Keep Yourself Motivated and Engaged appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

 

 

 

 

 

The post How to Use Watts to Keep Yourself Motivated and Engaged appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to eat and train for a mesomorph body appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - mesomorph body

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

Do you want to discover more about exercise? If so, check out our range of personal training courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to eat and train for a mesomorph body appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Are wireless earphones worth the investment for training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - wireless earphones

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Are wireless earphones worth the investment for training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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....

The post What Makes Online Fitness Courses an Excellent Choice for Anyone Looking to be a Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - online

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Makes Online Fitness Courses an Excellent Choice for Anyone Looking to be a Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Core Moves To Improve Your Running Form appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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%.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - core

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Core Moves To Improve Your Running Form appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What to Expect from a Nutrition Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-to-expect-from-a-nutrition-course/ Thu, 24 Oct 2019 07:48:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13057 A good, well balanced, nutritious diet can enhance an athlete’s performance; providing them with the vitamins and minerals needed to aid with muscle growth and repair. Therefore, when considering personal training, a course in nutrition is vital. Through the right one, you will learn every detail required for sportsmen to perform at their best. Each...

The post What to Expect from a Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A good, well balanced, nutritious diet can enhance an athlete’s performance; providing them with the vitamins and minerals needed to aid with muscle growth and repair. Therefore, when considering personal training, a course in nutrition is vital.

Through the right one, you will learn every detail required for sportsmen to perform at their best. Each athlete has different dietary needs depending on the activity they perform.; and the right course will help you identify these needs, and give you the tools to meet them properly.

In young athletes, good nutrition provides energy, enhances performance and decreases fatigue and the risk of disease and injury.

Energy deficits can cause short stature, delayed puberty, loss of muscle mass and possible illness. Energy excess can cause obesity, but increased caloric intake during growth spurts and athletic activities is essential for both their health and their performance.

The older generation, on the other hand, are susceptible to malnutrition as their metabolic rate declines with age. Nutritionists will recommend more beneficial food choices and perhaps snacking on healthy foods for extra nutrients between meals.

Supplements are also recommended to boost vitamin and mineral intake.

Basic Training Diet

Training diets should be enough to provide energy and nutrients to meet the demands of the particular exercise. A good variety of foods is encouraged to develop healthy, long-term dietary habits in order for the athlete to maintain the correct body fat levels.

Incorporating all of the major food groups is essential: carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy, and fats and sugars provides variety, and makes for sensible planning.

Furthermore, it is vital that adequate fluids are provided to ensure hydration during and after exercise. Water is a good choice of fluid to prevent dehydration. For sportsmen who train strenuously every day, an increase in carbohydrates is necessary to maintain energy.

However, when advising on weight loss, large amounts of carbohydrates are not ideal.

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

Exercise is one way to improve the memory and keep your brain healthy, but nutrition is equally important.

As a nutritionist, you may recommend oily fish for a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 improves the structure of brain cells and encourages blood flow in the brain to bring about better cognitive functions, focus and moods

Good news for chocolate lovers. Dark chocolate and berries contain antioxidants which are vital in preventing age-related cognitive decline and brain diseases. Antioxidants reduce inflammation throughout the body as well as boosting memory and learning.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- nutrition

Which Supplements to Recommend for Improved Sporting Performance

Unless an athlete has a diagnosed deficiency such as iron or calcium or their diet doesn’t meet their needs, supplements alone will probably not be beneficial.

They cover a range of products such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements, sports nutrition products and natural food supplements.

Very often, competitors complain of muscle cramps which might point to a zinc or magnesium deficiency. A nutritionist should have a good knowledge of foods that may cause allergies and be able to recommend substitute options where they are needed.

If athletes take supplements not approved by a professional, they run the risk of committing an anti-doping rule violation, or could even end up doing more harm than good during training.

Keeping the Athlete Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after a routine is imperative.

In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to collapse and even death particularly in warm conditions or long-lasting events.

Water is the recommended drink but sports drinks contain some sodium which helps with absorption.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers superb nutrition courses, providing personal trainers or enthusiast with the knowledge they need to be nutritional advisors. Our specialised certification is scientifically based and designed.

These courses are available via correspondence or online and come complete with international accreditation. Contact us today or visit our website for further details on our fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post What to Expect from a Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Glute exercises to relieve lower back pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/glute-exercises-to-relieve-lower-back-pain/ Thu, 24 Oct 2019 05:45:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13048 A lot of doctors now urge lower back pain sufferers to become active. Medical practitioners also move their backs as well as related muscles as a better treatment for pain relief in this area of their bodies. According to researchers, exercise also increases blood flow to the lower back area. This may reduce stiffness in...

The post Glute exercises to relieve lower back pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A lot of doctors now urge lower back pain sufferers to become active. Medical practitioners also move their backs as well as related muscles as a better treatment for pain relief in this area of their bodies. According to researchers, exercise also increases blood flow to the lower back area. This may reduce stiffness in addition to speeding up the healing process.

Movement can assist with relieving back pain, however only the correct kind of movement will help you achieve this goal. Avoid workout regimes that put too much stress as well as strain on your back. The exercises that you choose partly depends on how intense your pain is in addition to what causes it. This means that you should always get the recommendation of your doctor before performing any heavy exertion for lower back pain.

How do you know if your back is actually weak?

An often-quoted misconception is that if a “flare up” (heightened burning or muscular fatigue) is felt in the lower back during a glute or leg exercise, this is an indication that the back is “weak”. More often than not, the cause of the problem is not weakness but inefficient glute activation, incorrect execution of the movement pattern or, worst case scenario, the presence of some other pathology.

The body is exceptionally efficient. If it is not possible to get in touch with the glutes as well as we would like, the body will “steal” the work from the closest available muscle group. The common culprits in this case are typically the hamstrings or the muscles of the lower back, thus giving us the often misunderstood “flare up”.

Exercises to give you a super glute workout

Bridges

Bridges exercise a person’s gluteus maximus. (This is the large muscle of the buttocks.) Individuals involve this muscle when they perform movements with their hips, in particular when they bend into a squat. The gluteus maximus muscles is one of the most vital muscles in the body. This means that keeping it strong can assist with supporting the lower back.

How to perform a bridge:

  • Lie supine on the ground. Bend your knees. Put your feet flat on the floor. Make sure that they are hip-width apart.
  • Press your feet into the floor. Ensure that your arms remain by your sides.
  • Raise your buttocks off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
  • Squeeze your buttocks with your shoulders remaining on the floor.
  • Lower your buttocks to the ground. Rest for a few seconds.
  • Repeat this movement 15 times. After this, rest for one minute.
  • Perform three sets of 15 repetitions.

 Knee-to-chest stretch

Performing this stretch can assist with elongating the lower back and so relieve tension as well as pain.

How to perform the knee-to-chest stretch:

  • Lie supine on the floor.
  • Bend your knees. Keep both feet flat on the floor.
  • Utilise both hands in order to pull one of your knees in towards your chest.
  • Hold your knee against your chest for five seconds. Keep your abdominals tight and press your spine into the floor.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Repeat with your opposite leg.
  • Repeat with each leg between two and three times, twice a day.

Lower back rotational stretch

This stretch can assist you with relieving tension in your lower back as well as your trunk. It also gently works the core muscles in order to assist with improving stability.

How to perform the lower back rotational stretch:

  • Lie supine on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
  • Keep your shoulders firmly on the floor. Gently roll both of your bent knees over to one side.
  • Hold this position for between five and 10 seconds.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Gently roll your bent knees over to the opposite side. Hold and then return to your starting position.
  • Repeat between two and three times on each side. Do this twice a day.

Doing exercises which work your 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 in addition to how they carry heavy objects in order to identify movements which may be responsible for causing this pain.

Anyone who experiences lower back pain that is severe, or which does not go away with gentle stretches and exercise, should make an appointment with a doctor. If any of the back exercises which we’ve described in this article make pain worse, it is vital to stop doing them straight away and consult a doctor.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about exercising and helping people to exercise properly? Read more here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Glute exercises to relieve lower back pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How a Personal Trainer Course can Upskill You. Find out more appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How a Personal Trainer Course can Upskill You. Find out more appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Movements to Improve Bone and Joint Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

 

The post Movements to Improve Bone and Joint Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Best Exercises for Exercisers Who Are Starting Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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

The post Best Exercises for Exercisers Who Are Starting Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What exercise burns the most belly fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What exercise burns the most belly fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What shoes should you wear to gym? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about the art and science of exercise, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What shoes should you wear to gym? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How spinning will assist you to keep fit appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - spinning

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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about these exercises , have a look at our wide range of accredited personal training courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How spinning will assist you to keep fit appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Twitter 101 for Fitness Professionals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/twitter-101-for-fitness-professionals/ Tue, 15 Oct 2019 07:38:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12826 Social media is fast becoming the favourite promotional platform for fitness professionals as well as personal trainers. It’s not difficult to see why. For little to no cost, specialists can establish thorough profiles, post promotional content, invite members of the community to events, share engaging information as well as capture leads which – when chased...

The post Twitter 101 for Fitness Professionals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Social media is fast becoming the favourite promotional platform for fitness professionals as well as personal trainers. It’s not difficult to see why. For little to no cost, specialists can establish thorough profiles, post promotional content, invite members of the community to events, share engaging information as well as capture leads which – when chased up on – often turn into clients.

There are so many social media networks for personal trainers to select from and Twitter is one of the more popular of these. If you’re pondering advertising your fitness business on Twitter have a look at the glossary put out by Twitter and learn just how to make use of this social media platform to its full potential.

Here are four valuable things you need to do when putting together your fitness professional profile on Twitter.

Follow Industry Thought-Leaders

The first thing  that you should be doing when you set up your Twitter profile is to start following other accounts. The only way in which you’ll learn what works, and what doesn’t work, is by looking at what the big hitters in the industry are putting out. What’s more, you can leverage thought-leader content to your advantage by re-tweeting it. When you do so, be sure to thank the content producer.

By following Twitter accounts that are significant in the industry, you gain key insights into what’s going on in the world of fitness. What this means is that you can be one of the first people to break any news and you will become a thought-leader in your own right.

Shape Your Own Following

When you’ve got a healthy collection of Twitter accounts that you follow in the fitness industry, the next step is to increase your own following. This is where leveraging off other social accounts will assist your greatly. Let followers of accounts on other social media accounts know that you’re on Twitter. Request that they follow you as this will skyrocket your follower numbers!

If you’ve got a bit of available cash flow, you can even run a competition on Facebook and give people the chance to win a prize if they follow you on Twitter. Ensure that you post on Twitter, at least once a day, in order  to gain a steady flow of followers.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - twitter

Personalise Your Interactions

Want to know which fitness-related Twitter accounts perform the best? These are the ones that personalise interactions, make their followers feel special as well as appreciated. Think about typing out a short thank you message and keeping it stored on your computer. When you get a new follower, send the pre-written message to them and insert their name.

In the same way, when a person re-tweets or likes something you’ve posted, why not thank them personally for doing this? In these messages, include links to your website, your other social media accounts, or even your contact number as well as email address. However, do it in such a way in which people don’t get the impression that they’re being overtly marketed to.

Post Quality, Value-Adding Content

Last, but surely not the least important, is the requirement for quality content. We’ve added ‘value-adding’ to the heading above as the need for this cannot be understated. Anyone can make posts just for the sake of it. With countless fitness professionals already posting frequently, content which is average will get lost.

Ensure that you see what the fitness thought-leaders are doing on Twitter. Do even better than them. Try and make sure that the content that you share, be it images or videos or GIFs, add value to the lives of the people who follow you. Content that involves tips and tricks, fitness hacks, ‘did you know’ posts, and competitions do so well on Twitter.

Twitter is a formidable medium as people go onto this platform to learn new as well as interesting facts and figures. As individuals scroll through their feeds at a very rapid rate, as we’ve said before, you need to post something truly exceptional for the reader to stop and take notice of you. However, if you follow the tips that we’ve outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to making a success out of your Twitter promotions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about how you, as a fitness professional, can use social media in your promotional activities? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Social Media Management For Fitness Professionals Course.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Twitter 101 for Fitness Professionals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How to train an ectomorph body type appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus fitness Academy

Want to go on a personal trainer course and learn how to train all body types – including ectomorphs? Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How to train an ectomorph body type appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are the best heart rate trackers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - heart rate

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?

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post What are the best heart rate trackers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is a bootcamp class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is a bootcamp class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How do I get fit? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fit

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How do I get fit? Read this article to find out more. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What a personal trainer needs to understand about athletic nutrition appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What a personal trainer needs to understand about athletic nutrition appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How Many Times Per Week Should I Practise Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

The post How Many Times Per Week Should I Practise Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What is fitness? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is fitness? Find out more in this article. appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What are Realistic Personal Training Goals? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus Fitness Academy -personal training goals

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What are Realistic Personal Training Goals? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How being fit helps to fight depression https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/being-fit-helps-fight-depression/ Tue, 01 Oct 2019 05:11:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12407 The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. This is a serious global pandemic that needs to be addressed. Researchers have found that being fit and healthy has an extremely positive correlation with helping to fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here’s how. What is depression? According to...

The post How being fit helps to fight depression appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. This is a serious global pandemic that needs to be addressed. Researchers have found that being fit and healthy has an extremely positive correlation with helping to fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here’s how.

What is depression?

According to the American Psychiatric Association ‘depression’ is defined as a disorder that negatively affects the way that you think, feel and act. People who fall victim to this disease are plagued with constant negative thoughts from all angles. For some sufferers, these negative thoughts are so significant and overwhelming in their lives that they see no hope but to commit suicide.

The treatment for depression differs from patient to patient. At the root of treatment is to replace the patient’s negative thoughts with positive ones. This can be done with medication such as SSRIs in conjunction with psychotherapy where the patient works through the negative feelings with the help of the therapist with the goal of ultimately replacing these negative thoughts with positive ones.

Alongside this treatment plan, more often than not it is advised for the patient to take part in daily physical exercise. The reason for this is two-fold:

  • When we exercise, we release feel-good hormones called endorphins. These trigger a physiological response which is similar to that which the drug morphine produces. Endorphins also have a sedative effect which is why we sleep better after having exercised. As many people who suffer from depression often have trouble sleeping exercise is a great method of helping to alleviate this.

Thus the more endorphins we release into our bodies, the more positive feelings we have. This means that it is very hard for the negative emotions to co-exist with the new-found positive thoughts.

  • Exercise also helps patients suffering from depression to take their minds off their negative state. Depressive episodes run in tightly formed circles. This means that it’s very difficult to break these and help the patient get clarity and start on the road to recovery.

Because – during exercise – you are forced to concentrate on what you’re doing otherwise you will hurt yourself, this activity helps depression sufferers to break the cycle of negative thinking and helps them to introduce new, more positive thoughts into themselves.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- depression

Yoga: a fantastic exercise to help with depression

Yoga is classified as a ‘mind-body’ exercise. It uses a number of tools to help ground the practitioner in the here and now so that thoughts which are detrimental to the person’s well-being are not let anywhere near them.

Yogis believe that everything on Earth emits vibrations. Thus, to become in tune with these vibrations and, as a consequence, the world around you, you need to chant ohm. The practice of chanting usually happens at the beginning of each Yoga class and has the benefit of helping members of the class to rid themselves of the stressful thoughts that they’ve had during the day so that they can concentrate fully on work that the teacher has prepared.

Yoga is made up of a number of poses. In Sanskrit these are called asanas. You practise the asanas barefoot so that you can remain rooted to the earth – which is in fact what ‘asana’ actually means. This allows you to be in touch with the present and not let your mind wander off.

Your breathing helps you through when you practise the asanas. This type of breathing is different from ‘regular’ breathing as it tells you that you need to breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. However, as you exhale you need to slightly constrict the back of your throat and close your lips. This produces a sighing sound which helps to alleviate stress.

Exercise and being fit is a powerful method of helping to keep depression at bay. It should be used in conjunction with treatment plans prescribed by qualified health professional to help you get some headspace in order to deal with the disease.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s other online fitness courses which will help you assist other depression sufferers, please follow this link.

 Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How being fit helps to fight depression appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post How a personal trainer can benefit from foam rolling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How a personal trainer can benefit from foam rolling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post Why are online personal training courses so popular? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why are online personal training courses so popular? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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...

The post What Makes Kettlebells a Fabulous Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Makes Kettlebells a Fabulous Workout? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The business fundamentals that every fitness professional needs to know https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/business-fundamentals-every-fitness-professional-needs-to-know/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:31:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12161 If you are entering the personal training profession, or are planning on opening a fitness business, this is an exciting time for you of growth and opportunity. Cognizance of the benefits of personal training has been expanding for over a decade as is market of clients who want to take up the services of a...

The post The business fundamentals that every fitness professional needs to know appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are entering the personal training profession, or are planning on opening a fitness business, this is an exciting time for you of growth and opportunity. Cognizance of the benefits of personal training has been expanding for over a decade as is market of clients who want to take up the services of a personal trainer. This expanded opportunity is accompanied by a huge influx of new personal trainers into the industry, which means increased competition. Thus, a thorough knowledge of business fundamentals is needed – by every personal trainer – so that they can see their business go from strength to strength.

What business fundamentals does every fitness professional need?

Although being a superb fitness professional means having an accredited qualification as well as heaps of experience, taking that skill and running a successful fitness business takes a bit more.

Business plan

First you need to put pen to paper and write a business plan. The business plan is the blueprint for the fitness business that you’re going to be starting. In other words, it describes exactly how you’re going to make your business fly.

Often, we make the mistake of thinking that a business plan is a single document that you put together when you’re first starting out and then leave it along. However, in actual fact, the business plan for any business will change over time as the organisation develops. Any particular business may have multiple business plans as its objectives change.

Here are the sections of a business plan:

  • Executive summary which is a snapshot of your business.
  • A company description which describes what you do.
  • Market analysis consists of research about your industry, market and competitors
  • Organisation and management looks at your business and management structure
  • Service or product deals with the products or services you’re offering
  • The marketing and sales section details how you’ll market your business in addition to your sales strategy
  • Funding request looks at how much money you’ll require for the next three to five years
  • Financial projections contains information such as balance sheets
  • The appendix is an optional section that includes CVs and permits

Marketing and sales strategy

Once you’ve put together a detailed business plan, the next business fundamental that you need to have – as a fitness professional starting out your own business – is a marketing strategy. You may have developed a superb business plan but unless you know the best way of getting your business to market, you mind as well pack up shop right now and start looking for a job.

Together with a marketing strategy, you’re going to need to know how to sign up those clients and to start making money because you can have the best marketing strategy in the world – and get all the leads for new clients that you can – but unless you know how to convert these leads into sales your business is not going to do well.

Social media

One of the best ways that fitness professional – particularly a personal trainer – can market their business is by using social media. Some of the best platforms to use for this include Facebook and Instagram as these are visual and do justice to what a personal trainer is trying to portray.

The fabulous aspect about social media is that it is possible for you to target people locally, in the area that you work in, or otherwise you can expand your reach nationally and internationally. This brings in the possibility of putting together new product offerings such as online training.

Study the Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more business fundamentals about running a fitness business? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course to learn more.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post The business fundamentals that every fitness professional needs to know appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why practising Yoga is good for you? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/why-practising-yoga-is-good-for-you/ Wed, 18 Sep 2019 06:52:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12114 Workout trends come and go however virtually no other exercise programme is as enduring as Yoga is – this ancient exercise form has been around for over 5 000 years. Yoga is responsible for more than burning calories and toning muscles. Yoga is a total mind-body workout which combines strengthening and stretching poses together with...

The post Why practising Yoga is good for you? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Workout trends come and go however virtually no other exercise programme is as enduring as Yoga is – this ancient exercise form has been around for over 5 000 years. Yoga is responsible for more than burning calories and toning muscles. Yoga is a total mind-body workout which combines strengthening and stretching poses together with deep breath (which is called Ujjayi breath),  meditation or relaxation.

Practising Yoga on a daily basis is good for your health. This is because it has many benefits for your body which means that it is important to sacrifice a few minutes every day to include it. Yoga has the power to transform your body. If you practise it consistently you will improve your quality of life and overall health. Yoga is a practice that provides support, stillness, happiness, encouragement, bliss, insight and assists with destroying stored emotions.

The relaxation techniques incorporated into Yoga

These techniques can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga can also assist with lowering blood pressure and reducing insomnia.

Several studies have shown that Yoga may help to alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also assist with enhancing your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Assist With Reducing Inflammation

As well as bettering your mental health, some research suggests that practising Yoga may also reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a typical immune response however chronic inflammation can promote the advancement of pro-inflammatory diseases, such as:

  • Heart disease,
  • Diabetes, and
  • Cancer

A study which was conducted in 2015 study split 218 participants into two groups:

  • Those who practised Yoga on a regular basis, and
  • Those who did not.

Both groups then did moderate as well as strenuous exercises in order to induce stress.

When the study was concluded, the individuals who practised yoga had lower levels of inflammatory markers as opposed to those who didn’t.

Likewise, a small study in 2014  showed that 12 weeks of yoga decreased inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors who suffered from persistent fatigue.

Help with reducing chronic pain

Chronic pain is a never-ending problem that affects millions of people. This type of pain has a range of possible causes, such as injuries and arthritis.

There is an increasing body of studies which demonstrate that practising yoga could help reduce many kinds of chronic pain:

  • In one piece of research, 42 people with carpal tunnel syndrome received either a wrist splint or performed yoga for eight weeks.
  • When the study concluded yoga was found to be more effective in easing pain as well as improving grip strength when compared to wrist splinting.

Another 2005 study showed that yoga may help to reduce pain as well as improve physical function in participants with osteoarthritis in the knees.

Assist with migraines

Usually, migraines are treated by using medications to alleviate and control symptoms. However, there is increasing evidence which shows that yoga may be a helpful additional therapy to assist with reducing the frequency of migraines. Researchers have made the suggestion that practising yoga may assist with stimulating the vagus nerve, which has been seen to be effective in relieving migraines.

A study in 2007 split 72 patients with migraines into a yoga therapy or self-care group. The study lasted three months. Practising yoga resulted in reductions in the intensity of headaches, frequency and pain compared with the self-care group.

Another study gave 60 patients with migraines conventional care with or without yoga. Doing yoga caused a greater decrease in the frequency and intensity of headaches as opposed to conventional care alone.

Increased flexibility

Yoga poses stretch your muscles and increase your range of motion. With regular practice, they’ll improve your flexibility.

Increased muscle strength and tone

It is possible to increase muscle tone and definition — and even muscle size — with Yoga. But because you’re limited to “lifting” your body weight, strengthening and toning may take a lot more skill, time, and determination as opposed to lifting weights.

Using Yoga to build a stronger, more impressive physique can be just as effective as using weights. However, experts agree that whether Yoga can be your sole form of strength training depends on your goals.

Improved respiration, energy and vitality

Some Yoga traditions, which involved breathing exercises, are responsible for generating calmness. These breathing exercises, which are called pranayama are performed by breathing in and out only through the nose. Breathing through the nose is more beneficial than breathing in through the mouth.

Some Pranayama exercises are:

  • Nadi Sodhana or, alternatively, the Alternate Nostril Breathing,
  • Sama Vrtti which is translated into English as Same or Equal Length Breathing, and
  • Ujjayi (Victorious Breath).

Some  effective Pranayama are:

  • Uddiyana Bhanda that gives youthfulness to the whole body;
  • Kapalabhati that stimulates every tissue of the body; and the
  • Peacock posture which relieves indigestion and constipation in addition to maintaining a balanced metabolism

Protection from injury

To remain healthy, active and involved during the practice of sports, runners, as well as other endurance athletes, require corrective modalities to change muscular imbalances. In addition, these corrective modalities limit overuse injuries and assure longevity.

Yoga awards one of the most effective returns on investment for athletes. This is because it increases strength, flexibility, agility, balance and mental acuity, and can assist with recovery from high-intensity training.

Want to become a Yoga Instructor?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you answered ‘yes!’ then check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Yoga Certification Course. We cover all the essential elements of Yoga and, with our 200-hour accreditation, no other Yoga course can beat us! For more information about this as well as our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

yoga course registration

The post Why practising Yoga is good for you? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What’s the big deal about personal training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/whats-the-big-deal-about-personal-training/ Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:29:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12101 There are a myriad of super reasons why a personal trainer is vital for you to achieve your fitness goals. The goals that you may want to achieve may be weight loss-based, sports-driven or for athletic purposes. When you are just beginning an exercise programme, or you aren’t seeing that you’re getting results with your...

The post What’s the big deal about personal training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are a myriad of super reasons why a personal trainer is vital for you to achieve your fitness goals. The goals that you may want to achieve may be weight loss-based, sports-driven or for athletic purposes.

When you are just beginning an exercise programme, or you aren’t seeing that you’re getting results with your current exercise routine, a personal trainer can give you the assistance that you need in order to get going. Recognising how you can benefit, as well as whether it will be worth the expense, can help you decide if taking on the services of a personal trainer is a good choice for you.

Why do people work with personal trainers?

There are several reasons why people work with personal trainers:

  • Some want an individualised exercise programme so that they can lose weight or get in shape.
  • Others simply need the motivation to carry on with their workouts.

Wherever you are on your exercise journey, a personal trainer may be just what you need in order to finally reach your fitness and weight-loss goals.

Here’s a bit more detail about what benefits you can get from training with a personal trainer:

Customised programming

As we said in the previous paragraph, a knowledgeable personal trainer will design a customised exercise programme for you. This regimen is designed in order to assist you with reaching your personal health and fitness goals.

A personal trainer will also take a detailed history from you so that if you have any special considerations (e.g. existing medical condition, pregnancy, post-rehabilitation, medications taken, etc) he or she can create this programme around this.

Correct technique

When you exercise, safety is the number one priority. A personal trainer will school you in the proper mechanics of each exercise. In addition they will ensure that you are performing each movement with correct form which will maximise the efficiency of your workouts.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- personal training

Enhance motivation

Having a session that is scheduled with a personal trainer promotes accountability on your part. In addition, it can help you with developing a commitment, in the long run, to making exercise a regular part of your routine.

As well as the external motivation, a personal trainer can also assist you with developing a more positive outlook on exercise by looking at options for:

  • Making exercise fun,
  • Reviewing short-term progress towards fitness goals, and
  • Assessing feeling- and mood-state changes that are related to exercise which will improve self-confidence and self-motivation.

Alleviate boredom

A personal trainer can help you to select activities that you enjoy. They can also help you to choose exercises that will keep you motivated and heading in the right direction towards reaching towards your fitness goals.

Personal trainers have a very broad knowledge of various exercises, tools as well as techniques that can ensure that your workout routines are both fun as well as effective. So if you’re in the market to getting fit and healthy – as well as achieving your fitness goals – you need to hire a personal trainer!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the platinum standard in personal training qualifications. If you’re contemplating about hiring a personal trainer, and he or she has one of these qualifications, snap them up in an instant because you know that they are like gold. If you want to take your health and fitness knowledge to the next level, studying this course will be of incredible benefit to you as it will imbue you will the knowledge that only expert trainers have. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post What’s the big deal about personal training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why you need to do Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/why-you-need-pilates/ Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:28:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12096 Pilates can help you to get a lean and toned body. However, there is so much more that you can get from regularly going to a Pilates class or having one-on-one sessions. Pilates is an effective as well as efficient way to work your body. The moves may look uncomplicated but these take a lot...

The post Why you need to do Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates can help you to get a lean and toned body. However, there is so much more that you can get from regularly going to a Pilates class or having one-on-one sessions. Pilates is an effective as well as efficient way to work your body. The moves may look uncomplicated but these take a lot of precision as well as control. Pilates is not as simple as doing a lot of crunches. This type of exercise  emphasises technique strongly.

Ways in which you can do Pilates

You can perform Pilates on an exercise mat in a class at a gym. The class usually takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can practise this at home using a DVD. Another option is going to a gym or studio that has special equipment (such as reformers or cadillacs) as well as a trainer who can oversee you and correct your form if you’re doing something incorrectly.

What type of exercise is Pilates?

As Pilates is not an aerobic exercise, you need to integrate this with your cardiovascular exercise such as spin class or running on the treadmill. Pilates exercises are concerned with functional fitness and developing strength. What this means is that Pilates teaches you to move better in a manner that enhances performance and diminishes the risk of injury in other activities such as exercise as well as other daily activities such as lifting groceries into the car.

A Pilates mat class is a full-body workout. It is powerful for developing core strength. However, if you only do Pilates as your strength training routine  add the resistance exercises which are done with large and small Pilates equipment such as the reformer. Doing this will expand your options for:

  • Developing strength in your limbs as well as the core, and
  • Providing the progressive resistance needed to build strength.

What are the benefits of resistance training?

The physical as well as mental health benefits, which can be achieved through resistance training, are aspects such as:

  • Improved muscle strength as well as tone in order to protect your joints from injury
  • Preserving flexibility and balance, which can help you continue to be independent as you age
  • Weight management and increased muscle-to-fat ratio because as you gain muscle, your body burns more kilojoules when you’re at rest
  • May help with the reduction or prevention of cognitive decline in older people
  • Greater stamina because as you grow stronger, you won’t get tired as easily
  • Prevention or regulation of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, back pain, depression as well as obesity
  • Management of pain
  • Improved mobility as well as balance
  • Posture which is improved
  • Lowered risk of injury
  • Better bone density and strength as well as lowered risk of osteoporosis
  • Improved sense of well-being – resistance training may boost your self-confidence, improve your body image and your mood
  • Enhanced sleep and avoiding of insomnia
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Enhanced performance of everyday tasks.

With Pilates, you’ll get stronger, more sculpted muscles. Another great benefit is that you’ll gain flexibility, have better posture as well as a better sense of well-being. To get all of the benefits that Pilates has to offer make sure to work with a highly certified instructor – such as one who has passed the Comprehensive Pilates Certification Course at Trifocus Fitness Academy – that can move you strategically and safely between exercises. This is because only a Trifocus-certified instructor is comprehensively qualified in the following:

  • Basic matwork,
  • Intermediate matwork,
  • Small barrel,
  • Basic Ball Series,
  • Intermediate ball series,
  • Theraband series,
  • Basic reformer series,
  • Intermediate reformer series,
  • Basic chair series,
  • Intermediate chair series,
  • Electric chair series, and
  • Basic cadillac series.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

For more information about this course, please follow this link.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

The post Why you need to do Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How do you choose a personal trainer course that’s worth its salt? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-choose-a-personal-trainer-course-thats-worth-its-salt/ Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:15:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12076 Choosing a career path can be extremely daunting. These types of questions will be running through your brain at a rate of knots: Will I be good at it? Will I be able to make enough money at it? Will I still enjoy it 20 years down the line? If you’ve decided that you want...

The post How do you choose a personal trainer course that’s worth its salt? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Choosing a career path can be extremely daunting. These types of questions will be running through your brain at a rate of knots:

  • Will I be good at it?
  • Will I be able to make enough money at it?
  • Will I still enjoy it 20 years down the line?

If you’ve decided that you want to become a personal trainer, that’s awesome! Being such an integral part of the fitness industry is a very rewarding profession because you’re helping people to reach their health and wellness goals and are assisting them with seeing tangible results on their bodies.

If you’re still undecided about if you want to choose personal training as a career path, there are a number of features that great personal trainers display.

A love of fitness

It goes without saying that personal trainers must love fitness and exercise. They must look fit and buff – just like their clients want to look for themselves – so the trainer must be dedicated to perfecting their bodies.

A passion for learning

The first, and most important, step that anyone who wants to become a personal trainer must take is to do a personal trainer course. However, the studying doesn’t stop there… There are so many new exercise techniques coming out every single day which means that the personal trainer needs to keep abreast of what’s happening so that they can offer their clients the latest and greatest exercise modalities before they even ask for them.

A personal trainer must constantly be looking out for CPD courses that they can use to improve their knowledge. For example, a personal trainer could decide to do a kettlebells course or an Olympic lifting course so that they can improve their service offerings to their clients.

A positive, can-do attitude

There are going to be occasions when a personal trainer’s clients become demotivated with their exercise regimen because, for example, they are not seeing the results that they want as quickly as they want to.

So, instead of losing the client because they feel like they want to give up, a personal trainer will need to encourage the client and spur them on to continue with their training sessions. When the client says “I can’t!” a personal trainer must read the situation and see if the client is actually at the point of exhaustion – and can’t push anymore – or if they are just being lazy and want to take the easy route out.

Trifocus Fitness Academy-personal trainer course

How to choose a personal trainer course that’s right for you

If you fit the criteria that we’ve outlined above, and you want to become a personal trainer, then (as we’ve already said) you need to do a personal trainer course.

But with so many courses out there, how do you know which is the best one to choose? Well, lucky for you, we’re about to give you some pointers:

  1. The course that you decide on must have a comprehensive syllabus that covers everything from physiology and anatomy right down to building a training programme for your clients.
  2. Students who’ve done the personal trainer course previously must be willing to give glowing testimonials about it.
  3. Fitness industry bodies must be willing to endorse the course and give it their rubber stamp of approval.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Once you’ve found a personal trainer course that ticks all of these boxes then you know that you’ve found the right one for you. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is one such personal trainer course which fits into this category. For more information, please visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How do you choose a personal trainer course that’s worth its salt? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why you should be including boxing to your personal training routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/include-boxing-personal-training-routine/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:27:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11299 When you picture boxing, you may think of greats like Muhammad Ali. However, boxing is no longer  just a sport. It’s also a fantastic way of remaining fit. This type of boxing is known as fitness boxing. During this type of exercise you don’t get into a ring or take any punches. This means that...

The post Why you should be including boxing to your personal training routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you picture boxing, you may think of greats like Muhammad Ali. However, boxing is no longer  just a sport. It’s also a fantastic way of remaining fit. This type of boxing is known as fitness boxing. During this type of exercise you don’t get into a ring or take any punches. This means that there’s no risk of you sustaining a head trauma.

Fitness boxing has taken the movements of the sport and converted these into exercise routines. This type of boxing has many benefits for your health as it continuously requires you to think, alter your position, and change how you are standing.

Boxing Doesn’t Just Build Strong Arms

During a boxing workout you’ll be working out your arms – big time. However, the moves that are involved require far more than just arm strength. Boxing is responsible for strengthening and toning the whole body. When you throw a strong and fundamentally sound punch you generate force through your legs, core and arms.

Boxing Can Help With Improving Your Coordination

Fitness boxing is an amazing way to strengthen your hand-eye coordination. This is especially if the boxing class includes hitting a target. This can have real-life implications such as assisting you with feeling more alert or making it easier to do tasks that you do every day.

 

Boxing May Decrease Stress

Hitting a bag relieves stress. After three months of boxing, people say that they find that stress relief is the main benefit of this type of exercise.  With boxing, you’ll feel stronger, have increased confidence levels and be more in control during course of the class. A study in the Japan Journal of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences published the finding that boxing-style exercises can promote feelings of relaxation and put people in a better mood. In addition, as with any challenging workout, boxing will cause the same feel-good endorphins – which are responsible for the “runner’s high” you’ve heard so much about – to be released.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - boxing

Boxing incinerates calories

Boxing can effortlessly burn as much as 1 000 calories per session. However, boxing has an additional benefit because it is classified as high-intensity training:

  • When doing high intensity training, you’ll burn heaps of calories during the session. A big plus is that, for hours after the training session has ended, you’ll carry on burning calories. Typical cardiovascular exercise does not have this post-training calorie-burning effect.

This means that boxing is your best friend when it comes to losing weight.

Boxing helps with bone density

It’s a well-known fact that resistance training strengthens your bones in addition to reducing the development of osteoporosis. In boxing, focus pads and punching bags offer resistance in the same way that your own bodyweight does when you do pushups, pull ups, lunges, burpees as well as various other exercises. The joints, tendons and ligaments in your body will also get stronger in response to working against resistance during a boxing workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about boxing and possibly even become a boxing instructor yourself? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Boxing Instructor Certification Course will help you to do this! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why you should be including boxing to your personal training routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is Vitamin K? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-vitamin-k/ Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:17:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11289 The term ‘vitamin K’ refers to a collection of fat-soluble vitamins that perform a function in blood clotting, bone metabolism as well as regulating blood calcium levels. The body requires vitamin K in order to produce prothrombin (which is a protein) as well as a clotting factor which is significant in blood clotting as well...

The post What is Vitamin K? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The term ‘vitamin K’ refers to a collection of fat-soluble vitamins that perform a function in blood clotting, bone metabolism as well as regulating blood calcium levels. The body requires vitamin K in order to produce prothrombin (which is a protein) as well as a clotting factor which is significant in blood clotting as well as bone metabolism. Individuals who take blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin or Xarelto, should not begin to take extra vitamin K without first consulting a doctor.

What are the causes of a vitamin K deficiency?

The most widespread reasons for a vitamin K deficiency:

  • Poor diet,
  • Insufficient absorption,
  • Decreased storage of the vitamin owing to liver disease,
  • Decreased production of Vitamin K in the intestines.

A deficiency of vitamin K is rare in healthy individuals. However, it is relatively common in those who are severely ill or who have certain chronic conditions:

  • Cancer patients who are getting chemotherapy,
  • Patients who are on chronic dialysis patients, and
  • People who present risks for malnutrition, for example those with a poor diet and are alcoholics or abuse drugs.

What are the signs and symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency?

The signs and symptoms that are related to a vitamin K deficiency may include:

  • Bruising easily
  • Discharge from the nose or gums
  • Extreme bleeding from wounds, punctures as weak as injection or surgical sites
  • Heavy menstruation
  • Bleeding coming from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Blood present in the urine and/or stool

With respect to vitamin K deficiency bleeding in new-born babies, the signs and symptoms may be similar to those listed above. However, in more serious cases such a deficiency may also involve bleeding within the skull.

A vitamin K deficiency may be suspected when the symptoms listed above appear in someone who is at a higher risk, for example:

  • Those who happen to be suffering from a chronic condition that is related to malnutrition or malabsorption.
  • Those who have taking long-term antibiotic treatment as this medication can kill the bacteria that help to produce vitamin K2 in the small intestine.
  • Patient who are seriously ill, such as cancer or dialysis patients.

Trifocus Fitness Academy-vitamin K

What foods are high in vitamin K?

The following list of foods are high in vitamin K:

  • Kale (cooked)
  • Mustard Greens (cooked)
  • Swiss Chard (raw)
  • Collard Greens (cooked)
  • Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
  • Spinach (raw)
  • Brussels Sprouts (cooked)
  • Beef Liver
  • Pork Chops
  • Chicken
  • Goose Liver Paste
  • Green Beans (cooked)
  • Prunes
  • Kiwi
  • Soybean Oil
  • Hard Cheeses
  • Avocado
  • Green Peas (cooked)
  • Soft Cheeses

Study nutrition through Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to discover more about nutrition and how it contributes you your health? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course is the perfect qualification for you to do this! Modules include the following:

  • Basic nutrition
  • Put together a nutritional plan for clients.
  • Discover how to read as well as interpret food labels.
  • Advise clients on nutritional supplements.
  • Basics of the GI
  • Discover what GI is.
  • Differentiate between ‘low GI’ as well as ‘high GI foods’.
  • Learn how to control metabolic diseases using the GI Index.
  • Specialised populations nutrition
  • Discover more about the special nutritional needs of special populations.
  • Give advice to special populations on their nutritional requirements.
  • Learn how to pinpoint the symptoms of female athlete tri-ad syndrome.
  • Sports nutrition
  • Unpack the science behind eating as well as sports.
  • Design an eating plan for sportsmen and women.
  • Discuss how drugs affect sports.
  • Youth and nutrition
  • Discover what the nutritional requirements of children are.
  • Discover how to determine if a child is being nourished correctly.
  • Put together an eating plan that is appropriate for a particular child.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about nutrition? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course is the perfect qualification for you to do this! Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post What is Vitamin K? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What a personal trainer course will teach you about exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-personal-trainer-course-teach-exercise/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 07:23:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11274 “To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise.” Gene Tunney There’s no doubt about it. If you want to remain fit and healthy, you need to exercise. If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise more and eat properly – in other words, eat a balanced diet, limit the amount of...

The post What a personal trainer course will teach you about exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
“To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise.”

Gene Tunney

There’s no doubt about it. If you want to remain fit and healthy, you need to exercise. If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise more and eat properly – in other words, eat a balanced diet, limit the amount of junk food that you eat and only drink moderate amounts of alcohol.

Personal Trainer and Exercise

However, if you feel that you need to go that extra mile, you need to hire a personal trainer. This person is trained and highly skilled in all forms of exercise. They will be able to teach you the ins and outs of what the perfect form of exercise for you is so that you can meet your fitness goals and targets. Say, for instance, that you want to bulk up however, all you do is cardiovascular exercise. In order to attain this goal, you need to do a good amount of strength training in addition to your cardio. A personal trainer will be able to draw up a workout routine for you that incorporates these strength-training elements.

Personal Trainer Course

On a personal trainer course, the student will learn a myriad of things to do with health and fitness. For example, they will be taught about:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Fundamental and advanced nutrition
  • Physical Assessments
  • Health screening
  • Motivation techniques
  • Wellness concepts in fitness
  • Entrepreneurship in the fitness industry
  • Exercise programme design
  • Coaching Disabilities in sport and exercise
  • Training special populations (pregnant, clients, elderly clients and children)

Personal training students go through this rigorous course so that they can become the best personal trainers that they can.

Know their client’s limits

“Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn’t formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them.”

Lee Haney

Although personal trainers are there to push their clients, they are not there to push them beyond their limits. If the client physically can’t do a particular exercise at a specific weight, and they push themselves in order to achieve this target, they will very likely sacrifice their form and just try and lift the weight. The result of this is that the client will probably injure themselves and put their training routine on hold. Alternatively, the client may actually end up stopping training altogether as they’ll be getting despondent about their progress going forward.

So if you do decide to become a personal trainer after your personal training course, make sure that you pay attention to your clients and that you don’t push them beyond what they can cope with.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- trainer course

Nutrition

“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”

Hippocrates

Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. Exercise on its own is not enough for you to reach your fitness and health goals. If you truly do want to look leaner, bulk up or just be healthier, you need to eat a proper diet together with having the best workout routine. For example:

  • If you’re trying to develop lean muscle mass, you need to eat a protein-rich meal after every workout. This will aid in the recovery and rebuilding of your muscles. We’re not saying that you need to eat a steak dinner after every exercise routine – a protein shake or a protein bar will do just as well.
  • On the flip side, if you’re trying to lose weight then you need to up your cardiovascular exercise. Examples are cycling, running and spin class.

Study a personal trainer course with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to do a personal trainer course? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the crème-de-la-crème of fitness courses. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

The post What a personal trainer course will teach you about exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The best thing about a personal trainer course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-thing-about-personal-trainer-course/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 06:43:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11268 Do you fit the description of any of these qualities? You inwardly groan when you get up in the morning because you know that you have to go to a job that you hate? Your dreams are filled with the best way to perfect a burpee? You are the person who your friends turn to...

The post The best thing about a personal trainer course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you fit the description of any of these qualities?
  • You inwardly groan when you get up in the morning because you know that you have to go to a job that you hate?
  • Your dreams are filled with the best way to perfect a burpee?
  • You are the person who your friends turn to when they’re looking for health and fitness advice?

If one, or all, of these three statements describe you to a ‘T’ then you definitely need to become a personal trainer. There are a number of super benefits to following this fitness career choice. For example:

You can work when it’s convenient for you

You’re not bound to a desk from nine o’clock in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. You can decide when you want to train your clients. Obviously, you can’t be too rigid about your training times – you have to fit in with what your clients want. Otherwise, they’ll go elsewhere and will find a personal trainer who can train them when they want to exercise.

You put a ceiling on what your earn

Being a personal trainer is about running your own fitness business. Even if you work at a health club, the gym management will rent you the space and you’ll be responsible for filling up your time with clients. The more that you decide to take on clients, the more that you earn!

A personal training course will provide you with the best entrance into the world of being a personal trainer. However, a word of warning when you are choosing what course that you want to go for. Remember that all personal trainer courses are not all created equal. Some are more well-recognised than others. This means that you need to be very careful when making your choice:

Trifocus Fitness Academy- personal training cours

Comprehensive course material

Personal trainers are expected to have a comprehensive of the inner and outer workings of the body. In addition, they will need to know EXACTLY how exercise affects various individuals, depending on their various anatomies. This means that the personal trainer course that you choose needs to  encompass a wide range of materials which will ensure that you have the best training out there and will enable you to deal with any fitness situation that gets thrown your way.

Accreditation

The personal trainer course that you choose must be accredited by recognised fitness bodies. This type of accreditation services as the industry’s rubber stamp of the course and will go a long way to ensuring that you will be snapped up!

The beauty about a personal trainer course is that not only will you be able to train your clients in the art and science of how to get the best physiques that they can, a course such as this will also enable you to develop the best training schedule for yourself.

Remember that clients will look to their personal trainers and see whether or not they have the bodies that the client wants to have for themselves. They will think that because the personal trainer has been able to sculpt a well-toned body for themselves, the trainer will be able to do this for them as well. This makes the personal trainer’s body one of the best marketing tools so if you’re considering this career path you need to keep yourself in tip-top shape.

Study a personal trainer course with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you keen to do a personal trainer course? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the crème-de-la-crème of fitness courses. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post The best thing about a personal trainer course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why becoming a personal trainer is career which is in hot demand https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/becoming-a-personal-trainer-career-hot-demand/ Fri, 06 Sep 2019 09:46:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11253 Without a doubt, becoming a personal trainer is an incredibly popular career choice. And there’s a specific reason why this is. People around the world are becoming more and more health conscious. They are becoming more clued up on what is good, and what is bad for them. They are reading articles about the best...

The post Why becoming a personal trainer is career which is in hot demand appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Without a doubt, becoming a personal trainer is an incredibly popular career choice. And there’s a specific reason why this is. People around the world are becoming more and more health conscious. They are becoming more clued up on what is good, and what is bad for them. They are reading articles about the best way to improve longevity. As such, they need someone to help them implement this knowledge and the person that they turn to is the personal trainer.

But what makes a personal trainer?

Anyone can take the time to read up on how to exercise, study anatomical diagrams and watch  YouTube videos about what the best form is to adopt for various exercises. However, even with this knowledge under their belt they are not PROPER personal trainers.

In a personal trainer course, the student studies how to train a variety of people as well as all of the exercises that can be used to train these people. So people who self-study how to exercise will only be looking up information for them to be able to meet their own personal fitness goals. They will not, for instance, read up on the best exercises for a person, in a wheelchair, to do. This is because if they are not in a wheelchair themselves, these types of exercises will not be relevant to them.

The course that people, who want to become personal trainers, study needs to be comprehensive. It needs to include:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Fundamental and advanced nutrition
  • Physical Assessments
  • Health screening
  • Motivation techniques
  • Wellness concepts in fitness
  • Entrepreneurship in the fitness industry
  • Exercise programme design
  • Coaching Disabilities in sport and exercise
  • Training special populations (pregnant clients, elderly clients and children)

Trifocus Fitness Academy-personal trainer

In addition to comprehensive course material, a personal trainer course needs to be accredited by leading health and fitness bodies. This accreditation is the industry’s rubber stamp of approval. It shows clients and potential employers that anyone who has done this personal trainer course is the best trainer out there and that these people need to be snapped up quickly. In South Africa, examples of such bodies are:

  • The Register of Exercise Science South Africa (REPSA), and
  • The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).

The benefits of  becoming a personal trainer

There are countless benefits to becoming a personal trainer. For example:

  • Because you’d be running your own fitness business, as a personal trainer you’d be able to dictate your own income. This is because the more that you work, the more you get paid. This could be scary, for some people, as there is no guaranteed salary at the end of the month and the amount of work that you get directly relates to how well you market yourself.
  • What quite a lot of personal trainers do enjoy, and what actually attracts them to the profession in the first place, is the flexible hours. The busy times for a trainer are usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. This means that, in the middle of the day, they are pretty much free. This means that they have time to do things that people, who are bound to office jobs, don’t get the time to do.
  • A career in personal training doesn’t tie you to one location. With a personal trainer course, you can travel the world because fitness is not specific to one location – it’s universal. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see foreign lands, get a personal training qualification and the sky’s the limit!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to discover more about becoming a personal trainer? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why becoming a personal trainer is career which is in hot demand appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is a food diary? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-is-a-food-diary/ Thu, 29 Aug 2019 06:30:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11129 The term ‘food diary’ refers to a log or a list of what you eat and drink each day. Writing down what you consume can assist you with making changes to your diet as well as losing weight. Studies have revealed that keeping a food journal can be a very effective tool to help change...

The post What is a food diary? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The term ‘food diary’ refers to a log or a list of what you eat and drink each day. Writing down what you consume can assist you with making changes to your diet as well as losing weight. Studies have revealed that keeping a food journal can be a very effective tool to help change behaviour for people who are interested in losing weight. In one study, which consisted of nearly 1 700 people, those who kept daily food records lost twice as much weight as opposed to those who did not keep a food diary.

It is possible to use your food diary in order to correct your health through the process of keeping a track on what you eat as well as what you drink. In addition, a food diary will assist you as well as your doctor in order to understand your eating habits.

A food diary is the start on the journey to improved health

Most nutrition and dietary experts are in agreement that the secret to successful food journaling is accuracy and consistency. So, what should you note down? Here are include several pieces of information in your food diary on a daily basis. These are the following:

  • How much: Note down the quantity of the food and/or drink. This may be measured in volume (1/2 cup), weight (2 grams) or, alternatively, the quantity of food (12 chips).
  • What kind: Make a list of the type of food and/or drink that you consume. Be as precise as you can. Don’t forget to write down the extras, for example toppings, sauces as well as condiments. For example, butter, tomato sauce or sugar.
  • When: Remember the time of day that you eat.
  • Where: Write down where you are eating. If you are home, note the room. For example, at the dining room table, in the kitchen, or on the couch. If you are out at a restaurant, note down the name of the restaurant.
  • Who with: If you are eating by yourself, write down “alone.” If you are out with friends or family, list who they are.
  • Activity: List any of the activities that you perform  while you are eating, such as working, watching TV or, alternatively, playing a game.
  • Mood: Include how you are feeling when you are eating. Are you happy, miserable or bored? Your mood can be associated with your eating habits so if you identify your mood when you’re eating this can help you change your eating habits.

Trifocus Fitness Academy-food diary

Tips for successful food journaling

Here are some tips for keeping a successful food diary:

  • Write down the food or beverage as soon as you consume it. Don’t wait until the evening to write down what you’ve eaten or drunk because your recollection is likely to be less accurate.
  • As we’ve said before, be as precise as you can with the food or beverage that you consume. For example, if you are drinking a latte, write down how big it is and if it has an syrup in it.
  • Make sure to include any alcoholic beverages you consume.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

A smartphone app like Lose It! or MyFitnessPal can support your efforts. These apps also offer information on calories and other nutrients. To learn more about nutrition have a look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Nutrition

The post What is a food diary? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the benefits of Warrior 1 pose in Yoga? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-warrior-1-pose-in-yoga/ Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:39:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11054 Warrior 1 (or Virabhadrasana) is one of the most-practised yoga poses. It is easier than the more advanced asanas but still builds strength, confidence and bodily awareness. The Warrior 1 pose is often used as a warm-up in yoga class or as part of the Sun Salutation series. The name Virabhadrasana comes from a great...

The post What are the benefits of Warrior 1 pose in Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Warrior 1 (or Virabhadrasana) is one of the most-practised yoga poses. It is easier than the more advanced asanas but still builds strength, confidence and bodily awareness. The Warrior 1 pose is often used as a warm-up in yoga class or as part of the Sun Salutation series.

The name Virabhadrasana comes from a great warrior hero in Indian mythology, Virbhadra, who had a fearsome appearance with a thousand heads, eyes and feet. It is said that he symbolises our inner ability to overcome ego and ignorance.

How can we perform something called “Warrior” pose in such a peaceful activity? If you trace yoga back to the Bhagavad Gita, it was a conversation between two beings on a battlefield. Today, this battlefield represents life and the beings are our physical and spiritual selves trying to find balance.

What is the Warrior 1 pose?

The Warrior 1 is a beginner-level pose where you stand in a lunge-like position with one of your knees bent at 90 degrees and the other leg fully extended behind you. You then turn the heel of your bent leg down and angle your toes forward 75 degrees. Lastly, you lift your chest and raise your arms above you.

Trifocus Fitness Academy-warrior 1 pose

There are many physical, mental and emotional benefits to Warrior 1 pose:

Physical

The  pose can increase your lung capacity and function. It syncs with the diaphragm and stretches the lungs while promoting abdominal. Increased capacity of your lungs improves blood and oxygen flow.

The pose works on the muscles of the shoulders, arms and back. Warrior 1 is instrumental in strengthening them. It creates good posture, helps you lift things and also improves your grip.

By strengthening your thighs, knees and ankles, the Warrior 1 pose reduces the risk of you sustaining an injury and assist with maximising your athletic performance.

Warrior 1 also improves your sense of balance, which helps prevent falls and assist you with gaining stability, maintaining a good spatial orientation, as well as your flexibility.

Mental

In yoga, Warrior 1 teaches you body awareness by developing your sense of connection with your physical self.

It significantly alters your brain chemicals and hormones to make you experience peacefulness. It also supports your parasympathetic nervous system and creates higher mental resistance when you experience conflict.

Emotional

By opening the chest, the Warrior 1 pose opens your heart and develops your courage. The powerful stance helps you gain inner strength and courage while letting you open up to yourself and others.

The physical, mental as well as emotional benefits of the Warrior 1 pose all contribute to a healthy well-being and the physical, mental and spiritual connection that Yoga promises. Once you have reaped all the benefits of Warrior 1 pose, you can advance to the Warrior 2 and 3 poses, which are a little more advanced and offer their own set of benefits.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in learning more about Yoga? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Yoga Certification Course.

yoga course registration

The post What are the benefits of Warrior 1 pose in Yoga? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The skill of countering negative self-speak https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/life-coaching-blog/the-skill-of-countering-negative-self-speak/ Thu, 22 Aug 2019 07:50:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=11017 We all have an inner critic. You know that voice that whispers, ‘How is this a good idea?’ Sometimes, this voice is actually helpful, and keeps us motivated towards achieving goals such as reminding us that what we’re about to eat isn’t healthy, or what we’re about to do may not be wise. More often...

The post The skill of countering negative self-speak appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We all have an inner critic. You know that voice that whispers, ‘How is this a good idea?’ Sometimes, this voice is actually helpful, and keeps us motivated towards achieving goals such as reminding us that what we’re about to eat isn’t healthy, or what we’re about to do may not be wise. More often than not though, this little voice can do more harm, particularly when it becomes excessively negative. This is known as negative self-speak and it can really bring you down. The good news is that a life coach can help you overcome this.

Negative self-speak is something most of us experience from time to time and it comes in many forms. It also creates significant stress, not only to us, but – if we’re not careful – to those around us. You need to know how to recognise negative self-speak and its effects on your:

  • body
  • mind
  • life, and
  • loved ones.

10 common types of self-speak and how to overcome them

The list below looks at 10 of the most common forms of self-talk which is unhelpful. This type of self-talk leads to us feeling badly on a regular basis. The below also looks at tips to overcome this.

  1. Mind reading: Mind reading assumes we understand what other people think without any real evidence. We imagine what’s going on in someone’s head, but in a way that is biased and inaccurate.
  2. Overgeneralisation: This is the habit of telling ourselves that a negative event will continue to happen in the future.’
  3. Magnification: When we exaggerate our flaws.
  4. Minimisation: When we dismiss our strengths and positive qualities, this often keeps us in a cycle of inferiority.
  5. Emotional reasoning: The habit of decision-making is based on how we feel rather than what we value. This usually means we end up spending all our time running away from discomfort, rather than towards what we really value.
  6. Black and white thinking: The tendency to evaluate things exclusively in terms of extreme categories. When our expectations are consistently exaggerated, we never meet them, and then always feel bad about ourselves.
  7. Personalisation: Assuming excessive amounts of responsibility, especially when things are largely out of our control.
  8. Fortune telling: Predicting what will happen (usually with a negative outcome) based on little or no evidence.
  9. Labelling: Describing ourselves in an extremely negative way.
  10. ‘Should’ statements: These statements set up false expectations, and assume we have more control than we actually do.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- self

How to eliminate cognitive distortions, change negative self-speak – and feel better!

Here are some straight-forward steps we can all take to build better habits of self-talk. As a life coach, you’d be teaching your clients this invaluable skill.

Look for specific cognitive distortions in other people’s speech.

Obviously, the idea is to change ourselves, and not other people. Sometimes, however, it’s easier to identify examples of negative self-speak in other people first. Once we get better at noticing negative self-speak in others, it is easier for us to see the same in our thinking and self-speak.

Change your inner tone of voice.

We all know that the way someone says something to us often affects how we feel at least as much as what they are actually saying (think about sarcasm). The same thing applies to how we speak to ourselves. As well as paying attention to what you say to yourself, be attentive to the way you talk to yourself. Are you harsh, judgemental, or sarcastic? What would it appear like if you were more gentle, empathetic, and straightforward when you speak to yourself?

Validate your feelings, don’t analyse them.

When we are feeling discomfort or pain, we tend to start talking to ourselves about those feelings, and what they mean. Instead of doing this, try to simply observe and notice these feelings. If we rush to fix or solve our feelings instantly, we train our brain to consider these feelings problems.

Be intentional, not habitual, with your self-criticism.

There’s nothing wrong with self-criticism, pointing out your own mistakes, and holding yourself to a high standard. But you’ll be much more productive (and accurate) if it’s intentional and deliberate, rather than based on a gut reaction. Instead of instantly passing judgement on yourself in the moment, schedule a time to reflect on a perceived mistake or flaw intentionally. Consider using a journal or talking to someone you trust.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you’re interested in learning more about life coaching, or perhaps even becoming a life coach yourself, have a look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Life Coaching Certification Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy - register Life Coaching certification

The post The skill of countering negative self-speak appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Is a Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Assessment? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-cardio-respiratory-fitness-assessment/ Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:50:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10969 A cardio-respiratory fitness assessment involves determining how efficiently an athlete’s cardio-respiratory system functions and is a good indicator of how physically fit they are. This assessment is all about endurance, or how well your heart, lungs and muscles work in conjunction while exercising over a specific time period. Let’s take a look at why these...

The post What Is a Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Assessment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A cardio-respiratory fitness assessment involves determining how efficiently an athlete’s cardio-respiratory system functions and is a good indicator of how physically fit they are. This assessment is all about endurance, or how well your heart, lungs and muscles work in conjunction while exercising over a specific time period. Let’s take a look at why these assessments are so important, a few types commonly used by personal trainers and exercises to improve a client’s cardio-respiratory fitness:

What is involved with cardio-respiratory assessments?

The Need for Cardio-Respiratory Tests

Personal trainers are contacted by a number of potential clients for a range of reasons. From losing weight and getting in shape, to preparing for an upcoming sports event, cardio-respiratory exercises will most probably play a role in a client’s fitness programme. Therefore, fitness assessments of this nature are essential to establish a baseline in terms of the client’s cardiovascular fitness.

This gives the personal trainer a starting point, and they can strategise the fitness and exercises that are needed to help the client achieve their goal. The last thing a personal trainer wants is for their client to get injured or burnt-out within the first week of training due to tackling a cardio-respiratory task that is above their capability.

Types of Cardio-Respiratory Assessments

Subject to the fitness level of the client, there are a bunch of cardio-respiratory tests a trainer can utilise to establish fitness levels. These include:

  1. The Cooper 12-minute Test

    Often used as part of the Navy Physical Readiness Test, the Cooper 12-minute test has clients run as far as they can in 12 minutes. This needs to be run at a steady pace, and fitness is determined based on how far the test subject can run in the given time.

  2. The 2.4 km Run Test

    Contrary to the 12-minute test, where the time is set and distance run is measured, the 2.4 km run test has test subjects run a total of 2.4 km. Fitness is determined based on the time taken to run the given distance.

  3. The Multistage Beep Test

    The beep test is used extensively in many contexts, for people of all ages and fitness levels. The principle is that the test subject must do 20-metre shuttle runs in time with auditory beeps. Time between the beeps decreases over time, and fitness is tested based on how many beeps you can accomplish.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - cardio-respiratory fitness

Exercises to Improve Cardio-Respiratory Fitness

Looking for exercises to improve cardio-respiratory endurance without needing a treadmill or stationary bike? Here are 4 cardio exercises anyone can try at home (courtesy of healthline.com):

Jumping jacks

  1. Stand up straight. Ensure that your feet close together and your arms by your sides.
  2. Jump your feet away from each other as you raise your arms over your head.
  3. Jump back to the position that you started and repeat this movement.

Run and jump in place

  1. Jog in place.
  2. While carrying on jogging in place, lift up your knees as high as they’ll go.
  3. Next, begin to bring your feet back and up as though you want to touch your bum.

*Do the above steps for 30 seconds each

 

Standing side hops

  1. Stand up straight with your feet close together.
  2. Jump your feet sideways so that your stance is wider than your hips.
  3. Squat in your current position.
  4. Jump back so that you’re standing with your feet together. Perform a squat in this position.
  5. Continue this movement.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to discover more about health and fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will help you get there! For more information about this as well as our other personal training courses, visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Is a Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Assessment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to Know When a Personal Training Client Has Reached Their Limits https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-know-when-a-personal-training-client-has-reached-their-limits/ Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:10:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10947 If you’re a personal trainer, you’re more than likely also a highly motivated and motivational person. We are often of the impression that if we can bust through the pain barriers, our personal training clients can too. Unfortunately, not all clients are made equal. They have varying motivational levels, varying pain thresholds, and varying self-limiting...

The post How to Know When a Personal Training Client Has Reached Their Limits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you’re a personal trainer, you’re more than likely also a highly motivated and motivational person. We are often of the impression that if we can bust through the pain barriers, our personal training clients can too. Unfortunately, not all clients are made equal. They have varying motivational levels, varying pain thresholds, and varying self-limiting beliefs.

There are obvious signs of over-exertion that a personal trainer should look out for. These are, for example, like prolonged rapid breathing, extreme redness in the face, glazed eyes as well as many other signs and symptoms. The hallmark of a good personal trainer is the ability to identify when a client can be pushed harder – and when they shouldn’t be pushed at all. Here’s how to tell when your personal training client has reached their exercise limits.

Signs your Personal Training client has reached their exercise limits

They Need Longer Resting Periods

This applies both when exercising and during post-exercise recovery. If a client is taking longer to recover between sets, or their recovery time is not improving, chances are they’ve hit their fitness threshold. Likewise, if a client is taking days upon days to recover from a workout, without their having been any new or overly-strenuous exercises performed, it might be time for a hiatus.

They Are Getting Overuse Injuries

Exercise is characterised by repetitive movements of various muscle groups. Often – and especially – runners, tennis players and other similar athletes, will suffer from overuse injuries commonly affecting the elbows, shoulders, and knees. As the name suggests, an overuse injury means that a personal training client has been taking their fitness a bit too seriously and should consider taking a period of time for recovery.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Training Client

They Are Getting Sick More Often

Is your client getting a niggling cold every month? Do they seem to take forever to get rid of even the smallest sinus infection? Over-exercise is known to lower the body’s immunity, resulting in the client getting sick more often than usual. What’s worse, the common cold will wipe them out as if they had flu, forcing them to take a break from exercise for prolonged periods of time.

To try and boost their immunity, why not try advising your personal training clients to eat some – or all – of the following foods:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Red bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Spinach
  • Yoghurt
  • Almonds
  • Turmeric
  • Green tea
  • Papaya
  • Kiwi
  • Poultry
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Shellfish

They Start to Stagnate

The most common symptom of a client reaching their limits is exercise stagnation. Nobody likes to hear it, but without performance enhancers – there’s just so far a client can go in terms of their fitness. We can’t all be Usain Bolt or Ronnie Coleman, and that is something every exercise enthusiast has to accept. If you see your client is not progressing over a period of time, chances are they’ve hit their fitness limit.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

As you can gather from the article above, being a great personal trainer isn’t all just about exercise. It’s about balancing exercise, nutrition and the right amount of rest so that your personal training clients are able to reach their ultimate fitness goals. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will teach you everything that you need to know about fitness and how to help others reach their fitness goals. For more information about this and our other online fitness courses please feel free to visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to Know When a Personal Training Client Has Reached Their Limits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Do You Carry Out a Fitness Assessment? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-carry-out-a-fitness-assessment/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:20:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10868 Performing a fitness assessment as a personal trainer is a critical first step when starting out with a new client. This involves a series of exercises and assessments to ascertain a client’s overall health and physical status. The longer the time since a client has engaged in physical activity, the more important their fitness assessment...

The post How Do You Carry Out a Fitness Assessment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Performing a fitness assessment as a personal trainer is a critical first step when starting out with a new client. This involves a series of exercises and assessments to ascertain a client’s overall health and physical status. The longer the time since a client has engaged in physical activity, the more important their fitness assessment will be in planning an effective exercise plan.

There is wide of range of standardised fitness tests that are available. Some of these are intended for medical purposes and others establish whether a personal training client is qualified to participate in a particular physical activity, for example an Army combat-readiness test.

Before beginning an exercise and workout programme, it is important for a clients to share their medical history with their personal trainers. If necessary, it is important to get the necessary approvals from their doctor before proceeding with the workout routine.

This article looks at five essential elements of any personal trainer’s fitness assessment:

Fitness assessment elements

General Health Assessment

The first assessment carried out as part of a general fitness assessment involves a client’s general health. Before meeting with a personal trainer, a client should speak to their GP and get the ‘all-clear’. If their doctor has any concerns, this should be documented and brought to the attention of the personal trainer.

General health assessments usually include testing vital signs, such as body weight and blood pressure, as well as testing a client’s resting heart rate. Another common addition to a general health assessment is a physical activity readiness questionnaire, which is also called a PAR-Q. In this assessment clients answer questions regarding any medication they take, any injuries they’ve sustained in the past, and the like.

Testing Body Composition

Body composition is concerned with the components that make up a client’s body weight, including muscles, bones and fat. A personal trainer can estimate a client’s body composition using a number of assessments, including:

  1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    This is a generalised calculation where personal trainer’s divide a person’s weight by their height squared. The calculation for determining BMI is: kg/m2

  2. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

    This body composition test uses electrical currents to determine a client’s physiological make-up. Signals are sent from electrodes through the soles of the feet to the abdomen to estimate body composition.

     

  3. Skinfold Measurements

    Still highly effective, though considered somewhat outdated in the fitness industry, are skinfold measurements. Special callipers are used to determine how much body fat is present in a single fold of skin.

  4. Girth Measurements

Another body composition assessment is girth measurements, the findings of which are used at later stages to assess a client’s progress in terms of fat loss and muscle growth. The most common girth test sites are the waist, hips, thighs, shoulders, chest, calves and neck.

 Trifocus fitness academy - Fitness Assessment

Flexibility Assessment

A flexibility assessment can involve a number of tests to determine the range of motion of a client’s joints. This assessment can also determine whether a client has foot instability or postural imbalances. The three most common flexibility tests are:

  1. Shoulder flexibility test

    A client is asked to stretch their one hand behind their head and down their spine, while the other hand stretches from below along the spine. The flexibility is determined by measuring the distance between the fingers.

  2. Trunk lift test

    A client lies flat on their stomach with their hands at their sides. Using only their back muscles, they must attempt to lift their upper body off of the ground. The flexibility is determined by how high the client can raise themselves.

  3. Sit-and-reach test

Here the client sits with their legs outstretched in front of them. They are asked to reach forward and try to touch their toes. The flexibility is determined by measuring the distance between the client’s fingertips and their feet.

Cardiovascular Testing

An extremely important assessment for all wanting to participate in rigorous exercise of any nature. Cardiovascular endurance tests, also known as stress tests, measure how well a client’s heart and lungs do with supplying oxygen and energy to their body while exercising. Professional cardiovascular tests are performed in laboratories or well-equipped fitness establishments. These include:

  1. 12-minute run test

    This test is done on a treadmill and has the client running for a total of 12 minutes. Their pre-exercise respiratory and heart rates are then compared to their post-exercise respiratory and heart rates.

  2. Exercise stress test

    Performed on a stationary bike or treadmill, this cardiovascular assessment utilises a blood pressure cuff and heart rate monitor to assess the stress placed on a client’s body while exercising.

  3. VO2 max test

    This test is also performed on a treadmill or stationary bike, and has the client breathing through a device that measures their maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise.

Strength and Endurance

Strength testing measures how much force a client’s muscle groups can exert at one time, while endurance tests measure how long a muscle group can contract and release before fatigue sets in. A common strength and endurance test is the push-up test, where a personal trainer will have a client performing push-up (often to a metronome) until the client fatigues to the point of failure. These tests help a personal trainer establish which muscle groups are strongest, and where the most work is needed.

Fitness Assessment Tips

About two to three hours before your fitness assessment, eat a light meal. An excellent example is:

  • Eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Banana
  • Orange juice

Wear comfortable clothes which you can easily workout in and don’t mind sweating in. You must wear athletic shoes that support your feet well. We recommend that you don’t wear any jewellery or accessories that could prevent you from performing the fitness assessment to the best of your ability. Always bring water bottle and a towel to an assessment. You’ll be perspiring a lot which means that you will need to bring a water bottle as well as a towel.

A fitness assessment that is conducted by a personal trainer before you start with your sessions may seem tedious and unnecessary. However, it is critical. The results of such an assessment indicate a person’s current health and fitness status. Personal trainers use these results as a baseline by to measure progress down the road.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will teach you this! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How Do You Carry Out a Fitness Assessment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to do a cable crunch https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-a-cable-crunch/ Wed, 07 Aug 2019 09:09:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10861 This is an extremely effective exercise for your abs – but only if you’re doing it correctly. Here’s how to make sure you are. Essentially, you want to work the rectus abdominis (that sought-after six pack). To execute a cable crunch correctly, you need to consider the following three things. What to consider when doing...

The post How to do a cable crunch appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
This is an extremely effective exercise for your abs – but only if you’re doing it correctly. Here’s how to make sure you are. Essentially, you want to work the rectus abdominis (that sought-after six pack). To execute a cable crunch correctly, you need to consider the following three things.

What to consider when doing a cable crunch

Hip position

You need to keep the hips high and locked in place throughout the entire set. This is to avoid using the hip flexors and allow a full range of motion. Dropping the hips too low won’t allow you to do a full crunch. Moving the hips during the reps means you’re using your bodyweight and hip flexors to do the movement. Keep those hips high and still, so the movement comes only from the spine.

Hand position

Hand position also determines the range of motion and the lever length used to perform the exercise. A rope attachment works best. Hold the rope, but instead of pulling it over your shoulders with your hands on your upper pecs, position your hands together with your thumb knuckles at the top of your forehead.

Tuck your chin into your chest, about five centimetres apart, and maintain this position to stabilise your neck. Doing this not only allows your hands and arms to be out of the way of the crunch, but it also extends the lever length. This action allows you to acquire more stimulation with using a lesser amount of weight.

Range of motion

Concentrate on getting a deep contraction (in other words as much flexion in the spine as possible) with an ab crunch. How you set the exercise up is crucial. Achieve neutral at the top as well as to full flexion at the bottom. This is while you maintain control throughout. To get the most your of your exercise, try and get your elbows rolled as far into your lap as possible. In other words, this is far up your thighs.

Step-by-step

  1. Connect a triceps rope handle to the pulley of the cable station carriage . Make adjustments to the carriage so that it’s near the top-third of the cable station. The precise position will vary based on your height.
  2. Select the volume of resistance you want – 10kg is a great point to start. As you start to be more comfortable with the movement, feel free to increase the weight.
  3. Face the pulley. Get into a kneeling position. Make sure that you are approximately one and a half feet away from the machine.
  4. Take hold of the triceps rope handles. Brace your core powerhouse. If you don’t feel a light stretch in your abs make the weight heavier. Ensure that your weight is in your shins.
  5. At the same time pull both handles with bent arms. Do a crunch. During this motion, your elbows should be parallel to your thighs.
  6. In a controlled fashion, return to the starting position as you maintain tension on the pulley. That completes one repetition.
  7. Repeat for three sets of 10 repetitions.

Bonus advice!

If you have a difficult time in maintaining the correct hip position, use a big medicine ball or wall ball under your buttocks in addition to on the top of your calves. Don’t sit on it – just keep lightly touch the ball with your bottom and/or hamstrings. This action will give you positive feedback on your position during execution.

You can also make use of a tennis ball and put it between your chin and chest. This is to ensure stability during the set.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will help you to do this! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post How to do a cable crunch appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to carry out flexibility fitness assessments https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-carry-out-flexibility-fitness-assessments/ Tue, 06 Aug 2019 09:14:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10843 Most people, when asked how flexible they are, can’t give a clear opinion – largely because they assume that an inability to wrap their legs around their ears means they possess no flexibility at all. But, there is a great range of flexibility, from the mobility of a Cirque du Soleil performer, all the way...

The post How to carry out flexibility fitness assessments appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Most people, when asked how flexible they are, can’t give a clear opinion – largely because they assume that an inability to wrap their legs around their ears means they possess no flexibility at all.

But, there is a great range of flexibility, from the mobility of a Cirque du Soleil performer, all the way to being so stiff that you can hardly bend forward.

Understanding a client’s flexibility is an essential step when starting a stretching programme with them. It should be done every subsequent six to eight weeks during the training to ensure consistent monitoring.

First things first! Before you begin, ensure the client warms up thoroughly with 10 minutes of either jogging or skipping. Let’s begin.

Flexibility tests

Test 1: Modified sit-and-reach test

The sit-and-reach test is the most common method of testing flexibility. It measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings. You’ll need a box about 30 cm high, and a one-metre ruler. Instruct your client to do the following:

  1. Sit on the floor. Make sure that your back and head are firmly pressed up against a wall. Your legs should be out straight ahead and knees flat against the floor.
  2. Place the box flat against the feet (no shoes must be worn). Keep the back and head against the wall and stretch the arms out towards the box.
  3. Put the ruler on the box. Move the zero end towards your fingertips. When the ruler touches the tips of your fingers you have the zero point. Then, the test can begin.
  4. Lean forward slowly as far as you possibly can. Keep your fingertips level with each other. Ensure that your legs remain flat. Your head and shoulders can move away from the wall at this point. Do not jerk or bounce so that you can extend your reach farther.
  5. Slowly stretch along the length of the ruler. Repeat this action three times. On the third attempt, reach as far as possible and hold for two seconds. Read the score. Repeat twice and note the best score.

Trifocus fitness academy - flexibility fitness assessments

Test 2: Trunk rotation test

This test of flexibility measures the flexibility of the trunk and shoulders. The only equipment that you need is a wall in addition to a piece of chalk or a pencil.

  1. Mark a vertical line on the wall. Stand with the back to the wall directly in front of the line. Your client should be about an arm’s length away from the wall, with their feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms out directly in front, parallel to the floor. Twist the trunk to the right and touch the wall behind with the fingertips. Your arms should remain extended and parallel to the floor. The client can turn their shoulders, hips and knees provided their feet don’t move.
  3. Mark the position at which your fingertips made contact with the wall. Ascertain the distance that this is from the line. A point before the line is a negative score and a point after the line is a positive score.

Repeat for the left side and take the average of the two scores and compare.

Test 3: Groin flexibility test

This test measures flexibility test in the adductors. The only piece of equipment that you will need is a ruler or tape measure:

  1. Sit on the floor with knees bent, your feet flat on the floor and legs together.
  2. Let the knees drop sideways as far as possible, keeping the feet together. The soles of the feet should be together.
  3. Clasp the feet with both hands and pull the ankles as close to the body as possible. Measure the distance from the heels to the groin.

Measure the results that you get according to the figures in the table below:

Trifocus fitness academy - flexibility fitness assessments

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about fitness assessments? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will teach you this! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to carry out flexibility fitness assessments appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Stretches that every personal trainer should teach their clients https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stretches-every-personal-trainer-teach-their-clients/ Tue, 06 Aug 2019 08:32:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10838 As a personal trainer, you no doubt have a wide range of clients, each with their own specific physical challenges and personal goals when it comes to training. Having said this, there are certain exercises every person needs to be able to carry out to optimise the benefits of their workout, such as stretches. Stretching...

The post Stretches that every personal trainer should teach their clients appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As a personal trainer, you no doubt have a wide range of clients, each with their own specific physical challenges and personal goals when it comes to training. Having said this, there are certain exercises every person needs to be able to carry out to optimise the benefits of their workout, such as stretches.

Stretching may not be the most scintillating part of working out, but is important for a well-rounded fitness routine, especially in conjunction with strength and cardio work. Incorporating stretching into each client’s workout schedule will help:

  • Improve flexibility
  • Reduce tightness, and
  • Ensure workouts are more efficient and safer.

Ultimately, loose and stretched muscles are less restricted, which allows a wider range of motion and a greater ability to do exercise – and do it properly. This means less potential for injury also.

Luckily, improving a client’s flexibility and mobility isn’t difficult – it just takes a little time, and an awareness of their unique abilities. Here are the four main types of clients you will encounter and the stretches suitable for them to do.

Personal training stretches for different clients

Client 1: A casual exerciser, who doesn’t do much exercise that requires much flexibility

As long as your client does a short aerobic exercise, such as a quick jog or light jaunt on a rowing machine, they will be fine. Just before working out, this type of dynamic warm-up will increase the body’s temperature, offering sufficient preparation. This will dilate blood vessels and allow more flow into the muscles to prepare them to work.

Action: Start a slow aerobic activity, upping the intensity over the course of five to 10 minutes. Then kick things into high gear.

Client 2: A casual exerciser, who wants to increase their flexibility

Like Client 1, a light warm-up is advised, with the addition of static stretching.

Action: Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat them two to four times as a cool-down phase.

Trifocus fitness academy - stretches

Client 3: Fairly serious about a regular exercise routine and keen to optimise their workouts

The bottom line is the body temperature still needs to be raised, but it can be done in any number of ways. Though not unanimous, most evidence suggests that dynamic stretching, not static, is the better way to go. Static stretches can decrease muscular output, and though that might only matter for people lifting heavy weights, it’s probably not what anyone is going for at the beginning of their workout.

If your client is feeling tight, suggest rolling them out with a foam roller and doing some active stretching on those areas. It is always possible to build something more sports-specific into the beginning of a workout routine. For example, walking or running at a pace which is slower if they are going for a long run, or starting off their strength training circuit with lighter weights or bodyweight exercises and build up from there.

Action: So no static stretching at the beginning. Then introduce light aerobic activity for a few minutes to get the blood moving, after which dynamic stretches on tight muscles (with or without a foam roller). Cool down with stretches and/or another foam rolling session.

Client 4: An elite athlete

Static movements reduce muscle strength by 5.5%, whereas dynamic stretching increases it by 2%. These are incredibly small numbers that may not don’t matter at all to the recreational athlete. However, they’re enough that if you’re seriously involved in sports of some kind, you will need to pay attention.

Stretching is best performed after a workout, but some people prefer to do their stretches beforehand with a foam roller as an essential part of their warm-up routine.

Action: Find a short series of dynamic stretches, like walking lunges or bear crawls. Make it a habit of doing stretches before the workout, but after a bit of aerobic exercise. Proper mobility is important, but you don’t want to risk reducing your client’s peak power by stretching their hamstrings. Do that afterwards.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about stretching as well as other forms of fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is just the qualification to help you to do this! For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Stretches that every personal trainer should teach their clients appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A Yoga Instructor’s Guide to the Benefits of Yoga https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/yoga-instructor-guide-to-benefits-of-yoga/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10694 The exercise modality that is Yoga is an art as well as a science. Why do we say this? Well, it is a science, because it offers practical methods for controlling body and mind. In this manner, it makes deep meditation possible. We also say that it is an art because, unless it is practised...

The post A Yoga Instructor’s Guide to the Benefits of Yoga appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The exercise modality that is Yoga is an art as well as a science. Why do we say this? Well, it is a science, because it offers practical methods for controlling body and mind. In this manner, it makes deep meditation possible. We also say that it is an art because, unless it is practised intuitively and sensitively, it will yield only partial results.

Yoga is not a system of beliefs as is, for example, a religion. It takes into account the influence of mind on the body and vice versa. It brings them into mutual harmony. So frequently, for instance, the mind cannot concentrate simply because of tension or illness in the body. These two forces prevent the energy from flowing to the brain. Often, as well, the energy in the body is weakened because harmful emotions paralyse the will.

In this article, we’ll have a look at what the benefits of Yoga are as told to us by a seasoned Yoga instructor.

The relaxation techniques incorporated into Yoga

These techniques can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga can also assist with lowering blood pressure and reducing insomnia.

Several studies have shown that Yoga may help to alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also assist with enhancing your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Increased flexibility

Yoga poses stretch your muscles and increase your range of motion. With regular practice, they’ll improve your flexibility.

Increased muscle strength and tone

It is possible to increase muscle tone and definition — and even muscle size — with Yoga. But because you’re limited to “lifting” your body weight, strengthening and toning may take a lot more skill, time, and determination as opposed to lifting weights.

Using Yoga to build a stronger, more impressive physique can be just as effective as using weights. However, experts agree that whether Yoga can be your sole form of strength training depends on your goals.

Trifocus fitness academy - benefits of yoga

Improved respiration, energy and vitality

Some Yoga traditions, which involved breathing exercises, are responsible for generating calmness. These breathing exercises, which are called pranayama are performed by breathing in and out only through the nose. Breathing through the nose is more beneficial than breathing in through the mouth.

Some Pranayama exercises are:

  • Nadi Sodhana or, alternatively, the Alternate Nostril Breathing,
  • Sama Vrtti which is translated into English as Same or Equal Length Breathing, and
  • Ujjayi (Victorious Breath).

Some  effective Pranayama are:

  • Uddiyana Bhanda that gives youthfulness to the whole body;
  • Kapalabhati that stimulates every tissue of the body; and the
  • Peacock posture which relieves indigestion and constipation in addition to maintaining a balanced metabolism

Protection from injury

To remain healthy, active and involved during the practice of sports, runners, as well as other endurance athletes, require corrective modalities to change muscular imbalances. In addition, these corrective modalities limit overuse injuries and assure longevity.

Yoga awards one of the most effective returns on investment for athletes. This is because it increases strength, flexibility, agility, balance and mental acuity, and can assist with recovery from high-intensity training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about the many, many benefits of Yoga? Maybe you may even want to become a Yoga instructor yourself? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Yoga Certification Course is the best way for you to achieve these goals! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

The post A Yoga Instructor’s Guide to the Benefits of Yoga appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to become fitter 5x faster https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-become-fitter-5x-faster/ Mon, 29 Jul 2019 07:49:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10674 Despite what many diet programmes promise, you can’t improve your fitness and lose weight by swallowing a pill, mixing protein powder with your food or drinking a particular shake. To get fit faster, it is necessary to focus on eating cleanly as well as doing both cardio and strength-training exercises. Tips to becoming fitter Push...

The post How to become fitter 5x faster appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Despite what many diet programmes promise, you can’t improve your fitness and lose weight by swallowing a pill, mixing protein powder with your food or drinking a particular shake. To get fit faster, it is necessary to focus on eating cleanly as well as doing both cardio and strength-training exercises.

Tips to becoming fitter

Push yourself beyond your comfort zone

Focus on intensity if you want to get the most out of your workout. Perform quick, focused, HIIT-style exercises. Doing this will help you to get in shape faster than slower, more moderate workouts will.

If you aim to get the fastest possible results, the goal is to be exhausted by the end of your workout. If you’re not, then you’re not working to the best of your ability.

Concentrate on full-body exercises

If you incorporate full-body exercises – such as squats, burpees, push-ups and triceps dips – into your workouts, this will help you get fit in less time. This is as opposed to if you simply focus on isolation muscle exercises such as bicep curls and calf raises.

Full-body exercises are more functional. These exercises will help you more in real-life situations, such as lifting a suitcase over your head into the overhead stowage compartment on an aeroplane or playing with your child in the playground.

Here are some post-workout tips to help you get fitter faster:

Refuel

A healthy snack after you work out will top off your energy supply. It will also help you to renew the muscles in your body.

Rehydrate

Topping up your water is critical to optimising your recovery. Sip on a bottle of water after you work out, which will help your body’s cells. In addition, this action boosts circulation and brings your body temperature back to normal.

Trifocus fitness academy - become fitter

Massage

Roll foam rollers or massage balls slowly over your muscles. When you find a sore spot, hold it there for between 30 and 60 seconds.

Compress

Keeping compression socks, tights and sleeves on after your work out may be beneficial. Recent investigations suggest that putting on compression clothing after exercise and even while you sleep may help muscle recovery.

Ice

Ice has been used for many years in athletic recovery. The freezing temperatures narrow your blood vessels. This sends extra oxygen to your muscles when they warm up.

Do plenty of plyometric exercises

Plyometric exercises – such as long jumps, tuck jumps, jump lunges and sprints – as they will they help you become conditioned for whatever sports you enjoy in your downtime. In addition, they’ll help you burn fat and lose weight. They are a great practice to build into your workouts.

Set fitness goals

It’s much more motivating and satisfying – in the long run – to work toward an athletic or fitness goal. This is even if your ultimate aim is to lose weight.

If your goal is to do your first handstand, learn a new yoga pose or complete 100 burpees in a row, making a habit of setting and working towards athletic-focused goals regularly will only help you get fit quicker but it will also help you to make health and fitness a priority for life.

Can the excuses!

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have access to a gym, have no workout equipment at your disposal, or have less than 15 minutes to work out. Despite all of these challenges, it is still possible to get a good workout if you make the decision and set your mind to it. It will amaze you how quickly you begin getting in shape once you become consistent with your workouts.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a personal trainer and help other people get into shape? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is just the qualification to help you get there!  Read more here.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post How to become fitter 5x faster appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is ‘water aerobics’? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-water-aerobics/ Tue, 23 Jul 2019 07:30:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10561 The term ‘water aerobics’ refers to aerobic exercise that is performed in reasonably shallow water, for example in a swimming pool. This type of exercise is done mostly when the person is standing upright. The person doing this type of aerobics will not swim. Water aerobics is a method of resistance training. This is a...

The post What is ‘water aerobics’? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The term ‘water aerobics’ refers to aerobic exercise that is performed in reasonably shallow water, for example in a swimming pool. This type of exercise is done mostly when the person is standing upright. The person doing this type of aerobics will not swim.

Water aerobics is a method of resistance training. This is a type of aerobic exercise that requires participants to be immersed in water.

Most water aerobics classes take place in a group fitness class setting. There will be a trained professional personal trainer or group fitness instructor who teaches the class for approximately an hour.

The classes focus on the following areas:

  • Aerobic endurance,
  • Resistance training (as we stated above), and
  • Creating a fun environment with music.

Various forms of water aerobics incorporate the following: aqua Zumba, water yoga, aqua aerobics, and aqua jog.

Pros and Cons of Water Aerobics

Water Aerobics is Low-Impact

Water aerobics is easy on the joints. This means that it’s good for people who suffer from arthritis or additional mobility problems. The low-impact nature of this exercise means that this type of aerobics is a good option for people who are struggling with losing weight.

The drawback of water aerobics being low impact is that it does little to build strong bones or efficient lean muscle mass. Exercise which is weight-bearing builds both bones and muscles.

The Water is a Pleasant Environment

The pool setting has its advantages. Specifically, it maintains cool bodies. People who are carrying excess weight may suffer from being excessively hot during exercise. Sometimes they may become too tired to carry on. Water acts as a temperature regulator. It disperses heat effectively.

A disadvantage of exercising in the pool is that some people who do water aerobics frequently exhibit side effects from the pool water disinfection process. People who are often in the pool might have allergies to either chlorine or bromine, which are the two generally used chemical disinfectants in pools. Typical allergic complaints are red, irritated eyes; dry, itchy skin; and, sometimes, lung irritation.

Water Aerobics Assists with Weight Loss

Water aerobics is a great calorie-burner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published that this type of aerobics is a moderate type of aerobic exercise. In addition, it has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and individuals’ overall fitness levels.

However, water aerobics is not responsible for burning as many calories as more intense forms of exercise do, such as working out with kettlebells, a spinning class or running on the treadmill. For example:

Water aerobics burns 298 calories per hour for a 155-pound (around 70kg) adult. The same adult has the capacity to burn 930 calories per hour running on the treadmill at a speed of 7.5 miles (approximately 12 km) per hour.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Although exercise – such as water aerobics –  is a fantastic way to improve health in addition to keeping the weight off it is not a guaranteed method of losing weight. Reducing calorie consumption, combined with a sensible exercise regimen, is the best way to achieve lasting results. Want to learn about more methods of exercise? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the platinum standard in personal training qualifications. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post What is ‘water aerobics’? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is iron so important for athletes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-is-iron-so-important-athletes/ Tue, 16 Jul 2019 09:43:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10424 As an essential mineral, iron is found in every cell of the body. Its main role is to transport oxygen in the blood to the tissues. This essential mineral ensures that our muscles are working properly. It also helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy when we exercise. While the body is recovering from strenuous...

The post Why is iron so important for athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As an essential mineral, iron is found in every cell of the body. Its main role is to transport oxygen in the blood to the tissues. This essential mineral ensures that our muscles are working properly. It also helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy when we exercise. While the body is recovering from strenuous bouts of physical activity, iron helps us to produce the following:

  • New cells,
  • Proteins, and
  • Hormones that make us stronger.

How iron deficiency affects athletes

We lose minute amounts of iron when we sweat. This puts endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners, at risk of being deficient in iron. Without enough iron, athletes can’t use oxygen properly to produce energy. This impairs any athlete’s ability to compete to the best of their ability.

A common problem for iron-deficient athletes is the inability to maintain a steady heart rate during moderate to vigorous exercise. Female athletes – as well as those athletes who don’t eat meat –  must eat well-balanced meals. In addition, they must eat snacks before and after they train. Female athletes often suffer from iron deficiency. Studies have routinely found that they are often iron-deficient or anaemic.

A mixture of the these factors puts athletes at risk for being iron deficient:

  • Inadequate supply of dietary iron. Those athletes who don’t eat red meat find it difficult to take in the correct amount of iron.
  • Increased demands for iron. Hard training stimulates an increase in red blood cells and blood vessel production. In addition, vigorous training increases the demand for iron. (Iron turnover is highest for endurance athletes training at high intensity levels.)
  • High iron loss. Blood loss through injury, or menstruation. Many endurance athletes suffer from ‘foot strike’ damage to red blood cells in the feet. This is caused by running on hard surfaces with poor quality shoes. As a result, iron is leached from their body. As mentioned above, because iron is lost in sweat, heavy sweating leads to increased risk of deficiency.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency and Anaemia

The symptoms of iron deficiency include loss of endurance, chronic fatigue, high exercise heart rate, low power, frequent injury, recurring illness, and loss of interest in exercise and irritability. Other symptoms include poor appetite and increased incidence and duration of colds and infections. Many of these symptoms are also common to over-training, so misdiagnosis is common.

The only sure-fire way to diagnose if an athlete is suffering from an iron deficiency is to perform a blood test on them to see if they have the correct levels of iron. If you are in one of the risk categories for iron deficiency and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

What foods are high in iron?

Iron in food comes from animals and plants. If iron comes from animal sources it is known as heme iron. Common sources are meat and fish. Iron from plants is known as nonheme iron, and is found in certain vegetables and in iron-fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. Heme iron is better absorbed by the body than nonheme iron is.

Here are a number of examples of food which are good sources of heme iron:

  • Chicken livers
  • Oysters
  • Clams
  • Beef liver
  • Beef (chuck roast, lean ground beef)
  • Turkey leg
  • Tuna
  • Eggs
  • Shrimp
  • Leg of lamb

Nonheme iron can be found in:

  • Raisin bran (enriched)
  • Instant oatmeal
  • Beans (kidney, lima, Navy)
  • Tofu
  • Lentils
  • Molasses
  • Spinach
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Peanut butter
  • Brown rice

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about sports nutrition? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Nutrition Diploma to find out more! For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Why is iron so important for athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What do muscles use for energy during exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/what-do-muscles-use-for-energy-during-exercise/ Fri, 12 Jul 2019 09:52:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10379 While most people know that aerobic exercise is good for the heart and that resistance training helps build lean body mass, most people don’t fully understand how these different types of exercise cause very different responses within our bodies. It is critical to have a basic understanding of how our body uses energy during different...

The post What do muscles use for energy during exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
While most people know that aerobic exercise is good for the heart and that resistance training helps build lean body mass, most people don’t fully understand how these different types of exercise cause very different responses within our bodies. It is critical to have a basic understanding of how our body uses energy during different forms of exercise. This is in order to design an effective exercise programme.

Energy and muscles

It is a well-known fact that our bodies need a constant supply of energy to function properly. This is in order to maintain health and internal balance. The food we eat is what provides our cells with the needed energy to survive and function properly. But before food can become a usable form of energy, it has to be converted into smaller units called substrates. This includes carbohydrates, protein and fats.

The energy stored in these substrate molecules is then chemically released into the cells of your body. It is then stored in the form of a high-energy compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When the chemical bonds that hold ATP together are broken, energy is released for cellular work (such as performing muscle contraction).

What Type of Energy Does the Body Burn First During Exercise?

Your body functions off of three main energy systems. These are:

  • Your ATP-PCr system whichh is involved in short-term anaerobic energy.
  • The glycolytic system in your body produces energy through the breakdown of carbohydrates stored in your muscles and liver.
  • Your body’s aerobic system uses oxygen and fat to produce slow, yet long-lasting energy.

It is during most types of exercise that your body uses some blend of all three energy systems at the same time. However, it may emphasise the use of one over another based on the needs of your body and the type of activity you are performing.

TP-PCr System

The most simple of the three energy systems is the ATP-PCr system. The term ‘ATP’ stands for adenosine triphosphate. This is the chemical form of raw energy in your body. The term ‘PCr’ stands for phosphocreatine. This is a compound that is attached to every ATP molecule.

Trifocus fitness academy - energy during exercise

Inside your skeletal muscles, when a muscle fibre receives a signal from a nerve to contract, the ATP-PCr molecules separate from one another. This is as a result of a complex chemical reaction. The separation of this releases the energy which causes a muscle to contract. During very short duration exercise – that lasts less than 10 seconds – this energy system is used. Examples are a quick jump or a sprint.

Glycolytic System

Glucose, or sugar, is stored in your liver and skeletal muscles. When needed, your muscles will break glucose down using special enzymes. They will eventually convert sugar into ATP.

The ATP is then used for muscle contraction. This system is best used for activities that take less than two minutes to perform at a high intensity. This comprises sprints in addition to other bouts of short yet intense exercise.

Aerobic System

The aerobic system mainly uses fat for energy production. However, it can also use stored carbohydrates and proteins. Aerobic means “with oxygen”. This means that oxygen is required in the process of breaking down fat stores for energy. Fat molecules are pulled from various stores around the body. They are then converted to ATP through a complex chemical reaction. This takes place inside your muscles. Large amounts of continuous energy are yielded by your aerobic system. This is ideal for long-duration activities such as long runs or bike rides.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more about using nutrition to enhance sports? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Nutrition Diploma will tell you how! For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post What do muscles use for energy during exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga 101: Sun Salutations https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/yoga-101-sun-salutations/ Fri, 05 Jul 2019 08:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10318 Sun Salutations – or Surya Namaskar –  is a sequence of exercise that are traditionally performed at sunrise in India.  However, now they are performed at any time of the day and are an ideal warm-up for the start of a Yoga class. The sequence mobilises the entire body. Sun salutations stretch and elongate the...

The post Yoga 101: Sun Salutations appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sun Salutations – or Surya Namaskar –  is a sequence of exercise that are traditionally performed at sunrise in India.  However, now they are performed at any time of the day and are an ideal warm-up for the start of a Yoga class.

The sequence mobilises the entire body. Sun salutations stretch and elongate the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is performed  in rapid succession and coordinated with breathing. Sun salutations are often performed with increasing speed until the whole body is warm and ready for further asana practice. There are numerous variations of the sequence and with more experienced classes, a few standing postures can be added into the sequence once participants are warm.

Sun salutation poses/exercises

Caution

If you suffer from low blood pressure, then you may need to come up slower from the forward bends. If you suffer from high blood pressure then do not elevate your hands above your head. Rather keep them shoulder height or in prayer position. (In Sanskrit, ‘prayer position’ is translated as Anjali Mudra.)

Surya Namaskar A (Sun Salutation A)

Points to remember in this sequence are to:

  • Coordinate each posture with your breathing and move smoothly from one posture to the next.
  • Try to inhale and exhale a fraction of a second before the movement.
  • Inhalations and exhalations should be of equal length.
  • Make the necessary adjustments so that your breath and movement are synchronised as one.
  • Practise slowly to start and then speed up when necessary.

Movement

  • Start in Tadasana (which is translated as ‘mountain pose’) with your hands in Anjali Mudra (prayer pose).
  • Inhale in Urdhva Hastasana (raised hands pose).
  • Exhale in Uttanasana (standing forward fold).
  • Inhale during the lunge.
  • Exhale in Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog).
  • Inhale in plank pose.
  • Exhale in knees, chest and chin pose.
  • Inhales in Bhujangasana (cobra pose).
  • Exhale in Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog).
  • Inhale during the lunge.
  • Exhale in Uttanasana (standing forward fold).

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

During Tadasana, the spine is stretched. The muscles supporting the trunk are straightened and the legs, abdominals and shoulder muscles are strengthened. This pose helps to strengthen flat feet and helps with sciatica. Mastering the art of standing correctly eliminates fatigue and clears the mind. In addition, it helps with headaches, insomnia and lowering blood pressure.

Technique

  • Stand straight with your feet together and your big toes touching. Spread your toes out and press them firmly into the floor.
  • Tighten your kneecaps, draw in and tense your thigh muscles. Contract your hips.
  • Pull your naval I, tense your abdominal muscles and keep your spine and neck in a straight line.
  • Lengthen your neck by pulling the crown of your head upwards and tucking in your chine slightly towards your chest.
  • Your shoulders should drop down and your arms should be placed alongside your body with your forearms facing in and your fingers stretched.
  • Hold for between one and three minutes.

A note to beginners: If you feel unstable, stand with your feet slightly apart.

Check your alignment with your back against a wall. Make sure that your heels, sacrum and shoulder blades are touching the wall but ensure that the back of your head isn’t touching the wall.

Urdhva Hastasana (Extended Mountain Pose)

This is a variation of Tadasana:

  • Lift your arms above your head. Make sure that your palms are together or parallel to each other.
  • Your gaze should follow your hands with your head slightly raised. Do not arch your upper back. You can also interlace your fingers, extend your arms straight Infront of your torso.
  • Turn your palms away then stretch your arms upward perpendicular to the floor so that your palms face the ceiling.
  • Cross your arms behind your back and hold each elbow with the opposite hand. Repeat by reversing the cross of your forearms.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about Yoga asanas and how to teach others how to do these? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Yoga Certification Course is the perfect vehicle for you to achieve this goal! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Yoga registration

The post Yoga 101: Sun Salutations appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Exercises that Your Abs Want You to Do! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-your-abs-want-you-to-do/ Tue, 02 Jul 2019 07:31:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10254 The abdominals – or ‘abs’ as these muscles are colloquially termed – are composed of several different muscles. These are the: Rectus Abdominis Transverse Abdominis External Obliques Internal Obliques. The abs sit  on the front and sides of the lower half of the torso. They originate along the rib cage and attach along the pelvis....

The post Exercises that Your Abs Want You to Do! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The abdominals – or ‘abs’ as these muscles are colloquially termed – are composed of several different muscles. These are the:

  • Rectus Abdominis
  • Transverse Abdominis
  • External Obliques
  • Internal Obliques.

The abs sit  on the front and sides of the lower half of the torso. They originate along the rib cage and attach along the pelvis. The rectus abdominis muscle is commonly known as the six pack muscle of the abs. Narrow bands of connective tissue make it look that way.

The transverse abdominis (which is also known as the transversus) is the abdominal areas. The fibres of the external and internal obliques run diagonally on the body. This allows for angled movements.

People who take part in sport require a strong core because this is the basis for powerful movements. Abdominal exercise can be a large component of the programme. Here are some of the most effective exercises for strengthening and firming your abdominal muscles and building core stability.

Ab exercises

Crunch

Lie supine on a floor with your knees flexed and your feet hip distance apart. Clasp your hands around the base of your skull.

Contract your abdominals and lift your shoulders off the floor. Hold the position for a second and lower your body down to your starting position. Perform as many reps as are required for you to achieve the results you desire.

  • Monitor spine and head positioning
  • Cue your abdominals
  • Sport mid back or under your neck
  • Do not strain your neck.

Cable Crunch

Kneel in front of a high pulley cable machine with a rope attached to it. Hold the ropes and bring your hands down to the top of your head. They will remain fixed here throughout the exercise. Round your entire back into a crunch position.

Curl your torso down towards your knees. Hold this position for a second before you bring your body back to your starting position. Do as many reps as you feel are necessary to achieve the results that you want to.

  • Monitor the spine and your head positioning.
  • Cue your abdominals.
  • Spot mid back or under your neck.
  • Curl from your thoracic spine.

Trifocus fitness academy - your abs

V-Up

Make sure that you’re in the middle of a flat bench. Hold onto the edges of the bench or a place – behind you – on the bench. Lean backwards until the point that you are almost straight and parallel  to the floor.

Start with your legs extended and then bring your knees towards your chest. At the same time, bring the upper body towards the knees to form a “V” shape at the waist. Return your legs to your starting position. Make sure that your client performs the required amount of reps for the results that he/she wants to achieve.

  • Monitor spine and head positioning.
  • Cue abs
  • Spot mid back or underneath the neck
  • Do not strain the neck
  • Keep the legs moving in one direction.

Reverse crunch

Lie supine on the floor with your hands extended at the sides of your body. Your legs and feet must be perpendicular to the floor. Your hips and knees should form a 90-degree angle.

Slowly bring your knees towards your chest. At the same time, lift your hips and glutes off the floor. Try to maintain the flexion of your knees throughout the exercise. Return to your starting position with control. Do as many reps to achieve the result that you want.

  • Monitor your client’s spine and head positioning
  • Cue the abdominals
  • Do not strain the neck
  • Do not drop the legs
  • Spot the hips

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercises to help keep a client fit and healthy? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the qualification for you! For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post Exercises that Your Abs Want You to Do! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The Best Nutritional Advice for Maintaining Physical Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/best-nutritional-advice-maintaining-physical-fitness/ Wed, 26 Jun 2019 08:03:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10199 Picture your fitness like an old scale. On the one side you have exercise, and on the other side your nutrition. To maintain optimal physical fitness, the scale needs to remain balanced. This involves expending the right amount of energy for the nutrition you’ve put in. Too much food with too little exercise will cause...

The post The Best Nutritional Advice for Maintaining Physical Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Picture your fitness like an old scale. On the one side you have exercise, and on the other side your nutrition. To maintain optimal physical fitness, the scale needs to remain balanced. This involves expending the right amount of energy for the nutrition you’ve put in. Too much food with too little exercise will cause weight gain, while too little nutrition and too much exercise will reduce muscle mass. Here’s the best nutrition advice for maintaining your physical fitness like a pro:

Nutrition guidelines for optimal fitness maintenance

Before, During & After Exercise

This healthy fitness guide from Canada.com offers advice on nutrition to maintain physical fitness levels at all ages. Here’s what to eat before, during and after exercise:

Just before exercise:

Never eat a full meal just before exercise. Stick to light snacks like fresh and dried fruits, and a few small carbohydrates like biscuits or crackers.

During exercise:

Try drinking at least a glass of water (250ml) every 15 – 20 minutes during exercise, and if you’re exercising for longer than an hour, consider supplementing your energy levels with a sports drink.

After exercise:

If you’re planning on exercising again within 24 hours, consider eating a carbohydrate-rich meal within 30 minutes after exercising.

Foods to Include in Your Diet

Here we’re looking at essential fitness-supporting foods to include in your nutrition plan while leading an active lifestyle:

Proteins

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an excess of protein to maintain your physical fitness. While marathon runners and serious weight lifters will benefit from large amounts of protein in their diets, most people get enough protein just from eating their regular three meals a day.

Trifocus fitness academy - best nutrition advise

Iron

Iron is essential to maintain fitness and keep muscles in good shape. Female runners are susceptible to low iron levels, as they consume less meat – on average – than men. Foods rich in iron include dried fruits, spinach, low-fat red meats and enriched cereals.

Vitamins

Studies have shown that regular exercise contributes to the production of harmful free-radicals that can damage cells and even DNA. By including antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C in their diets, exercisers can reverse this damage.  Examples include strawberries, oranges, kiwi, olive oil & nuts.

Omega-3

By including this fatty acid in your diet, you can greatly reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. Be sure to supplement your nutrition with marine-sourced foods like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, trout, and herring.

General Nutrition Tips

These general nutrition tips are to ensure that you’re able to maintain physical fitness without reversing all your hard work:

  • Never skip breakfast
    The more you exercise to boost your fitness, the more important correct nutrition becomes. Be sure to eat something substantial for breakfast every day, so you have enough energy to perform effectively before and after exercise.
  • Keep fresh fruit close
    Let’s face it – everyone likes the odd snack. However, the type of snack you choose with either help you maintain your physical fitness, or destroy it. Choose fresh fruits as snacks when possible, and if you can’t get the fresh stuff – dried fruits and nuts are excellent alternatives.
  • Prepare lunch in advance
    Avoid the temptation of grabbing takeaways for lunch (we’ve all been there) by preparing healthy, nutritious lunches the night before. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll be able to make better nutrition choices for your future self!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Specialised Nutrition Course

Our Specialised Nutrition Course takes candidates through evidence-based nutritional principles, equipping them with the knowledge to make recommendations about sports nutrition, as well as providing information about legal and illegal performance enhancers. Contact us today to find out more!

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post The Best Nutritional Advice for Maintaining Physical Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is dancing a good way for the elderly to maintain physical fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/why-dancing-good-way-for-elderly-to-maintain-physical-fitness/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 08:32:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10148 It can be hard to imagine older people hopping and bopping along to the latest pop songs. Aren’t they supposed to be playing bingo or watching soap operas? Though it may look pretty awkward, the health benefits of dancing for seniors range from therapy to improving their physical health. As you age, your body loses...

The post Why is dancing a good way for the elderly to maintain physical fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It can be hard to imagine older people hopping and bopping along to the latest pop songs. Aren’t they supposed to be playing bingo or watching soap operas? Though it may look pretty awkward, the health benefits of dancing for seniors range from therapy to improving their physical health.

As you age, your body loses muscle mass, coordination and balance. This makes you more prone to falling and injuring yourself in the course of everyday activities. In addition as you become older you lose bone density and become prone to diseases such as osteoporosis. Added to this, your joints’ range of motion decreases. This unfortunately puts you at risk of ailments such as osteoarthritis unless you do something to change this. Dancing can help counteract this decline.

There are many benefits associated with dancing styles for all ages. But unlike younger people, senior’s risk for injury can be greater when trying to lift weights, run or cycle. When dancing, they can limit themselves to what they are capable of, stop when they’re tired and – most importantly – have fun!

Benefits of dancing for the elderly

Physical benefits

In older adults, dancing improves strength and the functioning of muscles. It also helps to increase balance and flexibility, which helps with stability. (As older adults are at an increased risk of falls, owing to upsets in balance, this benefit is crucial.)

Dancing can also improve your cardiovascular health, which decreases your chances of developing heart disease. It also improves posture, reaction times and motor performance.

Healthy lifestyle

Not only does dancing improve physical health, but it increases healthy behaviour. Seniors are more likely to take their medication, eat a nutritious diet and engage in social activities. Group dancing classes can also improve positive feelings, behaviour and communication.

Trifocus fitness academy - elderly to maintain physical fitness

Cognitive benefits

According to experts, dancing increases brain activity, helping you form new neural connections and think with more speed and agility. This is because dancing necessitates learning a sequence of steps – especially with dances such as the waltz or the foxtrot – and the dance can’t be performed properly unless these steps are done in sequence.

Dancing can improve concentration and the ability to control shifts in attention. Think about it logically: in order to get a sequence of steps right in a particular dance requires an immense amount of concentration and this will vary according to how complicated the particular dance is.

Experts have also found that seniors with Parkinson’s disease who participate in dancing classes can improve their physical abilities, like walking backwards.

Healing and preventing illness

One of the things older people tend to struggle with is a weaker immune system. Paired with a lack of balance and coordination, this can be lethal as it can lead to injury that doesn’t heal well or takes a protracted period of time to heal.

Dancing, however, improves your immune system. It increases the amount of endorphins that are flowing through your body and helps you to feel better about yourself. This increases your sense of well-being and assists you with feeling better about what is happening in your life.

The increased flow of endorphins that happen as a result of dancing can decrease the time it takes for a wound to heal. A healthy body can also better fight off infection and makes recovery from illness or injury easier.  Experts say it can also delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis.

The good news is that it is never too late for seniors to start taking part in a regular exercise routine. However, it can be quite daunting for them to take up normal exercise programmes like lifting weights and squatting. This is especially if older people have not engaged in such activities in their youth. This is why dancing is such a great choice for the elderly. Not only does it put less strain on their bodies, but it is also a lot more fun than other forms of exercise!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more about personal training for the elderly? If so then Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Exercise and Elderly Course is the course for you! For more information, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Why is dancing a good way for the elderly to maintain physical fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Do You Perform Fitness Testing For The Elderly? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/perform-fitness-testing-for-the-elderly/ Tue, 18 Jun 2019 08:31:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10118 Any person over the age of 35 seeking personal training must be fitness tested before they start, regardless of how able they feel at the time. When it comes to seniors, however, we’re testing their functional fitness. This concerns their ability to perform daily tasks, like lifting themselves out of a chair or lowering themselves...

The post How Do You Perform Fitness Testing For The Elderly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Any person over the age of 35 seeking personal training must be fitness tested before they start, regardless of how able they feel at the time. When it comes to seniors, however, we’re testing their functional fitness. This concerns their ability to perform daily tasks, like lifting themselves out of a chair or lowering themselves down onto a bed. Let’s take a look at why we should be fitness testing the elderly, a few precautions to follow, and three types of fitness tests you can use on older clients:

The Importance of Fitness in Old Age

As mentioned previously, functional fitness in old age is vital for the preservation of independence. The elderly should be able to remain active as long as possible, and some argue that exercise is even more important in old age. It becomes important for aged adults to have the strength, endurance, and flexibility to accomplish everyday tasks. By applying the below fitness testing procedures, fitness professionals can pin-point any issues and work on them, before they cause serious functional harm.

Precautions to Consider

Equally important for getting the elderly functionally fit are the precautions to take when doing so. As with training children, safety needs to be first priority at all times. Never push an elderly person to do something they can’t; rather make a note to work on it, and move on. Only move ahead with an elderly person’s fitness test if you’ve received the OK from their doctor, and screen them for any aches, pains or shortness of breath on the day of the test. Once there are medical supplies and an adequate resuscitator close at hand in case of emergency, you’re ready to start the fitness test.

Fitness Tests for the Elderly

The below fitness tests for the elderly have been designed to be used by fitness professional across the globe. Be sure to assess each thoroughly before deciding on which to use on your clients:

Groningen Fitness Test

This fitness test was developed in the Netherlands by the University of Groningen human movement sciences department. It was used in a study on the fitness levels of the country’s elderly population. This test includes:

  • The grip strength test which is a test of upper body strength.
  • The leg extension test that measures lower body strength.
  • Sit and reach flexibility which is a measure of hamstring and back flexibility.
  • Circumduction that is a shoulder flexibility test.
  • The balance board test that tests agility and balance.
  • The block transfer which is a manual dexterity test or coordination test which looks at fine motor abilities.
  • The reaction time test that also tests fine motor abilities.
  • The walking endurance test that examines aerobic fitness.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness testing for the elderly

Fullerton Functional Test

The functional elderly fitness test developed by Dr Roberta Rikli and Dr Jessie Jones of Fullerton University. This test is commonly used by physical therapists and fitness professionals.

This test includes the following movements:

  • The Chair Stand Test that tests lower body strength
  • The Arm Curl Test that tests upper body strength
  • The Chair Sit and Reach Test which tests lower body flexibility
  • The Back Scratch Test which is a measure of upper body flexibility
  • The 8-Foot Up and Go Test which tests
  • The Walk Test (6 minutes) or Step in Place Test (2 minutes) — This is used to test aerobic fitness. If the person uses orthopaedic devices when walking or has difficulty balancing they do the step in place test.

AAHPERD Functional Test

Another excellent programme used to test elderly fitness is the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) Functional Fitness Test for adults over 60.

The following are components of this test:

  • Ponderal Index which is a height-weight ratio. It is an index of body composition.
  • The Sit and Reach Test which measures the flexibility of the trunk/leg.
  • Agility Test that tests agility/dynamic balance, standing up from a chair and manoeuvring around cones.
  • The Soda Pop Test which is an arm and hand coordination test. During this you turn six soda pop cans over in a specified order, one at a time, as quickly as possible.
  • The Arm Curl Test is a seated biceps curl test. It measures muscular strength/endurance of the upper body.
  • 880 yard walk is a test of aerobic endurance. During this, the person being tested will walk the distance as quickly as possible.

Get Accredited with Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to get into the fitness field as a professional, and you thinking working with the elderly could be rewarding, see our comprehensive exercise for the elderly course. For more information on any of our qualifications, contact us today!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

 

The post How Do You Perform Fitness Testing For The Elderly? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is Sport and Fitness Management? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-sport-and-fitness-management/ Fri, 14 Jun 2019 08:35:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10098 Sport and fitness management Sport and fitness management encompasses a range of exercise-related concepts, making it an ideal field for exercise and sports fanatics who aspire to careers in sports. Depending on how these professionals choose to specialise after completing their sports management courses, sports managers can dive into anything from managing sports teams to...

The post What is Sport and Fitness Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sport and fitness management

Sport and fitness management encompasses a range of exercise-related concepts, making it an ideal field for exercise and sports fanatics who aspire to careers in sports. Depending on how these professionals choose to specialise after completing their sports management courses, sports managers can dive into anything from managing sports teams to running a gym, personal training, group fitness instruction, and more. Let’s break sports and fitness management down, and look at how combining the two sides of the profession could lead to sports industry success:

Sports Management

This side of sport and fitness management deals primarily with the act of playing sports, and the administrative side behind sports training and hosting sporting events. Sports managers have a passion for sports in general – though their favourite sport might attract them more than others. A sports manager can apply for roles that include school sports coach or head of sport, manager of a gym, and freelance lifestyle & fitness event coordinator.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Sports Management

Popular Trifocus Fitness Academy Sports Management Online Courses on:

SPORTS MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION

Modules on this course include:

  • How a sports manager should communicate.
  • What ethical behaviour and discipline look like in a sporting environment
  • How to manage disability in sports
  • How to manage the sporting environment
  • How HR is dealt with in sports
  • How to deal with HIV and AIDS in sports
  • How to manage and administer sporting tournaments
  • How to carry out personal developmental training
  • What is safety and security in sports management
  • How to market sports and fitness

Fitness Management

Sports management is about the sport, but fitness management is about ensuring the athletes can play sport. As a more hands-on side of this profession, fitness management professionals are equally passionate about sports – but they enjoy managing the mechanics of playing sports and exercising. Fitness managers include personal trainers, group fitness instructors, gym managers, fitness centre owners, and life coaches.

Popular Trifocus Fitness Academy Courses on Fitness Management:

PERSONAL TRAINING DIPLOMA

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn on this course:

  • Anatomy and biomechanics
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Sport and exercise physiology
  • Nutrition fundamentals
  • Physical Assessments
  • Health screening
  • Motivation techniques
  • Operate professionally in a fitness environment
  • The organisation in the workspace
  • Wellness concepts in fitness
  • Assist clientele with special needs
  • Entrepreneurship in the fitness industry
  • Exercise programme design
  • Sociology and the workplace
  • Disabilities in sport
  • Lead and instruct exercise programmes
  • Fitness equipment maintenance
  • Communication skills in fitness
  • Teamwork in the fitness environment
  • Operate a computer
  • Research project preparation
  • Personal development training
  • Understand intra-personal dynamics.
  • Understand interpersonal dynamics.
  • Bring about personal behavioural changes.
  • Identify special populations’ nutritional requirements.
  • Describe the nutritional value of health-enhancing supplementation.
  • Understanding Common injuries, illnesses, and special considerations
  • Training special populations (pregnant, clients, elderly clients, and children)
  • Strategies for behaviour change and lifestyle coaching
  • Periodise training and plan the training year

EXERCISE SCIENCE CERTIFICATION

Here are the modules for this course:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Concepts of Fitness
  • Assessments
  • Nutrition fundamentals

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

With so many overlapping sides to sport and fitness management, it’s no wonder the two have been combined into one broad field. So, when studying broad courses in sports and fitness management, professionals have more job opportunities when breaking into the fitness industry. Get a fitness qualification today, and leave your mark on the sport and fitness world!

 

The post What is Sport and Fitness Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the Risks Associated with Exercise for Children? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/what-are-the-risks-associated-with-exercise-for-children/ Fri, 14 Jun 2019 08:34:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10099 There’s no doubt that children need to exercise, even if just by getting active in the back yard, from a young age. While pre-pubescent children gain many benefits from exercise, there’s always a risk that they might injure themselves. Here’s why kids should exercise, a few risks associated with exercise for children, and how to...

The post What are the Risks Associated with Exercise for Children? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There’s no doubt that children need to exercise, even if just by getting active in the back yard, from a young age. While pre-pubescent children gain many benefits from exercise, there’s always a risk that they might injure themselves. Here’s why kids should exercise, a few risks associated with exercise for children, and how to ensure kids stay safe when exercising:

Why Kids Should Exercise

Stanford Children’s Health reminds us that children don’t usually start building muscle until they hit puberty. However, exercise doesn’t have to be full-on from day one. Running around the yard chasing butterflies every so often is great aerobic exercise for young children, and pre-teens or teenagers exercising aerobically.

With mild weight training added it this actually reduces their risk of sports injuries in later life by around half. Weight training will improve the sports performance of a teenager, boosting bone density and strengthening tendons. The increased density of bones will put them at less risk, in later life, of diseases relating to lost bone density.

Risks Associated with Exercise for Children

North Shore Paediatric Therapy reveals that, like many things, too much exercise might actually be harmful to a child’s future well-being. They lay out three risks:

  • Anorexia Athletica

Also known as compulsive exercising or obligatory exercise, this is a mental health disorder that places exercise above all else in the mind of the child. It often comes from external pressures placed on the child to excel. Homework, friends and other pursuits play second fiddle to the sport or activity – with the child feeling guilty or anxious when unable to exercise.

  • Overuse Injuries

As a 21st century phenomenon, overuse injury is appearing in children as young as six years old. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reveals that overuse injuries commonly affect the knees and feet. “Growth plates are the areas of developing cartilage where bone growth occurs in children. Repetitive stress can lead to injury of the growth plate and disrupt the normal growth of the bone.”

Trifocus fitness academy - children and exercise

  • Burn-Out

This risk of too much exercise as a child is bad for both the child and their future self. Childhood is supposed to be healthy, building a healthy basis for a future healthy adult. Over-exercising causes strains and injuries which affect athletic performance, and children run the risk of burning out for months, years, or even for life. It’s recommended that children exercise to a maximum of five times a week and have a two- to three-month break from their sport per year.

Finding a Healthy Balance

The key is to strike a balance between exercise and other areas of a child’s life. Stanford Children’s Health suggests starting slowly and increase ultra-gradually. Exercise equipment should be suited to the child’s size, but starting with body weight exercises and mild aerobic exercise would be safer. Children should be taught safety and correct form first, to avoid any future injuries.

Speaking about balance, as nutrition and exercise go hand in hand we need to make sure that our children eat the correct food so that they have the source of energy that they need in order to perform the exercises correctly. However, this doesn’t mean that they need to adopt the nutrition principles of a professional athlete! They still need to be given the freedom to eat what they want to eat at birthday parties or on outings with their friends. This is because if they are denied junk food altogether, they’ll binge on it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If we keep children’s exercises and nutrition safe, fun and in healthy doses – they’ll grow up to be healthy adults having a healthy relationship with exercise. To discover more about safe child exercise management, see our comprehensive Exercise and Children Course. For more information about our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What are the Risks Associated with Exercise for Children? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Exercises must I Avoid when I’m Pregnant? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/what-exercises-avoid-when-pregnant/ Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:26:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10085 Studies have shown that women who have done high-intensity exercises before pregnancy are conditioned to handle the same exercises during pregnancy. However, it is not recommended that they do this. While exercising during pregnancy does have many benefits – including better sleep, more strength and endurance and a lighter mood – knowing the difference between...

The post What Exercises must I Avoid when I’m Pregnant? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Studies have shown that women who have done high-intensity exercises before pregnancy are conditioned to handle the same exercises during pregnancy. However, it is not recommended that they do this.

While exercising during pregnancy does have many benefits – including better sleep, more strength and endurance and a lighter mood – knowing the difference between beneficial and potentially dangerous exercises can help keep you and your baby safe.

Ask your doctor or midwife what the best exercises would be for you, as each person and pregnancy is different. You might need to take a few precautions that are specific to you.

Here are some exercises you should definitely avoid, no matter what your pre-conceiving physical conditioning is.

No-go exercises when pregnant

Weight-loss exercises

Don’t worry about losing weight while you’re expecting. Rather opt for the high-intensity training after you give birth. While maintaining the appropriate pregnancy weight is fine, losing too much weight can be VERY dangerous for your baby.

Contact sports

Soccer, basketball, rugby and ice hockey come with a high risk of getting knocked in the stomach. Avoiding these sports is CRUCIAL for your baby’s survival, as too-hard-a-knock to the stomach can cause miscarriage.

Balancing acts

Activities that require a lot of balance – like skiing, horseback riding and even riding a bike outdoors – can be difficult when you’re not used to balancing a pregnant belly. Your body is fragile during pregnancy and any fall can potentially break you and your baby.

Pushing the point of exhaustion

Pushing your limits may boost athletic performance, but when you’re pregnant, it can reduce blood flow to your uterus. You should be able to still talk without running out of breath during exercise. If you can’t, you’re pushing too hard. Both you and your baby need a constant flow of oxygen.

Lying flat on your back for too long

Exercises that involve lying flat on your back for long periods of time are not a good idea after the fourth month of your pregnancy. The weight of your growing uterus could compress major blood vessels and restrict circulation to you and your baby.

Advanced abdominal moves

Avoid sit-ups or double leg lifts. These exercises can pull on the abdomen, so they’re best avoided.

Contortions

As your pregnancy progresses, your joints tend to loosen up. Back bends or other contortions, as well as movements that involve deep flexion or extension of joints, can increase your risk of injury.

Extreme sports

Exercising at high altitudes (over 2,500 meters) can reduce the oxygen supply to you and your baby. If you have moved or are on holiday somewhere that is over 2,500 meters, wait at least four to five days for your body to adjust before you do any exercise.  Also avoid scuba diving, as nitrogen gas bubbles can pass across the placenta and your unborn baby has no protection against decompression sickness.

Exercising while you’re pregnant is very beneficial for you as well as your baby. All pregnant women should be taking part in some exercise however, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to prescribing the optimal amount of exercise that expectant moms need to do. At the end of the day, you need to speak to your doctor who will advise you about how much you can be exercising.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you interested in helping pregnant women with their exercise routines? This is a special skill and needs proper training to accomplish. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Exercise and Pregnancy Course is the perfect vehicle to help you achieve this goal! For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What Exercises must I Avoid when I’m Pregnant? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to Turn your Body into a Supermodel’s https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-turn-body-into-a-supermodels/ Wed, 12 Jun 2019 08:11:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10073 Many girls make the mistake of thinking long-haul cardio is the answer to getting a supermodel’s body. However, experts have shown that only exercising full throttle is the best way to get the results you are looking for. Scary, right? Mundane exercises won’t challenge you, nor contribute to any composition changes your body needs to...

The post How to Turn your Body into a Supermodel’s appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Many girls make the mistake of thinking long-haul cardio is the answer to getting a supermodel’s body. However, experts have shown that only exercising full throttle is the best way to get the results you are looking for. Scary, right?

Mundane exercises won’t challenge you, nor contribute to any composition changes your body needs to become supermodel-fit. In fact, it’s probably doing more harm than good. Too much cardio can increase your cortisol levels, which in turn will decrease crucial hormones needed for repair and recovery and your results will plateau. Instead experts recommend pushing yourself to a higher-intensity of training.

Supermodel body tips

Turn it into a challenge

When you go for a run, instead of pacing yourself to go the distance, turn it into a sprint and run as fast as you can, as far as you can. You’ll illicit greater fat loss while you shape will start to see a big difference.

Say NO to energy drinks

Don’t drink sugar-fuelled energy drinks during or before training. While it may seem the obvious choice to drive you that bit further, it can decrease the metabolic effect and fat loss potential. [A single espresso will have more optimal effect on your composition.]

It’s all in the tempo

Keep rest periods to a minimum and don’t complete repetitions of your exercises too quickly. A slow controlled tempo will have far greater benefits for your strength and composition.

Trifocus fitness academy - body like a supermodel's

Sleep is NOT for the weak

Sleep is the primary time that the body recovers from exercise. It’s also when you’ll be rebuilding torn muscle tissue. When you don’t get enough sleep, your cortisol levels will increase. [tip: if you can’t sleep, check your magnesium levels as a deficiency could be to blame for your sleepless nights.]

You are what you eat

Eating too much is not the cause of weight gain. Eating incorrectly, however, is.

Include lots of leafy greens and vegetables in your diet, as they are a good source for nutrition. Cut out packaged foods that are processed and laden with salt, sugar, preservatives and chemicals. Keep it clean!

Don’t shy away from high fat content in foods like coconut, nuts, avocados and seeds. Healthy fats are crucial and can help make you leaner. This is because they make you feel fuller for longer and so reduce your calorie intake. If you take in less calories, you’ll burn stored body fat quicker. This is helpful for fat loss. Healthy fats, such as omega 3s, also keep your brain tissue insulated and working in peak condition.

Stay away from low fat food varieties, as they are normally laden with sugar and sweeteners. This can make you fat, even if it says “fat free”.

Water can never be stressed enough

Water helps to flush toxins, boosts your metabolism, keeps your skin hydrated and helps to promote digestion. When you don’t drink enough water your digestive tract can literally shut down, keeping all the excess waste inside your body, which causes bloating and keeps toxins floating around. You should be consuming two litres of water a day. However, be careful of drinking too much water as this action could flush out essential minerals from your body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

While every body is uniquely built and beautiful no matter what, getting a supermodel’s body is a lot of HARD work. Increase the intensity of your workouts and increase your healthy food intake. Sleep enough and drink plenty of water!  Want to help others get the body they want and assist them with increasing their fitness levels? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma can help you achieve this dream. For more information about this and our other online fitness courses visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post How to Turn your Body into a Supermodel’s appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Tired of being physically unfit? Here’s how to change this! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tired-being-unfit-heres-how-to-change-this/ Wed, 12 Jun 2019 07:39:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10072 When you were younger you could spend the entire day in front of the television and not experience any signs of being physically unfit. But you’re older now, gaining weight fast and struggling to breathe. Isn’t it time to become physically fit? There are several signs of being physically unfit. They can either be externally...

The post Tired of being physically unfit? Here’s how to change this! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you were younger you could spend the entire day in front of the television and not experience any signs of being physically unfit. But you’re older now, gaining weight fast and struggling to breathe. Isn’t it time to become physically fit?

There are several signs of being physically unfit. They can either be externally visible or be physiological. Whatever signs that are displayed of a lack of fitness need to be remedied – fast.

Tips to not be unfit

The visible signs include:

  • Obesity
  • Laboured breathing
  • Mood swings
  • Chronic illness

The physiological signs include:

  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Malaise
  • Increased resting heart rate

Your body needs movement to be more energised and to help pump oxygen around your body. Unfortunately, owing to the fact that we spend most of our lives, sitting in from of a computer, we don’t move around as much. This means that we are more predisposed to becoming stagnant, lethargic and lifeless.

When we move, we become energised and alive because our lymphatic systems get pumped, our blood gets moving and oxygen gets delivered to our cells.

Becoming physically active can prevent, reduce or even reverse these signs and symptoms. Here are some ideas and tips on how to start an exercise habit when you are physically unfit and how to make your new habits sustainable so that you can start to live the fitness lifestyle.

Before you can even think about exercising, you need to bring more movement into your life. You can do this by simply walking and standing more throughout the day. What you should be aiming to do is to build up to walking 10 000 steps per day.

How can I stand and move more?

Here are some simple things you can try working into your daily routine:

  • Walking to work or part of the way.
  • Having walking meetings or walking catch ups with friends, instead of meeting for coffee.
  • Using a standing desk for parts of your day or doing phone calls standing up.

When you have got this foundational of movement in place, you can add some exercise and training:

Trifocus fitness academy - unfit

Resistance training

Resistance training helps build muscle strength, keeps you toned and helps to build energy. It also improves your body’s ability to burn body fat.

Start with body weight exercises, including:

  • Squats for 30 seconds
  • Push-ups for 30 seconds
  • Bridges for 30 seconds
  • Horse stance for 30 seconds
  • Knee ups for 30 seconds

Once you have started getting into a routine of exercising, you can focus on developing these three components:

Cardiorespiratory endurance

This is the ability of the heart and blood vessels to carry oxygen to your body’s cells. You can try aerobic activities for building endurance. You can become physically fit by doing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity over the course of most days.

These activities include:

  • Brisk walking
  • Running
  • In-line skating
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Rowing
  • Aerobic dance

Muscular fitness

This is also known as strength training. Perform moderate-intensity resistance workouts twice a week lasting at least 15 minutes per session.

Flexibility

This is the ability of the joints to move without discomfort through their full range of motion. It protects the muscles against pulls and tears. In terms of flexibility training, do this type of exercise three to four times a week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Becoming physically fit doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to suddenly focus your entire life around exercise. However, try walking and standing more to keep your blood flowing and muscles working. Want to help others attain a state of physical fitness? If so then Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma – with their range of complementary courses – is just what you need! For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post Tired of being physically unfit? Here’s how to change this! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is it a Good Idea for Sports Managers to Know About Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/why-good-idea-sports-managers-know-about-fitness/ Tue, 11 Jun 2019 07:46:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10052 A sports manager rarely comes from a completely sport-less background. This is because most sports managers are – and have always been – passionate sportsmen and women. Sports managers should have a deep understanding of what athletes go through to be the best. This is on the pitches and courts long after dark, pushing their...

The post Why is it a Good Idea for Sports Managers to Know About Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A sports manager rarely comes from a completely sport-less background. This is because most sports managers are – and have always been – passionate sportsmen and women. Sports managers should have a deep understanding of what athletes go through to be the best. This is on the pitches and courts long after dark, pushing their bodies to the limit, all in the name of a beautiful game. Here’s how fitness fits into sports management. We’ll also talk about a few fitness-related career paths for sports managers to consider.

The Role of Fitness in Sports Management

Sports management encompasses the management of all elements of sport. Fitness is a significant part of any type of sport. Many sports management professionals, like personal trainers, get a sound understanding of anatomy and bodily mechanics through qualifications and courses in exercise science. This allows trainers and coaches to manage athletes’ fitness and professional sporting careers.

Many will probably wonder what the term ‘being fit’ actually means. There is no one explanation of what this means as there are four forms of fitness:

Cardiovascular fitness

If you are cardiovascularly fit, you can perform activities such as running, swimming or cycling without losing your breath very quickly. This is because your body makes efficient use of the oxygen in your body while performing the exercises.

Muscle endurance and strength

People who display good levels of muscle strength and endurance are able to lift heavier weights than the average person. Examples of activities that increase this type of fitness include weightlifting, kettlebell training and Pilates.

Flexibility

If you are flexible, this means that your joints display an extended range of motion as opposed to people who are not flexible. Ways in which to increase flexibility include Yoga and foam rolling.

Anaerobic fitness

This type of fitness allows one to exert short burst of energy during an exercise routine. Anaerobic fitness allows body builders and sprint athletes to perform at the top of their game.

Trifocus fitness academy - know about fitness

Exercise Science in a Nutshell

Exercise science takes a look at the mechanics of fitness, and how we can optimise fitness in athletes with precision. Our exercise science certification covers the concept of fitness by looking at the Three Energy Systems, the FIIT principle, and how athletes can be motivated to bust through fitness barriers. The course also covers fitness elements such as the various physiological systems, like the cardiovascular system, and the roles they play in fitness and athletic performance.

Fitness-Related Sports Management Careers

Thinking about a career in sports management or exercise science? These are a few positions with healthy doses of fitness and physical activity thrown in!

  • Athletic trainer

Train a team of athletes playing a specific sport, like a rugby, cricket or netball coach. If you prefer working one-on-one, coaching tennis or another solo sport could be a good idea. The places that you can look for a job include universities and schools.

  • Kinesiotherapist

These fitness professionals work with athletes who have been injured, rehabilitating them with carefully crafted fitness programmes.

  • Personal trainer

Personal trainers deal with a range of athletes and are skilled one-on-one fitness practitioners. Help non-professional and professional athletes alike achieve their fitness goals.

  • Group fitness instructor

Think fitness feels best when in a group context? Zumba, Pilates, and every other group fitness programme requires you to exercise some of the skills that a sports manager has to display on a daily basis!

Get Accredited in Sports Management Today

Our sports management certification looks at sports ethics, managing the sports environment, sport and fitness marketing, sport safety, and more. Get a holistic sports management accreditation and take the first step into a fulfilling career in the fitness industry. For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Why is it a Good Idea for Sports Managers to Know About Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to maintain fitness levels when you’re pregnant https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/how-maintain-fitness-levels-when-pregnant/ Tue, 11 Jun 2019 07:30:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10053 When you’re pregnant, your body becomes more difficult to control. Your bladder, stomach, back and emotions start doing their own thing and you have to clean up whatever comes after. However, you do have control over your fitness levels and health. According to experts: “Exercise is not a process that needs be eschewed or prevented...

The post How to maintain fitness levels when you’re pregnant appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you’re pregnant, your body becomes more difficult to control. Your bladder, stomach, back and emotions start doing their own thing and you have to clean up whatever comes after. However, you do have control over your fitness levels and health.

According to experts: “Exercise is not a process that needs be eschewed or prevented during pregnancy. Reasonably performed exercise doesn’t appear to cause harm and may, in fact, have benefits.”

The key to maintaining your fitness levels when you are pregnant is to find a reasonable level of exercise. This will depend on the shape you were in before pregnancy, the activities your body was comfortable with, and your health during pregnancy.

Before you take on any fitness journey during pregnancy, however, consult your doctor.

Maintaining fitness when pregnant

The beginner

If you didn’t exercise before conceiving, try incorporating some moderate aerobic activity, like walking or swimming, and some flexibility and strength work, like yoga, into your daily routine. Experts say that 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking three to four times a week is enough to maintain your fitness. If you want to minimise weight gain during the pregnancy, four to five times a week at the gym is ideal.

Aerobic exercise

The following types of aerobic activities are ideal for pregnant women: brisk walking, swimming and water aerobics. Not only does water relieve some of the weight and strain of your body but it helps rid your body of excess fluid and minimize oedema. Water sports also carry little chance of physical injury. A great benefit is that water resistance helps tone and strengthen muscles.

Yoga

The deep breathing exercises relaxes and centres you. It helps prepare you for the focused breathing you’ll need during labour and tones abdominal muscles. It’s a good all-round muscle strengthener too. Remember to let your Yoga instructor know that you’re pregnant. This is because certain poses are not recommended for women who are pregnant.

Pre-natal exercise classes

You can also sign up for an exercise class designed specifically for pregnant women. Having a trained instructor on hand to make sure you’re performing exercises correctly can reduce the chances of injury. It also helps if you can chat to other expectant moms and share tips.

The conditional athlete

Research has shown that women who did perform prolonged bouts of high-intensity, weigh-bearing exercise – and continued these activities when they became pregnant – were not only conditioned to handle the physical changes that occur from more strenuous workouts, but that they had easier, healthier pregnancies.

Take precaution

According to experts, overexertion can cause a dangerous reduction in blood flow to the foetus. This means that whenever you feel fatigued when you exercise you need to stop what you’re doing immediately

Rather than targeting a specific heart rate, like common exercisers do, experts recommend that pregnant women need to pay attention to “perceived exertion”. This is how hard you’re breathing.

“You don’t want to push yourself beyond your individual tolerance level, and the best measure of that is your own breath,” experts say. “You should never be breathing so hard that you can’t speak.”

You will feel different from one day to the next, its one of the many things that you lose control of when you’re pregnant. Listen to your body and exercise according to how you feel that day.

In short, you can easily maintain your fitness levels by adjusting your previous fitness routine or by creating a new one to suit the conditions of your pregnancy. Brisk walking and water-based aerobics are great for beginners. As we said in this article, women who were exercising before pregnancy are conditioned to be able to continue their original routines – with a few modifications.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a personal trainer who concentrates on working with pregnant women? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Exercise and Pregnancy Course is the perfect qualification for your to achieve this goal. Want to find out more about this and out other online fitness courses? Visit our website today!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post How to maintain fitness levels when you’re pregnant appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise-2/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise-2/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2019 06:25:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9707 Boxing is a phenomenal form of exercise. According to expert martial artist, Jake Wayne: “A 155-lb. boxer will burn between 420 and 650 calories in a 60-minute boxing workout, depending on the exact activities in a given session. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to find out about the other benefits...

The post Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Boxing is a phenomenal form of exercise. According to expert martial artist, Jake Wayne: “A 155-lb. boxer will burn between 420 and 650 calories in a 60-minute boxing workout, depending on the exact activities in a given session. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to find out about the other benefits you can get from boxing.

Enhanced cardiovascular health

Cardio exercise will protect you from heart disease and maintain your weight. Cardio doesn’t have to involve boring exercises like running on a treadmill.

The point of cardio exercise is to put a controlled amount of stress on your heart and lungs so that they are exercised enough to make adaptions to support a higher level of physical activity.

How you choose to place stress on your heart and lungs is entirely up to you. The important thing to do is to keep your heart rate up during your workout. Boxing will definitely keep it up there.

Improved total-body strength

Punching and kicking a bag requires a strong core and a surprising amount of strength is actually required, the pros make it look like a bag weighs almost nothing.

Punching and kicking will use all your muscle groups which means you will be exercising your upper and lower body at the same time. Most boxing gyms will also incorporate other strength and conditioning training into their regime.

 

Better hand-eye coordination

Hand-eye coordination is really important to maintain total health and it plays an important role in a person’s motor skills. People who have good coordination will often have faster reflexes which will help when you are older because your coordination starts to slip. This could lead to falls.

Boxing will help hone your hand-eye coordination. When you are punching a speed bag or sparring with a partner, you need to be able to see the target and hit it while it is moving around. Practice makes perfect and your coordination will improve pretty quickly.

Decreased stress

Most forms or moderate and intense workouts will decrease stress. Physical activity will increase endorphins so boosting boosting your mood. It works as a form of meditation and it improves sleep. All of those things will decrease the stress in your life.

A simple walk around the block will not help you to forget about your stressors and it sometimes good to get it all out on the field or in the boxing gym.

Once you have realised the health benefits of boxing, you may want to share that knowledge with other people so they can also be happier, enjoy better health and have an improved overall body condition. You can study a boxing instructor course at Trifocus Fitness Academy where you will be equipped with all the necessary skills to become the best boxing instructor you can be. Follow this link to find out more.

The post Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise-2/feed/ 0
What Role Do Fitness Assessments Play in Sports Management? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/role-fitness-assessments-play-sports-management/ Fri, 07 Jun 2019 07:56:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10002 Fitness plays a big role in sports management, because without fit athletes there is no sport. Exercise science falls under the broader sports management field, and involves – among other things – the assessment of athlete fitness levels. To do so, a holistic understanding of the human body and the way it moves and functions...

The post What Role Do Fitness Assessments Play in Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Fitness plays a big role in sports management, because without fit athletes there is no sport. Exercise science falls under the broader sports management field, and involves – among other things – the assessment of athlete fitness levels. To do so, a holistic understanding of the human body and the way it moves and functions is necessary – if not vital. There are a few fitness assessments available to the sports professional, including:

Fitness assessment guide

Assessing Cardio-Respiratory Endurance

This is done by measuring maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) during a specific exercise, often taking place in doctor’s clinics and hospitals. Personal trainers utilise submaximal exercise tests, involving established fitness assessments like:

  • The multi-stage beep test

Created in the mid-1980s, the multistage wellness test was made to give a financially savvy forecast of V02 max in kids, youths, and grown-ups. This has turned into the most prominent test for estimating aerobic power.

  • The 2.4 km Cooper run test

The Cooper 2.4 km (1.5 mile) run test is a straightforward running test of aerobic wellness that was developed by Kenneth H Cooper in 1968 for the military in the United States of America.

The first configuration was to test how far an individual could keep running in 12 minutes. Later this was changed to a timed distance. The run assesses the state of the individual’s fitness as the person undergoing the test runs the distance at a steady pace.

  • The Astrand treadmill test

The Astrand test is a predictive test which measures the personal training  client’s VO2max, in other words their aerobic or cardiovascular fitness. Here’s how to perform this test:

  • The competitor performs a warm-up for 10 minutes.
  • The person doing the testing sets up the treadmill with a speed of 8.05km/hr (5 mph) and a slope of 0%.
  • The tester gives the order “GO”, begins the stopwatch and the competitor begins the test.
  • Three minutes into the test, the tester changes the treadmill grade to 2.5% and after that like clockwork from there on builds the slope by 2.5%
  • The tester stops the stopwatch and records when the competitor cannot proceed further.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness assessments

Assessing Muscular Fitness & Flexibility

Traditionally, muscular strength has been measured using cable tensiometers. The one-rep maximum test (1RM) is often made use of to test strength. In other words, the heaviest weight you can bench press, incline press, leg press and squat. Other muscular fitness tests include:

  • Deadlift Repetition Max

This is a particular repetition maximum (RM) test for the lower body. It uses the deadlift exercise in order to ascertain results.

  • Dynamic Sit-Up Test

This is a test that uses the sit-up exercise to estimate the dynamic strength of the stomach and hip flexor muscles. The test is performed in 3 dimensions. This variety of the sit-up quality test is a piece of the ALPHA-Fit protocol for adults.

  • Isometric Back Strength

This test measures how strong a person’s back is. Back strength is important for supporting a person’s abdominal muscles in addition to preventing back pain.

Assessing General Composition of the Body

Body composition used to involve a visual assessment, but nowadays sports professionals have a range of tests at their fingertips. The best way to assess the general body composition is to combine body fat percentage testing, with blood pressure and blood sugar tests. Ways to test body fat include:

  • 7-site Skinfold test

To perform this test correctly, you’ll need to get hold of body fat callipers. Alternatively, a dietitian or biokineticist can help you to do this.

  • Body Circumference test

As the name suggests, this test measures what the circumference of your body is. A pro tip is to use a cloth measuring tape as opposed to a metal one as this will give more accurate measurements.

  • Hydrostatic Weighing test

This test measures body fat against lean muscle composition in a person’s body.

Get Qualified to Perform Fitness Assessments

The Trifocus Fitness Academy comprehensive exercise science course – in addition to the world-class personal training diploma – delves into the above fitness assessments; as well as the concepts of fitness, the fundamentals of nutrition, anatomy and biomechanics. Contact us today to find out more!

 Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post What Role Do Fitness Assessments Play in Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Would You Design an Exercise Plan for Children? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/design-exercise-plan-for-children/ Fri, 07 Jun 2019 07:50:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=10003 Child exercise practitioners are people who take it upon themselves to promote physical activity among children. Designing an exercise plan for children is a serious matter, taking into your hands the well-being and fitness of people’s little sons and daughters. The goal of a children’s fitness and exercise programme is to promote the idea that exercise...

The post How Would You Design an Exercise Plan for Children? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Child exercise practitioners are people who take it upon themselves to promote physical activity among children. Designing an exercise plan for children is a serious matter, taking into your hands the well-being and fitness of people’s little sons and daughters.

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 instill 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.

Being physically active plays a huge role in benefiting many parts of the body:

  • The heart
  • Skeletal muscles
  • Bones
  • Blood, for example cholesterol levels
  • The immune system
  • The nervous system

Exercise can also reduce the following risk factors:

  • High blood pressure
  • Improving blood cholesterol levels
  • Lower body mass index (BMI)
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

‘Getting fit’ does not mean – or have to involve – rigorous activity. It doesn’t mean that hours have to be spent in a gym to be physically active. Performing everyday activities in the home  can assist you with becoming active. When a child is physically fit they feel and look better. More importantly, they stay healthy. The earlier a child start getting in shape the more they’ll reduce their risk of numerous illnesses.

Planning a children exercise program

Here’s how to plan a successful – and safe – exercise program for children:

Set clear objectives

Before establishing the exercise plan for children, you need to assess their capabilities. Once you know their activity thresholds, you’ll have a clear idea of how hard you can push them. Then, develop an exercise timeline and share this with the parents or guardians.

Many parents panic about the possibility of exercise-related injuries. What they are inclined to forget is that exercise is an important health maintenance strategy for children and adolescents I the risk of injury is kept at a minimum with proper prevention measures. In most cases,  an active childhood lays the groundwork for a lifetime of fitness.

Use concise instruction

It is fine that you’ve written down the exercises you’ll be using, and the sets/reps necessary, but they won’t know what to do unless you show them. When demonstrating, focus on the correct form and make them understand its importance.

Understanding the child’s mindset is imperative to helping them believe in themselves and to provide the discipline and comforts them into knowing that they are cared for and understood. Here are three steps to understanding the mindset of the youth:

  • Try to understand and remember how you felt at that age and act age appropriately towards the child in question.
  • Understanding the motivation and skill level of the child will help a fitness professional to learn if they need to delegate, inspire, guide, or direct the child to become better mentally or physically.
  • Be strong with actions and words so that the child will look up to you as a role model.

One task at a time

When performing the exercises, be sure to focus on a single objective at a time. Older children can be separated, like rugby coaches separating backline and forward players. Young kids are easily distracted and might start copying their friends instead.

Supervise closely

Adults and older children know how to perform sit-ups, push-ups, and a few other staple exercises without needing assistance – but not young kids. You’ll need to watch their body positioning, and assist with correct posture and form.

Be ready to step in

Like the coach you always dreamed you would have, be ready to support your young athletes – both emotionally and physically. If working with strength training, stay available to spot struggling young athletes.

Progress gradually

As a child exercise practitioner, the athletes’ well-being should be put first before anything else. For this reason, allow children enough time to master an exercise before moving onto the next one – even if it takes longer than it should.

Use positive reinforcement

Finally, always remember to keep a healthy dose of positive motivation and reinforcement handy alongside your exercise plan. Children need to be told that they’re doing well, even if it’s just to motivate them to actually do well.

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.

Get Qualified with an Exercise and Children Course

If it’s been your dream to work in the child fitness industry, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s exercise for children course is the ideal first step towards becoming a children’s exercise practitioner. Get a sound, holistic understanding of child exercise management in a distance-learning format. If you’d like to find out more, connect with us today!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post How Would You Design an Exercise Plan for Children? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Does Fitness Mean in Sports Management? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/what-fitness-mean-sports-management/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 08:19:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9985 Sports management can be loosely defined as the administrative side of sport. Derby days don’t just happen on their own; these types of public events require a level of planning few ever consider. The duties of a sports manager range from executing communication and booking sports teams, to managing finances and facilitating injury response protocols....

The post What Does Fitness Mean in Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports management can be loosely defined as the administrative side of sport. Derby days don’t just happen on their own; these types of public events require a level of planning few ever consider. The duties of a sports manager range from executing communication and booking sports teams, to managing finances and facilitating injury response protocols. So, where does the fitness side come in? Let’s find out:

Fitness in Sports Management

The above might give off the impression that sports management is all work and no play, but it really isn’t. When a sports management course is combined with a personal training diploma, entrepreneurial sports enthusiasts have the tools to build wildly successful careers as personal trainers, group exercise instructors, sports team coaches, and more.

Sports management has essentially become sports and fitness management, due to the high number of people wanting to land jobs in the booming fitness industry. In this context, a sports and fitness manager – like a personal trainer – would also be responsible for developing fitness programmes. In our exercise science certification course, which falls under sports management, students learn fitness fundamentals like the energy systems, the FIIT principal, and learning how to motivate clients to improve their fitness.

Some other fitness-related roles sports managers need to fulfil could include:

Managing Trainers & Classes

A sports and fitness manager needs to facilitate the fitness lifestyle itself. They do this by ensuring that group exercise classes are scheduled and run smoothly. This might also include sourcing sports managers specialising in various fitness programmes.

An athlete has various requirements that need to be fulfilled in order for him or her to be at the top of their game. For example, they will need personal trainers to make sure that they are in peak physical condition in addition to nutritionists to ensure that adequately fuel their bodies so that they perform at their best. The sports manager will be in charge of sourcing these professionals for the athlete.

Maintaining Exercise Equipment

Facilitating fitness in a gym and sports environment also includes the managing of exercise equipment used in the fitness process. People need machinery to get fit, and that machinery requires repair from time to time – even replacement. Hey, someone has to keep the medicine balls in good shape!

Trifocus fitness academy - sports management

Before using any equipment check that it is safe and stable and that there are no loose nuts or screws on the machine. If the machine rattles or works with a jerking motion while doing an exercise stop immediately. Unplug any equipment when it’s not being used. Check cables on the weight machines to make sure that they’re not frayed or damaged. Make sure that cables are covered with a protective sleeve. When buying a machine that need electrical power, make sure that the electrics are covered by the warranty.

Sourcing New Clients

Another responsibility of a fitness or sports manager might include sourcing clients for their fitness centre, personal training business or sports facility. This would involve marketing the establishment, planning open days, canvassing for local clients, and facilitating public relations activities.

A great way to make this happen is through social media. Use visually based platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to showcase pictures of your fitness and sports facility. Only put your best pictures onto these platforms as you want to show the best side of your organisation.

Retaining Existing Clients

Getting new people into fitness and well-being is one thing, but a sports and fitness manager can also endeavour to retain those clients and enhance their fitness journey with programmes and fitness incentives. Make them feel special and that  they matter to you. Give them perks that other fly-by-night customers aren’t eligible for so that they stay with you for longer.

Study Sports Management Part Time with Trifocus Fitness Academy

With our sports management course, you’ll learn the essential skills needed to successfully enter the sports management industry – regardless of where you see yourself. Contact us today for more information on our wide scope of fitness courses!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

 

The post What Does Fitness Mean in Sports Management? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are The Components Of Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-components-of-fitness/ Thu, 30 May 2019 07:35:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9889 What do you think about when you hear the word “fitness”? Do you picture a room full of people in a spin class? Jogging through the park? Mixing your own healthy smoothies? While the methods used to get fit may vary, being fit and healthy isn’t just a new fad. Being fit and maintaining a...

The post What Are The Components Of Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What do you think about when you hear the word “fitness”? Do you picture a room full of people in a spin class? Jogging through the park? Mixing your own healthy smoothies? While the methods used to get fit may vary, being fit and healthy isn’t just a new fad.

Being fit and maintaining a certain level of fitness is really good for you. By being active and eating the right foods, you automatically strengthen your body, mind and immune system.

Fitness Components

What Is Fitness?

‘Fitness’ refers to a state of health and well-being which is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate to vigorous exercise (depending on your personal preference) and sufficient rest. Being physically fit means that your body has the ability and stamina to carry out daily activities without becoming fatigued.

These days there’s a lot of focus on health and fitness. But what exactly does physical fitness focus on? Does it mean that you have to cut out dessert at dinner? Do you have to join a gym and commit to a two-hour workout session every day? It can all be a little overwhelming at first!

When planning your exercise programme you want to make sure that it’s well-rounded. This is why it’s important to understand the components of fitness and how your workouts affect them. Let’s take a closer look at what those are.

The Components of Fitness

There are five components of physical fitness. Generally speaking, the key to good overall health is achieving an adequate level of fitness in all five components. These components include the following…

  • Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance’ refers to how much oxygen your heart and lungs can deliver to your body while exercising for an extended period of time. It focuses on the proper functioning of your heart, lungs and blood vessels. These functions play an important role in ensuring that oxygen is transported to the tissues in your body.

By doing exercises that work all your major muscle groups you can increase your body’s cardiovascular endurance. Cardio-intensive exercises such as jogging, cycling and swimming are all great ways to improve this type of endurance.

Trifocus fitness academy - Components of fitness

  • Muscular Strength

‘Muscular strength’ refers to how much weight your muscles can move. If your muscles aren’t strong you won’t be able to move heavy things without becoming really fatigued. A lack of muscular strength can even increase your risk of injury.

You can easily improve your muscular strength by doing strength training and gradually increasing your weights (as well as your repetitions in each set) over time. Other exercises that focused on increasing muscle strength include squats, leg presses and bench presses.

  • Muscular Endurance

Muscular endurance’ refers ability of your muscles to perform contractions for an extended period of time. This means the longer you can hold or carry a heavy object (like weights) the better your endurance level is.

To increase your muscular endurance you will need to perform many repetitions at a lower weight than you would use for increasing muscle strength. This is because lighter weights will train the muscle fibres needed for endurance, and the increase in repetition will lead to a longer period of exercise.

  • Flexibility

Flexibility’ refers to the ability of your joints to move through a range of motion. It is often overlooked when it comes to physical fitness but is actually extremely important. If your body is not flexible your muscles and joints will be stiff and your ability to move becomes limited over time.

A good way to test your flexibility is to lean forward and touch your toes. If you’re able to touch your toes with ease, your flexibility is good. If you’re unable to touch your toes, your flexibility is limited. A good way to improve flexibility is by stretching your body before and after your workout routine. Taking up yoga or Pilates are also great ways to improve flexibility.

  • Body Composition

‘Body composition’ refers to the amount of fat in your body in relation to muscle mass and bone density. To qualify as fit, men must have a body fat composition lower than 17 percent while women must have a body fat composition lower than 24 percent.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

When we have a lower percentage of body fat and a higher percentage of lean muscle mass, our overall health improves. You can lose body fat by doing cardio intensive exercises like aerobics, running, cycling and swimming. Want to know more about the exercises that you can do to help others maintain a healthy body and for you to become a personal trainer? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the best course which will help you to achieve this objective. For more information about this fitness qualification, read here.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post What Are The Components Of Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Career Paths for Personal Trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/career-paths-for-personal-trainers/ Tue, 28 May 2019 08:51:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9854 As it is with any specialised skill-set, being a personal trainer means that you are high in demand on the career market. This is true for a number of fields, since far from locking you into one approach to building your livelihood, a strong background in fitness is something that opens a diverse and multiple...

The post Career Paths for Personal Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As it is with any specialised skill-set, being a personal trainer means that you are high in demand on the career market. This is true for a number of fields, since far from locking you into one approach to building your livelihood, a strong background in fitness is something that opens a diverse and multiple number of doors for you.

With the right accreditation behind your name, the professional health and fitness world has a lot to offer and specialise in.

If you were thinking about taking a training course as a fitness instructor but wanted to know a little more about what it could offer you in the career sphere, here are some of the top choices:

Fitness Careers

Athletic Trainers

Become involved with a side of training that uses prescient precision and a key understanding of the human body to enhance and maintain the performance of athletes.

Athletic trainers are a crucial component in the professional fitness realms and are as important for the well-being and longevity of athletes’ careers, as well as for the associations they play for. They ensure that athletic performance is both improved and sustained by not only assuring an athlete’s ability, but their technique and safety as well.

As an athletic trainer works on all ends of the professional spectrum, from professional football teams to Crossfit teams, tracks and fitness facilities they have plenty of room for growth and live with careers characterised by satisfaction.

Fitness Specialists & Consultants

Not every personal trainer works on the track or at the gym. Many have chosen to move more into the realm of strategy.

After having built up extensive experience within the fitness industry, trainers can choose a subtler approach and begin building careers as specialists or consultants; trainers who are called into very specific situations (such as to assist a sports team or high profile athlete) in order to help formulate a strategy, approach or technique to enhance their performance.

They may also be called upon for their knowledge of specialised nutrition, biomechanics and of the human anatomy as it applies to fitness.

Trifocus fitness academy - career paths

Therapy and Rehabilitation

Another career path for personal trainers is that of assisting athletes with overcoming injuries that impact their performance.

It is an integral part of any professional fitness activity, and has ensured that innumerable athletes have been able to bounce back with fewer delays.

The therapy and rehabilitation aspect of professional fitness ensures the longevity of athletes’ careers, enhances their long-term performance and also improves the quality of their lives.

There are quite a few jobs for those who specialise in rehabilitating injuries, and for good reason they require the practitioner to own the right professional accreditation, which can be obtained through an accredited college.

Personal Trainers & Gym Instructors

Becoming a personal trainer or gym instructor is an excellent choice, particularly if your professional sense of enjoyment comes from working with people.

As an instructor you’ll have varying numbers of clients; could work for yourself or for others; be employed at a gym or host your own outdoor Bootcamp sessions. It provides flexibility, but requires it as well.

Trainers are also known to practise their skill-sets abroad, allowing them to travel and work at the same time, whether that be in other parts of Africa, the World, or travelling the oceans on a cruise ship.

Opening Up Your Own Gym or Facility

Becoming a personal trainer also exposes you, head-on, to the professional world of fitness. You learn a lot that way. You learn so much, in fact, that at some point the idea of running your own fitness facility becomes more than a dream; you eventually have the means to make it a reality.

Opening up your own facility is a lot of work, but it’s enjoyable work; and when it works well, it pays off.

You can’t get it right if you don’t know what you’re doing, however; but an experienced personal trainer can.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

If you want to find out more about becoming a personal trainer and taking advantage of the exciting career choices that has to offer, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website to see more about our accredited, online courses, or to enroll in one today.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Career Paths for Personal Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Personal Trainers Study Through an Accredited College https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-personal-trainers-study-through-accredited-college/ Tue, 28 May 2019 08:48:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9855 As it is with any specialised profession, becoming a personal trainer is not something you can simply do overnight. Trainers need to have a complete collection of insights and skills that are invaluable to the industry, their own careers and – of course – the personal care of their clients. This type of knowledge cannot...

The post Why Personal Trainers Study Through an Accredited College appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As it is with any specialised profession, becoming a personal trainer is not something you can simply do overnight. Trainers need to have a complete collection of insights and skills that are invaluable to the industry, their own careers and – of course – the personal care of their clients. This type of knowledge cannot simply be picked up on the job but is rather the result of diligent study; the type achieved through an accredited fitness college.

Studying through an accredited college is certainly the best route to take on this journey and if you have been considering a career in fitness, here are the reasons why you should take the leap.

The Nature of Fitness is Risky

By its very nature, the industry of fitness comes with its own sets of challenges and risks. This is particularly true where health and well-being are concerned but also where running an effective and profitable business is the end-goal.

Because it is a practice that puts the human body through its paces, it is important for trainers to have a sound understanding of:

  • Proper conduct,
  • Approaches to fitness,
  • Assessments, and
  • Even an understanding of nutrition and how the body works alongside stringent activity.

Much of this type of understanding comes from theoretical knowledge, the kind that is best learned through an accredited college.

Get Insights from Industry Insiders

The right fitness colleges are operated by people who already have extensive experience in the world of professional fitness. Their insights – which are built from years of experience, research and experimentation – offer a unique and beneficial viewpoint into the world of fitness.

Finding the Right Employment

Accredited colleges offer the best shot at employment once you’ve completed the course since it shows that the personal trainer is recognised by essential regulatory organisations such as REPSSA. This gives trainers who have been through accredited courses a better shot at the most beneficial employment opportunities on the market, and even puts them in good stead when starting their own fitness businesses.

Trifocus fitness academy - accredited college

Broadening your Horizons

The right accreditation doesn’t just offer you the best employment and working opportunities locally, but also expands your ability to practise abroad.

Internationally recognised accreditation could have you working with high-profile clients abroad, at international gyms, or could even allow you to be a fitness instructor on cruise ships.

This is perfect for anybody looking to travel and expand their horizons while they work at what they love doing best.

A Specialised Body of Knowledge

Personal training courses that are properly accredited offer their students highly specialised knowledge on the human body, how it reacts to fitness routines, allows them to design exercise programmes tailored to the goals and needs of their clients, gives them a sound understanding of how nutrition affects performance and even emparts knowledge of how to open, run and sustain their own fitness business.

Running a Business can be Unforgiving

While we’re on the topic of how an accredited course prepares personal trainers for the business world, it should be noted how important a factor this is. The fitness business world is a competitive one and for trainers to make the most of it they need to be properly equipped.

The business world can be unforgiving for those entrepreneurs who go in unprepared. Luck and a keen interest in fitness will only get you so far. You will need specialised business expertise; the type offered by courses through an accredited college.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

Studying a course on personal training through an accredited college also lets you take an approach to your studies that suits you best.

You may choose to opt for a course that provides certification, or you could go for one that offers a diploma and is more comprehensive.

If you would like to know more about our offers on online, fully accredited fitness courses, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today for further details, or to enroll in any of our courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Personal Trainers Study Through an Accredited College appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How do Personal Trainers Retain Customers? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-personal-trainers-retain-customers/ Mon, 27 May 2019 08:17:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9841 As a personal trainer, your long-term clients are those that are most essential to the sustainability and success of your business. Beyond that, they are your ambassadors, those who spread your good name through word-of-mouth or offer testimonials that get you referrals. Your clients are not only an important part of your continued business but...

The post How do Personal Trainers Retain Customers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As a personal trainer, your long-term clients are those that are most essential to the sustainability and success of your business. Beyond that, they are your ambassadors, those who spread your good name through word-of-mouth or offer testimonials that get you referrals. Your clients are not only an important part of your continued business but are also important for ensuring its growth. Because of this, it is important to know how to keep them coming back day after day, week after week, year after year.

So let’s take a look at a few strategies that you can implement to increase the retention of your fitness clients:

Customer retention strategies

Creating Common Ground: Mirroring

People naturally prefer to interact with like-minded people, a concept that is often used in business to complete a sale or retain a valued customer.

In the fitness industry, you personality is a large part of your advertising efforts; so use body language, expressive speech and tones, address your clients by their names, encourage them and build a rapport with them.

This creation of common ground will build a sense of loyalty in them, and will have them continuously coming back.

Creating a Setting of Excitement, Electricity and Positivity

For many, the reason they seek the services of a personal trainer is that they feel incomplete and unhappy with themselves, and seek the motivation, tools and energy required to improve themselves. You need to be able to give this to them.

By fostering a training environment that is energetic, exciting and positive, you will naturally encourage clients to keep coming back to experience a sense of self-improvement.

Remember that fostering such an environment depends heavily on your own actions and behaviours.

So use positive tones of voice and types of speech, use energetic body language and be the fountain of motivation that your clients are looking to you to be.

Using Mission Statements

Having a solid mission statement isn’t just great for you to set down guidelines for yourself (with regards to how you approach work) but also presents an excellent opportunity to create an environment of shared-values with your client.

This can be used as part of your strategies to create common ground between you and your existing clients as well as a means of attracting new ones.

So take some time to develop a mission statement that not only communicates your own prowess and dedication as a personal trainer but also seeks to share that philosophy with existing and potential clients.

 

Trifocus fitness academy - retain customers

Ethics and Reputation: Keep them Intact

While we’re on the topic of your mission statement and the message it sends to your existing and potential clients, it is important to remember that your image needs to be maintained through adherence to a strict code of ethics designed to protect your approach to training, your business, your clients and of course, your reputation.

Consistency and dedication are a key part of this.

Never take shortcuts, offer services based on ethical practices.

The only thing that you should put more effort into than building your reputation is managing it.

Stay in Contact with Clients

Regular communication with your clients is a vital strategy for ensuring that they constantly feel important to you.

On top of that, it builds value for them with regards to the training services you offer, keeps you at the forefront of their minds and ensures that they continuously return for your services.

This is as true for newer ones where progress reports and motivation is important, but also for those older ones that you haven’t seen in a while.

Getting into contact with a client you haven’t seen in a while is often a great way to suddenly bump up numbers in your schedule, without the added cost and effort expended on marketing.

Ask for Feedback

Encouraging your clients to give you feedback works to retain them on two levels:

Firstly, it makes them aware that you put personal pride in the quality of your services. The fact that you want to hear from them about how you can improve on them is a positive point for many of your clients. It shows them that when the need for adaptability calls, that you are able to do it to improve your services to them.

Secondly, asking for feedback from your clients demonstrates to them that you value their opinion, which makes them feel important and further builds a repore with them.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

Client retention is an important part of running a successful fitness business, but it is not the only one. Being a personal trainer requires a unique set of skills and experience related to both the fitness world and the business one.

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.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post How do Personal Trainers Retain Customers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Online Personal Training Courses are so Popular https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-online-personal-training-courses-are-so-popular/ Mon, 27 May 2019 08:06:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9840 We are lucky enough to be living in a time where career choices are available to us in a wide diversity of forms. These days people have their pick of the batch when looking at what to specialise in, what to make a livelihood out of, and how they want to approach the march towards...

The post Why Online Personal Training Courses are so Popular appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We are lucky enough to be living in a time where career choices are available to us in a wide diversity of forms. These days people have their pick of the batch when looking at what to specialise in, what to make a livelihood out of, and how they want to approach the march towards success when doing so.

Becoming a personal trainer is one such option, and with the availability of accredited online courses that prepare people for doing so, taking the correspondence route to studying to become one is a popular choice.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why taking an online fitness course is a popular approach to building professional skills.

Pros of studying an online personal training course

Build an In-Demand Skill Set

For as long as there are people, they will be looking for ways to effectively improve themselves, particularly where physical fitness and body image are concerned.

Using the services of a personal trainer to meet your desired goals is nothing new, but it is an ever-growing market that rewards the hard work and dedication of trainers with a lifelong, lucrative career doing what they love.

Study According to Your Own Schedule

Enrolling in a personal training course can be difficult for some, particularly those with other commitments such as a job to go to, other studies to complete or simply a family and home to take care of. These type of events take up much of our precious time, which can make it difficult to free up enough to build skills in other areas.

Online courses, on the other hand, allow students to work through their study-material according to the allowances of their own schedules, enabling them to take an approach to their studies that is in line with their existing routines and obligations.

Study from Anywhere

The benefits of being able to study in the comfort of your chosen environment are numerous, particularly if you don’t have the ability, for whatever reason, to travel across town to attend courses and seminars for training.

Online courses allow students to circumvent this challenge by providing them with learning materials no matter where they are.

If you have access to the online courses from wherever you are, you can simply study form there; whether that be in your home, at a local coffee shop, or while travelling.

Trifocus fitness academy - online personal training courses

Specialise in Any Area of Fitness

Studying a fitness course online also opens up your options on how to specialise in your chosen career path.

There are a number of intensified courses to choose from, each of which offers a particular set of skills that allows you to specialise in an area of fitness.

You could, for instance, take a course on how to work with special populations, how to conduct outdoor fitness bootcamps, or even learn the ins-and-outs of running your own fitness business, with the right combination of online courses.

Take Part in International Employment Opportunities

Completing an online fitness course that provides you with specialised knowledge allows you to take advantage of international employment opportunities. These can be used either for travel, or for settling down comfortably in the country of your choice, where employment in the fitness industry can be found.

There is a lot of demand for those with personal training skills in countries outside of South Africa, whether that be in the US, the UK or even working on cruise ships.

If a sense of adventure is an important part of why you want to become a trainer, then an online course is for you.

Make Self-Improvement Part of Your Lifestyle

Physical self-improvement is not necessarily an outcome of many career options. Most of them focus on your professional qualities, but do little to foster a balanced, healthy lifestyle; the world of personal training is quite different.

In order to exercise your skills as a trainer, you need to work on your own quality of life, particularly where health and fitness is concerned.

This means that by completing a fitness course and embarking on a particularly active career, that you automatically work towards a balanced personal life, as well as a professional one.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details on Our Courses

Are you looking to become a personal trainer, or want to specialise in any other sect of the fitness industry, contact a representative from Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for details on our fully accredited, online courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

The post Why Online Personal Training Courses are so Popular appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Which Subjects do you Need to Study to Become a Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-subjects-you-need-to-become-personal-trainer/ Thu, 23 May 2019 08:49:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9825 Personal trainers leverage their skill sets off of a specialised and comprehensive body of knowledge. Their expertise is the result of hard work and study, no small amount of experience, and of course, a keen interest in fitness. But every trainer needs to start somewhere. They aren’t simply born with an understanding of anatomical and...

The post Which Subjects do you Need to Study to Become a Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Personal trainers leverage their skill sets off of a specialised and comprehensive body of knowledge. Their expertise is the result of hard work and study, no small amount of experience, and of course, a keen interest in fitness.

But every trainer needs to start somewhere. They aren’t simply born with an understanding of anatomical and biomechanical principles, nutrition and being able to identify the special needs of their clients.

Each of these must be learned and mastered on the road to becoming a personal trainer. So let’s take a look at what you would need to study if you are looking to become one.

Personal Training Subjects

Applying Anatomical & Biomechanical Principles

Trainers need to have a sound understanding of how mechanisms and energy systems in the human body affect its movement and performance and, of course, how fitness activities affect the movement of the body.

Because of this, they need to have a background that understands the principles of anatomical and biomechanical principles, as well as how they affect the human body during exercise and fitness routines.

Sports & Exercise in Health

In order to take a holistic approach to helping clients achieve their fitness goals, personal trainers need to have an understanding of how fitness affects health and, of course, how health affects performance.

Because of this, they need to have a background in sports and exercise physiology in health, which explains how exercise and spot enhances overall health and wellness.

Specialised Nutrition Fundamentals

Nutrition plays a vital role in performance, fitness and wellness and, as such, a personal trainer needs to be familiar with its principles.

Correct nutrition is not just important for improving athletic performance but also has an impact on a person’s overall health, which is why professional trainers must consider it with care and understanding.

Because of this, they have to learn how nutrition and exercise work together and how the former can be adapted to assist with achieving performance goals.

Assessment and Screening

Trainers will also need to be familiar with the processes of assessment and screening. This is done for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they need to be able to gauge the performance and progress of their clients as they move towards their fitness goals and be able to report back accurately while also adapting the workout schedule.

Secondly, personal trainers need to be able to assess a client holistically by looking at their health and well-being accordingly.

Trifocus fitness academy - become a personal trainer

Motivation Techniques

Motivation is an important part of the training process, and personal trainers need to be able to provide it effectively. This makes motivation techniques an important module for would-be trainers to opt in for.

Fundamental Fitness Business Principles

Personal trainers also need to learn the fundamentals of starting, running and managing their own fitness business. Because of this they need to learn how to be entrepreneurs, market their businesses, as well as take care of daily tasks like equipment maintenance.

Exercise Programme Design

Knowing how to design an effective exercise programme is an essential part of being a professional personal trainer. Specialised knowledge on how to do so allows trainers to build programmes that are accurately aligned to their clients’ fitness goals, abilities and progress.

Working with Disabilities

Personal trainers often work with special population groups such as the very young, the elderly or the ill. In such cases, a specialised and careful approach must be taken. These approaches require specialised knowledge to be able to be conducted properly.

Risk, Health & Safety in the Fitness Environment

Health and safety is important in any industry, but the nature of the fitness industry makes it especially vulnerable to risks of these types. Because of this, trainers require special knowledge on how to effectively reduce risks within their facility to maintain optimal standards of health and safety.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

There is plenty to learn on the road to becoming a personal trainer but, don’t worry, you don’t need to do it alone! Trifocus Fitness Academy offers internationally accredited, highly specialised, online fitness courses that you can take to become a personal trainer. Contact one of our representatives or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post Which Subjects do you Need to Study to Become a Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Promoting your Fitness Business with Social Media https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/promoting-fitness-business-with-social-media/ Thu, 23 May 2019 08:30:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9824 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media applications have come to dominate our world in quite a few ways. We scroll those endless feeds daily, watch videos online to perfect our form or look for fitness inspiration. We post videos of ourselves online completing a flawless clean and jerk or taking part in a Crossfit...

The post Promoting your Fitness Business with Social Media appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media applications have come to dominate our world in quite a few ways. We scroll those endless feeds daily, watch videos online to perfect our form or look for fitness inspiration. We post videos of ourselves online completing a flawless clean and jerk or taking part in a Crossfit competition.

Like it or not you, likely everyone you know interacts with social media at some point in the day. Because of how widespread it is, and because your target clients are already spending a lot of time on social media, it makes perfect sense to promote your fitness business using platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

It’s easier than it looks, and if you’re a personal trainer then your clients are looking for businesses like yours on social media already. You just need to show them that you’re there.

Social media marketing for you fitness business

Marketing a Fitness Business on Facebook

Facebook requires no real introduction. You probably know quite a lot about it already. Setting up a business profile on the world’s most popular social media platform just makes sense.

It’s quite simple really:

  • Go to Facebook and sign up for an account, if you don’t already have one.
  • Once you have completed that, set up your page and you will have access to a neat set of extra tools that you can use to manage your Facebook presence. There are:
  • Publishing tools,
  • A job manager,
  • An ad centre, and
  • Even information about how many people are viewing and interacting with your posts.

What’s good about it?

Facebook has a massive reach and its basic publishing options are free. You only need to pay if you choose to boost your posts so that they have a much higher, and far more targeted reach.

The abovementioned targeting options are easy to understand and quite customisable. To be honest, you get great value for your money when boosting posts.

For sharing videos and pictures, Facebook is great. Considering the nature of the fitness industry, videos and images are the exact type of content you want to be sharing if you’re a personal trainer. The thing we like most about Facebook is that you can schedule posts, which makes planning ahead that much easier.

Things to Remember

Boosting posts can be a little risky. If you make a mistake with the budget options things can get expensive fast. You can, however, use the ‘Billing’ tab to set a billing threshold, which is highly advisable.

Facebook also has a fairly strict set of rules about what can and what can’t go into a boosted post. If you try to pay to have a post boosted and your ad gets rejected, make sure that it is in line with Facebook’s Ad Guide. This link is also helpful if you don’t intend on paying for boosts, since it contains helpful information on best practices.

Post Scheduling Best Practices

Remember to post regularly but without overdoing it. It is best practice to stick to a regular schedule. Perhaps daily; three times, or twice a week.

Start an Instagram Profile

Instagram markets itself directly to mobile device users, and as of 2019, 63% of all Internet users access it using their phones.

Instagram shares its popularity with Facebook; both are very widely used, and are perfect for sharing media such as images and videos, that you can use to get your brand out into the world.

What’s good about it?

Instagram is fairly simple to set up, even when setting up business profiles. It is regarded as the most widely used visual sharing platform, and this is because it has been designed to be used on the go.

It is also free, and content on Instagram is highly shareable, which makes it a great way for small brands to get their name out.

Hashtags, too, are a powerful tool for getting your content out there; they are also essential to your posts, so make a point of including plenty of them.

Things to Remember

Unlike Facebook, Instagram (as of yet) doesn’t allow you to schedule posts, but that doesn’t mean that consistency is any less important. You will still need to stick to a (planned) posting schedule, except that you’ll need to be vigilant and do it yourself.

There are third-party scheduling tools that can be used, but it’s probably easier to just do it yourself.

Instagram also has a set of guidelines that you should stick to for your posts to be effective. Pay particular attention to the aspect ratio of images (1080px by 1080px) to have them display properly on smartphone displays.

Learn More at the Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy is an online, accredited provider of fitness courses. Enroll with us today to learn how to start and run your own fitness business, by visiting our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Promoting your Fitness Business with Social Media appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to Maintain Fitness Levels https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-maintain-fitness-levels/ Tue, 21 May 2019 09:04:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9794 Fitness is not something you arrive at and, like a drivers licence or a qualification, you can keep it forever and ever. Fitness, in fact, needs to be maintained through consistent hard work, dedication and a regular schedule of workouts that continuously push your body towards its limits. Personal trainers understand this as the principle...

The post How to Maintain Fitness Levels appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Fitness is not something you arrive at and, like a drivers licence or a qualification, you can keep it forever and ever. Fitness, in fact, needs to be maintained through consistent hard work, dedication and a regular schedule of workouts that continuously push your body towards its limits.

Personal trainers understand this as the principle of progression, which dictates that a person needs to increase the intensity of their workouts on a consistent basis if they are to be able to maintain their levels of fitness.

This might seem counterintuitive to some who may think that a certain level of fitness requires an equal amount of work to achieve. However, it is through the adaptability of your body that it becomes resistant to hard work, becomes more able to handle it and, therefore, uses fewer resources as time goes on when doing the exact same types of exercises.

So let’s take a closer look at the concept of progression in fitness, and how it is one of the most essential components for maintaining it.

Fitness level maintenance

Working with an Adaptable Body

As your body gets fitter – whether that be through cardio, anaerobic, or strength building – it becomes more adept at using its own resources efficiently.

Initially, completing a hundred push-ups (just for example) can be a real challenge for somebody, and, as such, their heart-rate and breathing may elevate during a routine, while muscles become fatigued, essentially using up more resources and getting very little out of performance.

However, as this person’s fitness levels grow, those hundred push-ups become easier and easier to complete.

Maintaining fitness, at this point, would require that person to increase the workload of their routine.

The reason for this is that the body, having adapted as it becomes fitter, will require fewer resources and won’t elevate its heart rate and calorie consumption in the way that it did when you first had to struggle to complete those sets of push-ups.

This means that those one-hundred push-ups become insufficient to maintain the person’s current levels of fitness; they will have to push harder to do so.

We can understand this phenomenon through what fitness experts and personal trainers call the principle of progression.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness levels

What is the Principle of Progression?

The principle of progression states that a person should increase overload as they build their fitness, and is associated with building it further as much as it is for simply maintaining the levels that a person has.

As your body adapts to its current routine and becomes more efficient at it, continuing without change can actually result in lowered levels of fitness.

Therefore, according to the principle of progression, you should increase your workload to ensure that your body is put under enough strain to continually need to adapt to your routine.

FITT & Progression

According to the principle of progression, one of the best ways to ensure you increase your workload once your body adapts is through utilising the FITT formula, which incorporates increases in the frequency of your workouts (how regularly they are conducted), their intensity (how hard you work in a single setting), the time spent on each workout, as well as by changing the types of workouts you do so as to improve their targeting.

The FITT formula is an important one to remember for all types of fitness, whether it be cardio, strength training, anaerobic training or even joint flexibility.

Each one of them causes your body to adapt in unique ways and, as such, each needs to have the principle of progression applied to them if you are to not only continually build your fitness levels, but even when maintaining them.

There are different types of fitness

Aerobic fitness

To be aerobically fit means that you’re able to use the oxygen that you breathe in, in an efficient manner. The fitter you are aerobically, the better you’ll be able to exercise. Aerobic fitness entails that your heart and lungs are super strong and can pump oxygen to where it needs to be in your body.

Examples of aerobic exercise includes:

  • Jogging,
  • Running,
  • Cycling,
  • Swimming, and
  • Stepping

A fabulous exercise that helps you to develop as well as maintain cardiovascular fitness, in addition to developing muscle strength and endurance, is working out with kettlebells. Kettlebell workouts are well known for their calorie-burning properties and they are also great to do if you have a limited amount of time. This is because one 20 minute kettlebell session you can get a strength and cardio workout rolled into one!

Muscular strength

To maintain muscular strength, what you need to do is to perform resistance exercises. How these work is that while you’re exercising you resist against an external force in order to develop your muscles.

The most widely known form of resistance training is weight lifting. During this activity, you’ll use either weight machines or free weights to whip your muscles into shape. How this is done is that during the exercise, your muscle fibres tear microscopically. After your session, they rebuild themselves and so get stronger.

As the main constituent of muscles is protein, in order for your muscles to rebuild stronger and bigger, it’s recommended that you take in protein – either through a protein shake or foods such as eggs or lean chicken breasts – to facilitate muscle regrowth and regeneration.

You can also develop your muscular strength with Pilates. Instead of using weights, this exercise modality uses your body weight and simple exercise tools such as the exercise ball and theraband to give your muscles a workout and help you develop the muscular strength that you need.

Flexibility

Maintaining flexibility within our bodies, especially during later life, helps with maintaining our joints’ range of motion. The more that we’re able to maintain flexibility, the less susceptible we’ll be to diseases such as arthritis.

One of best ways of keeping flexible is by doing Yoga. Trusted for centuries, one of the foundations of Yoga practice are the poses that students need to adopt during the class. (In Sanskrit, these positions are called asanas.) Students will need to hold these poses for a particular period of time. The more flexible students will be able to hold the asanas for longer than newbie practitioners.

You can adopt the three methods above to maintain your health and fitness. However, you won’t reach the pinnacle of your wellness unless you adopt the fitness lifestyle to go with your new habits. For example, you won’t be truly aerobically fit if you smoke. Unless you eat cleanly, you won’t experience the muscle definition that you know you can.

Fitness is a lifestyle choice. You must go into it because you want to and not because other people tell you that you must do it. Because if you become fit and healthy because others tell you that you must, chances are very good that you won’t stay on this path. The choice is yours…

Want to Learn More about the Professional World of Fitness?

The world of fitness, especially when looked at from a professional standpoint, is made up of a collection of specialised insights and knowledge which can only be completely understood through careful training and practice.

If you would like to know more about how you can obtain the type of knowledge that will not only enable you to better reach your fitness goals, but will ensure you can help others to do so as well, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy or visit our website to learn more about our offers of internationally accredited fitness courses. Our top Personal Training package will give you all the necessary knowledge to assist potential clients.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post How to Maintain Fitness Levels appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Is Personal Training So Popular? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-personal-training-so-popular/ Mon, 20 May 2019 08:23:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9782 Let’s face it, working out is tough. Whether you’re an athlete or just starting out, sticking to a strict workout schedule can start to feel like a chore. Luckily there’s a cool way to help you meet your fitness goals and stay motivated. This magical solution is personal training. A few decades ago, personal training...

The post Why Is Personal Training So Popular? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Let’s face it, working out is tough. Whether you’re an athlete or just starting out, sticking to a strict workout schedule can start to feel like a chore. Luckily there’s a cool way to help you meet your fitness goals and stay motivated. This magical solution is personal training.

A few decades ago, personal training wasn’t something regular folks would consider. But nowadays it isn’t just for athletes, Hollywood stars and models. And it’s about time too. Getting help with your fitness regime from a personal trainer has loads of benefits for everyone. So it’s not surprising that it’s become so popular.

What exactly is a personal trainer?

Personal trainers love everything related to health and fitness. They are certified professionals who have an extensive knowledge of general fitness, what workouts to recommend and how to help clients execute their workout effectively. Their primary goal is to oversee a client’s overall fitness and workout plan is a private capacity or at a fitness facility, like a gym. Your personal trainer serves as a friend, a coach and mentor.

Do I really need a personal trainer?

There is no definitive answer to this question. But the benefits of having a personal trainer are second to none. Here’s why… Personal trainers are passionate about their craft which allows them to be a great source of motivation for clients. They carry out fitness assessments which help to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Trainers also assist with other aspects of wellness such nutrition guidelines, stress management techniques and general health tips.

The Benefits of Personal Training

There are lots of reasons why personal training is so popular. No matter what your fitness requirements are, a personal trainer can play an essential role in helping you achieve your specific goals. Here are a few reasons why having a personal trainer can be beneficial to your overall health and fitness.

  • Fitness Education

There’s a right way and wrong way to exercise and figuring out what works can be very complicated. If you don’t get the exercises right, you increase your risk of injury and you definitely won’t achieve your goals. Fortunately, personal trainers are professionals who are well versed in teaching others how to exercise correctly. This will reduce your risk of injury and increase the effectiveness of your workout.

  • Achieve Correct Form

We all know how important form is when exercising. It can be difference between meeting your workout goals and a nasty injury. A personal trainer will be able to demonstrate and help you achieve the correct posture and form right from the start in order to maximise your workout results.

Trifocus fitness academy - personal training

  • Customised Personal Training Plan

No one enjoys every single type of exercise. Some might prefer a run on the treadmill while others prefer the rowing machine. A personal trainer will be able to customise your training plan to include what you enjoy. They will also motivate you to do exercises that aren’t so fun but are best suited to achieve your fitness goals.

  • Setting Goals

We live in a world of instant gratification. Unfortunately that doesn’t apply when it comes to fitness. Meeting your workout goals takes a long time which makes it easy to get discouraged. A trainer can help you to pace your goals realistically and keep you on course to achieve those goals.

  • Good Habits

It takes a long time to break bad habits on your own. It can be easy to slide back and even give up. A personal trainer can be your inner voice, encouraging you to stick to good habits and not give up.

  • Challenge Means Motivation

Once you’ve established a workout routine it’s easy to become bored over time, especially if you’ve reached a plateau in your fitness. A personal trainer can help you push past that plateau to move on to the next level by giving you more challenging workouts and motivating you to do your best.

When you sign up for personal training you get a workout trainer, a life coach, a nutritionist and personal cheerleader all wrapped up into one awesome human. They help you to achieve your goals faster by providing unlimited support and encouragement on your fitness journey.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If personal training sounds like something you’d like to take up professionally, sign up for a Personal Training Diploma at Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post Why Is Personal Training So Popular? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How can Personal Trainers use Hashtags? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-personal-trainers-use-hashtags/ Fri, 17 May 2019 08:34:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9769 The emphasis on health and fitness has become a mega-trend on Instagram. Whether its dedicated fitness junkies showing their progress or teenagers posing for “gym-selfies” this popular social media platform is full of motivational posts of people striving to fulfill their fitness goals. Fitness fads, transformation videos, meal prep and workout plans dominate a huge...

The post How can Personal Trainers use Hashtags? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The emphasis on health and fitness has become a mega-trend on Instagram. Whether its dedicated fitness junkies showing their progress or teenagers posing for “gym-selfies” this popular social media platform is full of motivational posts of people striving to fulfill their fitness goals. Fitness fads, transformation videos, meal prep and workout plans dominate a huge portion of content on Instagram. It is a great place to document your fitness journey, gain inspiration, share tips and, most importantly, marketing! With over 111 million active users on Instagram, you can imagine how many people your fitness marketing will reach.

For most personal trainers, Instagram has become not only their fitness diary but a way to connect with the community and reach out to a bigger customer base. Without the right hashtags, however, your Instagram account will dormant.

Hashtags allow your posts to be seen by a wider audience who might not already be connected to you. They allow you to categorise your posts on Instagram under a particular heading so that when people are searching for a specific category – such as #fitness – and your posts are also categorised under #fitness, you’ll get a whole new audience.

As a trainer, you want your images, information, services – or whatever you may feel pertinent in marketing yourself – to be viewed by likeminded individuals. Using the correct hashtags puts you that much closer to your goal.

Using the right hashtags

Investigate what your competitors or other brands in the fitness space are using. Narrow down which hashtags fit best with your target audience. You can even come up with your own unique hashtags to share on all your posts, and encourage your clients to use it too. Or, use hashtags that are commonly used in your community. This can be a great way to build your brand and attract the right kind of followers.

Be specific

The more specific your hashtags are, the more targeted your audience will be that will see your posts. In addition, there won’t be much competition for specific hashtags as not many people use them. This means that there will be a better chance of your social media post getting seen as there isn’t a lot of competition.

Trifocus fitness academy - use hashtags

Stay relevant

Ensure your tags are relevant to the post. For instance, if you are posting about a workout session focused on legs, hashtag the body part being worked out (this being the legs).

Hashtag the names of movement being performed, like #squats #legextensions #legcurls.

Use broad terms, phrases and ideas that relate to fitness and exercise, like #exercisemotivation #fitnessmotivation#diet #mealplans #personaltraining #grouptraining

Pace yourself

Do not post too many hashtags. This can also attract the wrong kind of followers. In addition, if you have too many hashtags attached to your post, people will get the impression that you don’t know what your target area is. Try to use, at the most, five hashtags.

Some popular hashtags

#Fitspo #Fitfam #GirlsWhoLift  #GymLife #Legday #NoPainNoGain #FitLife #GetStrong #Workout #MondayMiles #ChestDay #SeenOnMyRun #TrainHard #Gains #Strengthtraining #Physiquefreak #Fitness #Bodybuilding #Yoga #CrossFit #FitFluential #Fitnessfriday #Flexfriday  #Sundayrunday  #Instarunners #Gym #Movenourishbelieve #Squats

Obviously, the same applies to other social network sites, as hashtags have become a common way of finding things in, what can be, the confusion that is social media. The most important things to remember, when you are using hashtags as a personal trainer, is not to stray too far from hashtags relating to fitness. Its all about attracting the right followers and making it easy for people to understand and find you. If you use hashtags correctly, it can be a very valuable marketing tool. But if you use them incorrectly, they can drive away a large portion of your client base.

So remember to hashtag wisely!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Social media is a superb way for personal trainers and other fitness professionals to market themselves. If you want to get more in-depth knowledge about how to go about marketing your fitness business on social media, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Social Media Management for Fitness Professionals is for you! For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

 

The post How can Personal Trainers use Hashtags? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Defining Fitness: Body, Heart & Mind https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/defining-fitness-body-heart-mind/ Thu, 16 May 2019 07:30:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9605 The actual definition of fitness is a rather vague one describing the condition of being physically fit and healthy. Of course, the word carries much more weight than that, and to complicate things even further, the concept of ‘physically fit’ means different things to different people. I might consider myself physically fit for completing a...

The post Defining Fitness: Body, Heart & Mind appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The actual definition of fitness is a rather vague one describing the condition of being physically fit and healthy. Of course, the word carries much more weight than that, and to complicate things even further, the concept of ‘physically fit’ means different things to different people.

I might consider myself physically fit for completing a triathlon in less than twelve hours; while somebody else might find completing a 2km run in fourteen minutes a good measure of their ability.

Then there is the idea that is only pertains to the ‘physical’, which suggests nothing for the mental focus and fatigue of completing something like a triathlon; or working up the motivation to become fit enough to do so. Worse still it leaves out the ever-present benefits that it can have for the mind and for emotions.

Personal trainers understand this well, which is why sports psychology is a huge part of their skillset.

What is Meant by Being Fit?

Fitness pertains to so much more than its definition of being physically fit and healthy.

Taking it for granted that we consider a fit person to be one who completes exceptionally challenging feats (such as triathlons), maintains and constantly builds their performance through regular and carefully conducted routines and works out alongside a beneficial eating plan; we can start looking at it from various points of view:

Its different types; what it does for the body; and also what it does for both the mind and the heart, and how those things also affect one’s performance.

Fit in Different Ways

The first problem with defining what it means to be fit, is that it varies in the way it is practiced. There are different types, and they all have a different way of transforming the human body for the better.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular fitness is the one most commonly associated with the absolute definition of fit. The ability to cycle, run, swim, climb and dance for exceptional amounts of time without tiring. Think aerobics.

It targets the heart and lungs, improving blood-flow (and therefore oxygen) and endurance throughout the body. Exercises from this type typically elevate the heart and breathing rate, then maintains them in that state for at least 10 minutes.

Anaerobic

Where cardiovascular activity is about stamina, anaerobic anaerobic is about power and speed. It allows for short but intense bursts of physical activity using energy that has been stored in the muscles through glycolysis.

Examples of anaerobic exercises include HIIT (high intensity interval training), sprinting and weight training.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness

Joint Flexibility

Joint flexibility describes a type of fitness that is related to a person’s range of movement and limberness.

It is also associated with the length of muscles in the body, which account for how flexibility exercises such as Yoga and Pilates improve on rigidity in the body.

Endurance and Strength

Endurance and strength training are directly related to muscle energy, and even the two have slight differences in the type of fitness that they offer:

Endurance allows weight lifters to do more repetitions with relative accuracy throughout; whereas strength allows lifters to increase the weight they can handle in far shorter bursts.

Mind and Moods

There is something to be said about how the definition only includes the ‘physical’ relation to health. There is a very evident relationship between performance, the mind and moods.

Perhaps it is a knock-on effect from the physical relationship, but fitness and the way we think and feel are also closely related.

Physical activity releases endorphins which stabilize moods, and help combat anxiety, stress and depression. Moods then, in turn, affect your motivation and performance; both of which can stand in the way of reaching your objectives.

The need to focus during workouts represents an overlooked type of mental fitness, one that often gives way, and is built through just as much effort as the physical. This has a reciprocal effect on everyday life, where a trained sense of focus benefits everyday life.

Learn More about the Professional Side of Fitness

There is a science to being fit, and to get the most out of it you need a specialised understanding of it that takes a complete approach to all factors of its definition.

If you would like to learn more about the professional world of fitness, contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy or visit our website for details on our internationally accredited courses.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

 

The post Defining Fitness: Body, Heart & Mind appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Which Personal Training Course is the Best in South Africa? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-personal-training-course-is-best-in-sa/ Tue, 14 May 2019 06:51:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9603 If you are looking to become a personal trainer then you have no doubt been scouring the web for options in terms of courses you can attend and what they have to offer you. South Africa has a range of approaches to entering into the professional fitness world; and while the one you select will...

The post Which Personal Training Course is the Best in South Africa? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are looking to become a personal trainer then you have no doubt been scouring the web for options in terms of courses you can attend and what they have to offer you.

South Africa has a range of approaches to entering into the professional fitness world; and while the one you select will largely depend on your abilities, goals and needs, there are some that offer superior knowledge, understanding, accreditation and opportunities to others.

So to help you get the most out of your personal training course, here is a little information on what makes for a good one, and which one you should strongly consider opting into:

Personal Training Certificate or Diploma

Various courses offer differing types of accreditation from certification to internationally recognised diplomas. While each is excellent for building a set of career opportunities in fitness for yourself, they do offer different things, particularly where a complete body of knowledge and forms of specialisation are concerned.

The difference between certification and a diploma is the difference between becoming a personal trainer and mastering the discipline, with the diploma giving you added courses to master in this regard; making specialisation simple for you.

Top tier training programmes see no reason to sacrifice one for the other, offering both personal training certification as well as a national diploma of fitness.

More Ways to Learn

While a base-tier personal training course will offer you what you need to know to get started in the industry, a top-tier one will offer so much more; giving you a more complete set of skills to take to the fitness market.

Consider that a regular course offers occupational skills, a group instructor course and a REPSSA membership; now compare that to a platinum package that offers the same thing alongside a diploma, certification, a sports psychology course, life coaching skills, a nutrition diploma and the knowledge you need to run and market your own fitness business, and it becomes easy to see why a more comprehensive course is all the more valuable.

Trifocus fitness academy - Personal training course

Career Opportunities

Top-tier courses also afford you the best career opportunities, and let’s be honest, that is likely your desired outcome when taking a personal training course.

 With the right set of specialised skills under your belt, you will be given plenty of opportunities to find your fortune locally, or even through working abroad.

You may consider becoming an instructor at a local or international gym, practice on cruise-liners or in fitness facilities, or may even choose to open up your own private practice.

The Way You Study

For many embarking on courses that outfit them for careers in the world of fitness, the method of study is as important as what is being learned.

If you are making a career change or lack the time and resources to physically attend lessons each day, then it is a good idea to look for a course that allows you to study according to your schedule, from anywhere that suits you.

The twenty-first century digital age has brought with it new and exciting approaches to learning, most notable of which is the ability to study online.

The best personal training courses should therefore offer you the flexibility of doing just this, by making their learning materials and assessment programmes online

So Which One is the Best?

With all of this in mind, it should be a little easier selecting a fitness course that is not only right for you, but also offers you the most in terms of an understanding of the industry, both local and international accreditation, a collection of specialised skill-sets and also the most exciting and lucrative career opportunities.

Finding a personal training course that meets these needs, means finding one with the most comprehensive offers on both learning material, studying methods and accreditation (both locally and abroad).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about our platinum personal training course, the most comprehensive course offered here at the Trifocus Fitness Academy, feel free to get into contact with one of our representatives today, or visit our website for additional information on all of our online, professional fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy - gold package registration

The post Which Personal Training Course is the Best in South Africa? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is Fitness and why you should be Fit https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-fitness-why-be-fit/ Mon, 13 May 2019 07:39:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9736 These days it seems like every person you know is either downing kale smoothies or wearing some sort of step counter. While the products may change through the years (remember Zumba?), being fit and healthy isn’t just the latest fad. Fitness is a sustainable lifestyle choice that you need to make. Maintaining a certain level...

The post What is Fitness and why you should be Fit appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
These days it seems like every person you know is either downing kale smoothies or wearing some sort of step counter. While the products may change through the years (remember Zumba?), being fit and healthy isn’t just the latest fad. Fitness is a sustainable lifestyle choice that you need to make.

Maintaining a certain level of fitness is really good for you. By being active and eating the right foods, you automatically strengthen your body, mind and immune system.

What exactly is fitness?

We all want to be fit but what exactly does that mean? Do I have to commit to a two-hour workout session at the gym every day in order to maintain my fitness levels? That’s a little too intense, especially if you’re just starting out.

Fitness is a state of health and well-being which is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-to-vigorous exercise (depending on your personal preference) and sufficient rest. Being physically fit means that your body has the ability and stamina to carry out daily activities without becoming fatigued.

How to increase your fitness levels

You don’t have to be a gym junkie to be fit. All you have to do is increase your physical activity in some way. This can be done by taking the stairs at work, carrying your groceries to your car, instead of using a trolley, taking up a sport or even going for a brisk walk.

If you want to go a little more hardcore to reach your fitness goals try joining a gym or signing up for Yoga classes.  Alternatively you can invest in some exercise equipment that you can use at home. All you need is a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain a good level of fitness.

Remember that being fit can be lots of fun! This is because most physical activity – like sports, taking a dance class or going for a run – gives you the chance to unwind. You can also try taking up a group activity, like paintball or roller skating, that you can enjoy with family and friends in a fun and social setting.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness

Advantages of being fit

Being fit is like a magical cure for almost everything. It’s recommended for glowing skin, a better night’s sleep, and it has loads of physical health benefits too. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of being fit:

  • Being fit increases your stamina and energy levels.
  • It reduces your risk of heart attacks and developing heart disease.
  • You will find it easier to perform daily tasks like lifting heavy objects.
  • Being fit leads to a lower level of bad cholesterol in your blood.
  • You dramatically lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Being fit lowers your blood pressure.
  • Your bones, muscles and joints will become stronger so decreasing your chances of developing osteoporosis.
  • You will have a happier state of mind because exercise increases the level of endorphins (the feel-good hormones) in your brain.
  • You will experience lower stress levels.
  • You risk of injury is reduced because your body is physically stronger.
  • Exercise will help to tone your muscles and increase your metabolism.
  • Being fit can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
  • Having a fitness-focused lifestyle can help you to achieve your weight-loss goals.

Final Thoughts…

There is no set rule book for achieving fitness because everyone has different needs. While going to the gym may not be your thing, it’s important to remember that regular activity can improve your quality of life.

Doing some physical activity is better than doing nothing at all. So go for walk, dance like no one is watching, play with the dog, wash your own car – do anything to get moving!

If you’re thinking about starting a proper workout routine, it’s best to start with moderate workouts and gradually increase the intensity over time. Whatever type of activity you chose, the benefits are totally worth it. Toying with the idea of learning more about personal training and perhaps even becoming a personal trainer yourself? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma – Platinum Package is the best way to start off on this career path! For more information visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post What is Fitness and why you should be Fit appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Types of Training Do Personal Trainers Offer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/types-of-training-personal-trainers-offer/ Thu, 09 May 2019 08:06:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9709 There are many ways to exercise the human body. Specific groups of exercises can help to achieve specific fitness goals. Runners focus primarily on cardiovascular and endurance exercises, while body builders tend to keep things in the free-weight section. To vary things up a little, they also head for the weight machines section. For this...

The post What Types of Training Do Personal Trainers Offer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are many ways to exercise the human body. Specific groups of exercises can help to achieve specific fitness goals. Runners focus primarily on cardiovascular and endurance exercises, while body builders tend to keep things in the free-weight section. To vary things up a little, they also head for the weight machines section. For this reason, personal trainers construct training programmes with exercises that will achieve your desired lifestyle and fitness outcomes. With that said, here’s a quick definition of personal training (for those new to the concept) and four broad types of training personal trainers offer.

Training Personal Trainers can offer

Personal Training Defined

Up until recently, personal training has been thought of as a fitness-related concept. However, the term personal training now broadly defines an industry that encompasses fitness, psychology, business, and other types of training. Business coaches train owners and managers on how to improve their operations and turnover; life coaches help people improve their lifestyles, often incorporating fitness, and look to assist them with achieving their dreams.

We’re talking about the fitness personal trainer here: Men and women who are qualified to devise exercise programmes for people of all ages. They listen to your concerns, needs and aspirations – then come up with fitness regimes that they’ll perform with you. This is so that your personal trainer can see your form and correct it where necessary. Most personal trainers meet their clients only in gyms, but there are other types of training in other settings that personal trainers can offer:

Types of Training Offered by Personal Trainers

While there are personal trainers that prefer to focus on only one of these, most trainers are able to mix and match the below training types to keep their clients’ journey of self-improvement interesting:

  • Home Training

    A mobile personal trainer is one who travels around, training clients in the comfort of their homes. This type of set-up is great for those who want to be trained but don’t have a gym subscription. A travelling personal trainer will bring the equipment required along and exercises will usually be doable in a living room or backyard.

     

  • Gym Training

    Many personal trainers are gym-based. This option is great for those who have gym contracts but are struggling to get results or they’ve just started out. Gym-based personal trainers will take clients through their specialised training programmes, demonstrating the correct way to use the relevant gym equipment. Gym training with a personal trainer is great for achieving specific fitness goals.

     

Trifocus fitness academy - types of training

  • Group Training

    Another type of training personal trainers can offer is group training. Group exercising is fantastic on a number of fronts. For one, people tend to work harder when surrounded by others. Secondly, it’s a social matter and a great way to meet new friends. Group training sessions are usually run from gyms and other indoor fitness venues.

     

  • Bootcamp Training

    This training type has gained massive popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder why. Bootcamps come in various shapes and settings but they’re usually done outdoors. These will train your cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and endurance. Bootcamp training is great for anyone looking to obtain overall fitness and general well-being.

Are you a Future Personal Trainer? Get Qualified with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Planning and executing well-crafted exercise programmes like those above is about as satisfying as a vocation gets. Personal trainers get to keep themselves healthy while helping others get healthy. One of the best things is that they are in complete control of their income. Think you’re a future personal trainer? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma – Platinum Package to find out how you can be the best personal trainer you can!

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

 

The post What Types of Training Do Personal Trainers Offer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is Online Personal Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-online-personal-training/ Tue, 07 May 2019 10:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9687 Online personal training is the process whereby personal trainers use Internet-based services to plan, promote and execute personal training sessions. The idea that only wealthy people with premier gym contracts have access to personal trainers is a myth. In fact, with the rise of Internet-based communication, anyone with a computer or smart device can now...

The post What is Online Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Online personal training is the process whereby personal trainers use Internet-based services to plan, promote and execute personal training sessions.

The idea that only wealthy people with premier gym contracts have access to personal trainers is a myth. In fact, with the rise of Internet-based communication, anyone with a computer or smart device can now enjoy personal training sessions. Let’s define online personal training, look at a few workouts you can expect when engaging an online personal trainer, and discover the benefits of online personal training for both trainers and clients alike:

Defined: Online Personal Training

This self.com article on whether to hire an online trainer or not reveals that, ‘more trainers are offering their services through Skype, e-mail and online training platforms’. You can add to that list social media, with many trainers setting up and inviting people to fitness events – through social media management –  that are often held in public parks or sports grounds.

As previously said, online personal training can then be defined as the process whereby personal trainers plan, promote and execute personal training sessions via the Internet. Trainers and clients can use these online-based services to arrange times and dates of sessions (via e-mail and/or instant messaging), meet up for training sessions (via Skype/Google Hangouts), and exchange valuable training insights through shared multimedia.

Types of Workouts Involved

If your personal training session is online, chances are that you won’t be moving around too much. You’ll need to stay close to the webcam and screen to stay in communication with your trainer. This is why many online personal training encounters are centred around a fitness step or confined to the exercise mat. For runners, online personal training comes in the form of VOIP calls between client and trainer while hitting a 5K. There are also amazing group training apps, computer programs and online courses that personal trainers use for getting groups of people together and exercising in the digital world.

Why Consider Online Personal Training?

For trainers

  • Access to a much bigger potential client marketplace
  • Ability to train more people at once
  • Trainers can work from practically anywhere
  • Don’t need to use a gym’s facilities and, as a result, will save you oodles in rent

For clients

  • Regular communication with your personal trainer
  • Ability to join personal training sessions from anywhere
  • Don’t need to have a gym membership
  • Cheaper than in-person personal training

Trifocus fitness academy - online personal training

The key to success with online personal training

Your brand is your calling card. It’s the feelings and thoughts that people have about you when they hear your name or your company name. What this means for a personal trainer is that when potential clients here your name, the first thing that you want them to think is: “He/she is really good! I need to take sessions with them!”

By far, the best way to develop your personal brand is social media. For personal trainers, the best platforms to use are – without a doubt – Facebook and Instagram. Why do we say this? A personal trainer’s calling card is their body. They need to keep their bodies in top-notch condition so that potential clients will look at them and think: “If he can do this for himself, I wonder what he can do for me?”

Both of these platforms are visually based. They allow users to express themselves through pictures. This is particularly true of Instagram as the main focus of this channel is sharing pictures. They offer a number of filters for you to apply to your pictures so that you can give them the wow factor.

As a personal trainer developing their personal brand, you need to have a Facebook and Instagram presence on which you can share pictures of you and other people who you’ve worked with. One of the beauties about Facebook is that the platform allows you the ability to input your contact details so that people searching for you can find you. This is particularly powerful because it takes over the function of a website so if you don’t have the resources to develop one at the moment, people will still be able to find you and see what you’re able to do!

Become an Online Personal Training Guru

Take the online personal training world by storm and use your social media skills to promote your own online personal training business! Get the essential personal training skills you need with a Trifocus Fitness Academy personal training diploma. Contact us to find out more about kickstarting your career in online personal training today!

Trifocus fitness academy - Platinum package registration

The post What is Online Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Stuck in a Rut? Here’s How a Personal Trainer Could Help https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-could-help/ Tue, 07 May 2019 08:16:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9601 When trying to meet your fitness goals while running solo, it isn’t uncommon to lose momentum and wonder where the progress is going. Fitness is a continual process of pushing your body harder, and when you plateau, you’ll find that you stop seeing results, your motivation weigns and those fitness objectives seem to clamber further...

The post Stuck in a Rut? Here’s How a Personal Trainer Could Help appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When trying to meet your fitness goals while running solo, it isn’t uncommon to lose momentum and wonder where the progress is going. Fitness is a continual process of pushing your body harder, and when you plateau, you’ll find that you stop seeing results, your motivation weigns and those fitness objectives seem to clamber further away over the horizon.

You essentially get stuck in a rut. Fortunately, there is no need to stay there or give up altogether. With a personal trainer by your side, it’s actually relatively easy to pick yourself up out of that rut and start seeing improvements.

What a personal trainer can offer to help

A Personal Trainer Reminds You of Why You Do What You Do

One of the biggest contributors to losing steam is simply forgetting what your fitness goals were, or why you embarked on the journey towards reaching them in the first place. It is actually surprisingly easy, amongst the hubbub of modern human life, to lose sight of not only your goals, but the progress made thus-far in reaching them.

This results in a complete lack of motivation, which any personal training course will teach you is half of the battle.

The right trainer can therefore reignite the spark that had you wanting to get fit in the first place by reminding you why you decided to do it in the first place.

A Personal Trainer Helps You Track Your Progress

Of course, being able to see the progress you are making is an important part of staying motivated to go back to the gym, crossfit classes or bootcamp that you hoped would keep you interested in exercise.

For many, tracking their own progress is a difficult thing to do, especially when comparing ourselves to what we want to see in ourselves, or worse still, the results we see in others.

To help with this, personal trainers work hard to track the exact nature of your progress towards your fitness goals; holding you accountable for your discipline and dedication, while also encouraging you by showing you how much of the road you have already traveled.

Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective is exactly what we need to keep pushing forward.

Trifocus fitness academy - personal trainer

A Personal Trainer Takes a Holistic Approach

One of the biggest problems with working towards fitness goals without assistance, is that you won’t be looking at the complete picture, which means that you will only be able to achieve certain results, regardless of how much work you put into it.

With the help of a trainer, however, you will be able to take a more holistic approach that sees to all areas of health and fitness.

This includes your psychological disposition towards exercise, providing your body with the nutrients you need for the best performance and results, as well as essential principles such as consistency and form.

A Personal Trainer Can Introduce You to a Community

For many fitness enthusiasts, working out is part of a lifestyle choice, and as such, they tend to blossom when forming part of a particular fitness community.

Training with others and competing against them is always a great motivator, and allows you to gauge your progress and performance to push yourself harder to achieve a greater sense of accomplishment; it also holds you more accountable to your progress towards your own fitness goals.

A personal trainer has the experience and contacts to help you get more involved in the fitness community, whether that means training alongside others or taking part in competitions as is often done in Crossfit.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The skills held by personal trainers that allow others to be the best versions of themselves when reaching their fitness goals, don’t just come through sheer interest alone. Trainers need to be trained and accredited to offer clients the best possible service.

If you are interested in finding out more about a career in the professional world of fitness, contact a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for further information on our online personal training courses.

Trifocus fitness academy - gold package registration

The post Stuck in a Rut? Here’s How a Personal Trainer Could Help appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Which Type of Exercises will Make You Fit? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-type-of-exercises-will-make-you-fit/ Tue, 30 Apr 2019 11:26:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9536 There are many approaches to building and maintaining fitness, and each person seems to lend preference to a particular approach. Finding the right exercise to reach your goals means understanding your capabilities, what you want to achieve, and which type of exercises will enable you to get the best results. Personal trainers understand the importance of...

The post Which Type of Exercises will Make You Fit? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are many approaches to building and maintaining fitness, and each person seems to lend preference to a particular approach. Finding the right exercise to reach your goals means understanding your capabilities, what you want to achieve, and which type of exercises will enable you to get the best results. Personal trainers understand the importance of a bespoke approach that meets the abilities and goals of their clients, and by adopting the same understanding, you could make your workout routines all the more effective.

But doing so requires you to have an understanding of what fitness is, what it incorporates, and which approaches to working out offer the best results in that regard. So let’s take a closer look.

Understanding the Definition of ‘Fit’

The actual definition of ‘fit’ is a fairly broad one, which makes it easy to see why people may disagree or differ on what they believe it means. At face value, it simply means being in good health as a result of regular physical exercise.

Though how does that account for the difference in fitness between a person who walks around the block once or twice a week, and a person who is able to complete a triathlon?

Clearly these two definitions of being fit are worlds apart, with the latter probably considering the former as anything but in good shape.

Fitness, when looked at in a professional capacity, means a lot more than simply doing regular exercise.

It’s about pushing the body ever further with regards to performance and capability. It’s about understanding that fitness is not a goal to be achieved, but a state that can constantly be improved upon through hard, consistent work.

The quality of life improvements, raised energy levels, balanced lifestyle and stabilised moods that all come alongside being fit, may also be included in the definition.

Still, fitness means different things to different people, and even those that push themselves with each workout will have different fitness goals in mind. So let’s break down the different types of fitness into their respective components.

The Four Types of Fitness

Endurance

Endurance fitness relates directly to the heart and respiratory system; but is also concerned with stamina with regards to muscle performance.

This type of fitness is generally associated with aerobics and endurance training that elevates the heart-rate, gets the blood flowing and shortens your breath.

Endurance fitness is the type that is generally associated with being fit, since it allows you to constantly push harder and also has a positive impact on your ability to perform other types of workouts.

Exercises associated with building endurance fall under the cardio category, and include running, jogging and walking or HIIT routines.

Trifocus fitness academy - type of exercises

Strength

Strength represents a type of fitness that targets the mass and capacity of muscles; but is not necessarily in-line with endurance and stamina.

This type of fitness enhances the body’s capacity for resistance, particularly where the need for strength comes in.

It is generally fostered through consistent resistant training routines such as weight lifting, using a theraband to create resistance and even using your own body-weight.

Balance

The concept of balance is not often associated with fitness (outside of the professional realm) which is a mistaken way of thinking about it. Balance is a crucial part of almost all human movements, whether you are running on a track or simply walking through a mall.

As our bodies age, balance becomes an important part of staying in good health as it works to stabilise the body, prevent falls and allows you to make the best use of your body’s energy systems.

Exercises that are associated with building balance in the human body include certain martial arts, yoga and Pilates, or any exercises that leverage your own body-weight and position.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an important form of fitness for a number of reasons, and this applies to athletes as well as those who don’t spend much time being active.

Flexibility facilitates better movements, helps to avoid certain injuries, increases balance and endurance and brings forth an overall improvement in quality of life, whether that applies to everyday activities or workout schedules.

Exercises that increase flexibility include regular stretching, yoga, dancing and bodyweight exercises.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Depending on your fitness goals, the approach that you take to getting fit will differ. You may favour resistance training over endurance and flexibility, or might strive to find a balance between all of them. In any case, understanding what you want to get out of a routines is a crucial first step towards designing one that meets those needs.

If you would like to know more about learning about the professional world of fitness, and how you can not only get the most out of it, but help others to do so as well, be sure to get into contact with a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for further information on our online fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Which Type of Exercises will Make You Fit? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Must I Wear to a Bootcamp Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-must-wear-bootcamp-class/ Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:10:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9516 So, you’ve decided to get your butt into gear and start leading a healthy lifestyle. A great way to quickly build up your overall fitness is with bootcamp classes. (If you want to become a bootcamp instructor, there are even online bootcamp courses available if you don’t like leaving the house!) You don’t want to...

The post What Must I Wear to a Bootcamp Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
So, you’ve decided to get your butt into gear and start leading a healthy lifestyle. A great way to quickly build up your overall fitness is with bootcamp classes. (If you want to become a bootcamp instructor, there are even online bootcamp courses available if you don’t like leaving the house!) You don’t want to announce that you’re a newbie by arriving in the wrong threads to your first session, so here’s what you should wear to a bootcamp class:

Bootcamp Class Clothing

What You’ll Be Doing

Bootcamp classes of any variety will have you moving in ways you never thought possible. There’ll be lifting of weights, climbing of steps, sprinting, jogging, and push-ups for days. It all depends on your bootcamp class instructor so be sure to find out from them the types of exercises you’ll be doing and what type of clothing they’d recommend.

What You Should Wear

If you’d prefer to take our word for it, here’s what we’d recommend wearing to bootcamp classes – as well as a few handy accessories that are sure to improve your experience:

No Baggy Clothing

You want to be as agile as possible, so consider wearing tight-fitting clothing to minimise drag and allow you to move freely. Also, you’re going to sweat, so wear a vest if you’re comfortable with it. This will also allow your arms freedom to move.

Invest in Shoes

Any runner will tell you that it doesn’t pay to go in cheap when buying new shoes for exercise. High-end athletic shoes offer the added durability and foot support that your feet will thank you for after a few bootcamp classes.

Trifocus fitness academy - bootcamp class

Must-Haves

New to social exercising? Golden rule number one: Don’t forget your sweat towel! You’ll want to take one that’s bigger than a hand towel but not as big as a bath towel. Another must-have bootcamp class addition is a decent water bottle of between 500ml and 2 litres.

Handy Accessories:

If you’re taking your bootcamping seriously, consider investing in a fitness tracking watch (FitBit, Garmin, etc.) to track your steps. Got a friend that might also want to improve their health and wellness? Bring them along too so you don’t have to feel like the new kid in school!

Bootcamp Class Pointers:

To avoid injury and an untimely departure from your newly-found passion for bootcamp classes, here are a few tips to keep in mind when next participating in a bootcamp:

  • Be willing to use lighter weights, or run shorter distances, if you’re struggling – everyone’s been there.
  • NEVER try and compete with fellow bootcampers. Some might be attending their 100th
  • Let your bootcamp instructor know if you’re new – they’ll keep an eye on you and offer tips throughout your class.
  • Try your best not only to learn the moves you’re doing, but to also perfect the form of each move.

Are You a Future Bootcamp Instructor?

Think you’ve got what it takes to host your very own bootcamp classes? This is a great way to stay in shape, help others stay in shape, and make a bit of extra money. Check out our Trifocus Fitness Academy Online Bootcamp Course. If you’d like to find out more about a career in fitness, contact us today! We have a number of great personal training packages that include the bootcamp class. To find out more, follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What Must I Wear to a Bootcamp Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you Wear Special Shoes during Spinning Group Exercise Classes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/wear-special-shoes-during-spinning-class/ Thu, 18 Apr 2019 09:28:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9493 If you’ve ever been to the gym, you might remember the sound of click-clacking as the group of spinning class students make their way to the showers. And now that you are considering taking spinning group exercise classes you’ll probably be wondering whether the spinning shoes are necessary. The short answer: YES! Most all-purpose gyms...

The post Do you Wear Special Shoes during Spinning Group Exercise Classes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you’ve ever been to the gym, you might remember the sound of click-clacking as the group of spinning class students make their way to the showers. And now that you are considering taking spinning group exercise classes you’ll probably be wondering whether the spinning shoes are necessary. The short answer: YES!

Most all-purpose gyms have stationary bikes that allow you to wear your usual exercise trainers during a spinning class. You’ll just need to make sure that you strap your feet in tight so that you don’t slip out of the peddles when you’re standing up.  However, if you are looking at taking spinning group exercise classes seriously in the long-term it will be better to invest in proper spin shoes.

The science behind spin shoes

Spin shoes – or cleats, as they are known – have hard soles that more evenly disperse the weight across the bottom of your feet. They also clip into the pedals. This allows you to work your glutes and hamstrings more effectively when you pull up during the pedal stroke.

Running shoes’ flexible soles put unnecessary pressure on the forefoot when you push down. In addition, your quad will be overworked when you pull up.

Here are some other benefits of having spin shoes:

Your feet will stay in position

When you wear running shoes, your foot is only half in the pedal basket. This makes it easier for it to accidentally slip out.

With spin shoes, your foot won’t move forward or backward on the pedal.

This way, your foot won’t slip off and get caught on the bike, resulting in injury.

Trifocus fitness academy - spinning

Comfort

If you wear soft running shoes you will get “hot spots”. This is when a particular area of your foot aches after riding for a while.

The stiff soles of the spin shoes disperse the pressure of the pedal over a larger area of your foot. The strain is taken away from the particular part of your foot to avoid developing these areas.

The mesh fabric of the shoes also allows for ventilation and there is enough room in the toe box to avoid grinding your toes against the shoe.

No laces

Spin shoes don’t have laces that can get caught in the chain or around the pedal. They are tightened with either velcro or a ratchet system.

They are lighter

Your spin shoes should be lighter than your running shoes. If you have the money to invest in spin shoes, you can get lighter shoes made from carbon fibre.  With the lighter shoe, your feet won’t feel as tired.

If you plan on taking spinning group exercise classes long term, it is a good idea to invest in the appropriate spin shoes. Not only do they make the ride a lot more comfortable, faster and more efficient, they are a lot safer. They can make the difference between a good spinning class and a great one!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re looking to get into the fitness industry, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Gym Instructor Course is the perfect way to do this! It provides the perfect introduction for you in all aspects of fitness training. Read more here to discover more information about this course.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Do you Wear Special Shoes during Spinning Group Exercise Classes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Will I Be Able to Do a Bootcamp Class with an Ankle Injury? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/bootcamp-class-with-ankle-injury/ Tue, 16 Apr 2019 08:03:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9474 A bootcamp class is a GREAT way to stay fit and in excellent shape. It’s also a fabulous way to exercise outdoors. What’s more, if you want to become a bootcamp instructors there are now even online bootcamp courses where you can follow from the comfort of your home! So, should you be attending bootcamp...

The post Will I Be Able to Do a Bootcamp Class with an Ankle Injury? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A bootcamp class is a GREAT way to stay fit and in excellent shape. It’s also a fabulous way to exercise outdoors. What’s more, if you want to become a bootcamp instructors there are now even online bootcamp courses where you can follow from the comfort of your home! So, should you be attending bootcamp classes with an ankle injury – or any injury for that matter? Let’s investigate.

Bootcamp Classes and Kinesthetics

There’s no denying it. Bootcamp classes get you moving and on your feet. These exercise sessions are highly kinaesthetic in nature in that you’ll be doing a range of different bodily movements – probably to a beat and at a high tempo. A lot of bootcamp classes utilise aerobic steps, getting participants to step up and down in time to the music. This is a killer cardiovascular element but will require strong ankles.

Common Bootcamp Class Injuries

Due to the nature of bootcamp classes – especially the hardcore, almost militant ones – injuries do occur. Luckily, they’re hardly ever serious:

  • Ankle Strains

    This is usually caused by non-supportive footwear, tripping over equipment or incorrect landings. An ankle strain might put you out of the game for a while but, if it’s a sprain, you’re looking at a month or two of down time until you get yourself right again.

  • Lower Back Pain

    This is a common injury across most exercise disciplines, and occurs for a number of reasons. Common bootcamp class causes of back pain include lifting objects that are too heavy for you and having bad form. To avoid this you should always lift heavy objects by taking the brunt of the force on your legs.

     

Trifocus fitness academy - bootcamp class

  • Tendinopathy

    Otherwise known as inflammation of the tendons, tendinopathy affects the knees and the shoulders. This occurs due to incorrect form and muscle fatigue through repetitive movements.

     

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    A fancy name for foot pain, plantar fasciitis is a result of poor running form, repetitive pressure applied to the feet, and incorrect training shoes. We recommend getting a quality pair of running shoes before attending your first bootcamp class.

Should You Bootcamp with an Injury?

The short answer is no. The long answer involves you consulting your bootcamp class instructor and seeing if they’d be willing to go light on the footwork for a few sessions. Doing regular bootcamp exercises with a sore ankle will only make the problem worse. We’d recommend taking a break from bootcamping altogether for a bit, allowing your ankle to heal so you can come back strong and able.

Bootcamp Instructor Courses in South Africa

Few things feel better for a fitness fanatic than taking the lead and hosting your very own bootcamp classes! Trifocus Fitness Academy has JUST the course for future bootcamp class instructors. Check out our Bootcamp Certificate, and if you’d like more information about this or any other course we offer – contact us today!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Will I Be Able to Do a Bootcamp Class with an Ankle Injury? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do You Have to Be a Good Runner to Take Part in a Bootcamp Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/good-runner-take-part-bootcamp-course/ Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:34:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9444 Bootcamp classes are great for getting social, getting fit, and having a bunch of fun along the way. Unfortunately, the word bootcamp brings to mind angry drill sergeants shouting spittle down at you while you struggle to complete that last push-up. The truth is that bootcamp classes are fun and motivating like you can’t believe!...

The post Do You Have to Be a Good Runner to Take Part in a Bootcamp Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Bootcamp classes are great for getting social, getting fit, and having a bunch of fun along the way. Unfortunately, the word bootcamp brings to mind angry drill sergeants shouting spittle down at you while you struggle to complete that last push-up. The truth is that bootcamp classes are fun and motivating like you can’t believe! So, do you have to be a good runner to participate? Let’s investigate.

Running and Bootcamp

Defining a Good Runner

What makes a good runner? If you ask us, a good runner can be judged on two general criteria:

  1. Endurance (ability to run non-stop for long periods of time)
  2. Form/Agility (how well muscles and joints perform through prolonged exertion)

The Short Answer

No. While a bootcamp class incorporates light weight training combined with cardiovascular elements, it doesn’t require the ability to run a 5 km marathon. However, due to the interval format commonly used, endurance fitness IS an advantage when participating in bootcamp classes.

The Long Answer

It depends. A good runner might have better endurance and agility, but they’ll struggle when the free weights come out. Likewise a weight lifter won’t have any issues with the weights but might fatigue sooner than a runner. It also depends on these two factors:

Trifocus fitness academy - good runner

The Class

No two bootcamp classes are the same just as is the case with any other exercise class. This is because the group fitness instructor will vary the exercises so that the class participants don’t get used to the same routine. Where a good runner will excel is at outdoor bootcamp classes where participants have to run around fields or sprint between cones. If it’s a studio-based session, or an online training session, you probably won’t move off your exercise mat.

The Trainer

Bootcamp instructors will naturally lean towards their preferred exercise style. For example, trainers who are marathon runners might include sprinting and short-distance running. Instructors who are weight lifters, on the other hand, might have you pumping weights while you navigate an aerobic step.

What We Recommend

Whether you’re a good runner or not, we’d highly recommend you assess the bootcamp class before attending. Ask about the exercises you’ll be doing so you know what to expect, and – if you’re a complete novice at fitness and bootcamp classes – try participating in light regular exercise in the month leading up to your first bootcamp class. This way you won’t have to tap out after five minutes!

Dream of Running Your Own Bootcamp Classes?

If you’ve always associated more with the drill sergeant than the army privates, and you’ve dreamt of running your own bootcamp classes, Trifocus Fitness Academy has the perfect bootcamp course for you! Discover our comprehensive, accredited bootcamp course and if you’ve got questions, get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer them!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Do You Have to Be a Good Runner to Take Part in a Bootcamp Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/creatine-2/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/creatine-2/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2019 09:43:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9414 For most of us, the supplements lining the shelves of our local gym shop are intimidating. They promise to make us leaner, faster, harder and stronger… And it seems there are dozens upon dozens of supplements available.  All you need to know is that there’s one supplement in there that you SHOULD be taking if...

The post Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
For most of us, the supplements lining the shelves of our local gym shop are intimidating. They promise to make us leaner, faster, harder and stronger… And it seems there are dozens upon dozens of supplements available.  All you need to know is that there’s one supplement in there that you SHOULD be taking if you work out at all. It’s called creatine monohydrate. And contrary to popular myth, it doesn’t destroy your kidneys, your liver or your heart.

But it has been proven – scientifically – to deliver on its promise. Quite remarkably, too!

1. Your body produces it, naturally

Your body makes and stores it. And you also get it from food- primarily meat and animal products (i.e. cheese, milk, eggs). It’s made up of three amino acids, namely glycine, methionine and arginine.

Your muscles store creatine for use when you engage in physical activity. The thing is, if you’re doing something that’s physically strenuous, your stores will be depleted, resulting in that feeling of fatigue.
By supplementing with creatine, you make sure that your body’s stores are saturated, with plenty to spare.

2. It gives your muscles energy faster than glucose does

Creatine monohydrate increases the amount of creatine phosphate in your body. This molecule is like the dynamite of energy sources:

  • It gives your muscles – specifically the fast-twitch fibres in the muscle – energy faster than glucose does.
  • And this makes it easier for you to perform short, intense workouts without tiring. Which, in turn, strengthens the muscle fibres, allowing you to run faster, lift more weight or perform more reps.

3. So you gain more muscle mass

Because creatine allows you to handle a bigger workload at the gym (be it running faster, lifting more, etc), you build more muscle mass.

It is also responsible for an increase in the amount of water inside your muscles cells. This water exerts a pressure force on the membranes of your muscle cells. And this is what makes your muscle cells grow through a process called protein synthesis.

What’s more, creatine kicks your muscular stem cells into action. And this also results in muscle growth and repair too.

4. A spoonful of sugar helps it go down

No, you didn’t read it wrong… Most creatine supplements come in powder form, for you to mix into a drink. We suggest you mix it with a sugary drink since the resulting insulin spike is what helps the muscles take up more creatine.

5. It helps your muscles recover better (and your bones stay strong)

Tests have found that creatine reduces the damage and inflammation that’s inevitable in muscle cells after strenuous physical activity.

Plus, it’s found to strengthen the bones, preventing conditions like osteoporosis, and bone regeneration. So if you’ve suffered a bone fracture, supplementing with creatine may well help you heal quicker and better.

How to supplement with creatine

6. It boosts neurological performance too

Researchers have found the Creatine also benefits brain function, improving memory and response time, for example. It also helps the part of the brain that handles problem-solving.

7. It kicks diabetes down

Creatine improves glucose tolerance, which in turn, combats diabetes.

8. Creatine slows the ageing of muscles

As we grow older, our muscle fibres age and slowly degenerate too. Creatine, because of its action in enhancing the performance of these fibres, helps to slow this natural ageing process. Which means you keep more healthy muscle for longer.

9. It does all of this – ONLY if you do the work

Let’s be clear: There are no short-cuts to a lean, muscular, strong, fit body. If you think that by taking creatine, you’ll reap the benefits while you sit on the couch munching snacks, you’re wrong.

To see the benefits, you still need to work out regularly, eat nutritious food and get enough rest.

If you’ve been preaching the benefits of creatine to your friends, your granny and the dude who sits next to you at work, maybe your calling is a career as a personal trainer? Check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy today!

The post Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/creatine-2/feed/ 0
Why do Athletes Carbo-Load? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-athletes-carbo-load/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 06:44:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9375 Marathon runners, cyclists and swimmers tend to fill up on carbohydrates before a big competition. This stops their energy levels from plummeting during a race. However, not all carbohydrates are created equally which means that if you’re wanting sustained energy through your race you need to be eating carbs that give you sustained energy levels....

The post Why do Athletes Carbo-Load? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Marathon runners, cyclists and swimmers tend to fill up on carbohydrates before a big competition. This stops their energy levels from plummeting during a race. However, not all carbohydrates are created equally which means that if you’re wanting sustained energy through your race you need to be eating carbs that give you sustained energy levels. Want to know more? Read this article to find out!

Why Carbo-load?

Glycogen

When athletes exercise, their bodies use glycogen. Glycogen molecules function as long-term energy storage. These are stored in the liver and muscle cells. However, this glycogen can be used up which results in a possible drop in performance as fatigue sets in.

Carbo-loading

Athletes carbo-load to prevent their bodies from running out of energy. During this process they top up their glycogen stores before an event.

During digestion, your body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar. The nature of this sugar depends on the foods which have been eaten. The sugar enters your bloodstream, where it is transferred to individual cells to provide energy.

Sugar is stored in your liver and muscles as glycogen which, as we’ve said before, is your energy source. The body uses carbohydrates to produce glucose which gives athletes the endurance they need to complete a race. It also improves their performance.

How much carbohydrates they consume corresponds with how much glycogen is stored in their bodies.

What can you eat?

Carbo-loading isn’t as simple as stuffing yourself with pasta. Many athletes’ performance is ruined with poor nutrition if they don’t eat the right carbohydrates.

There are two classifications of carbohydrates:

  • Complex carbohydrates like legumes, grains and starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas and corn).
  • Simple carbohydrates which are found mainly in fruits and milk, as well as in foods made with sugar, such as candy and other sweets.

Complex carbohydrates provide more sustained energy while simple carbs provide a spike in energy and then leave you feeling energy depleted.

Trifocus fitness academy - carbo loading

The Benefits of Carbo-loading

Experts say that under normal dietary circumstances, athletes have around 80 to 120 millimoles of stored glycogen per kilogram of body weight. Carbo-loaded athletes can have up to 200 millimoles per kilogram. This can improve their endurance by 2 to 3%.

Carbo-loading before a race can improve a runner’s endurance, speed, energy and alertness.

How does it work?

Before carbo-loading you have to deplete you glycogen stores. This tricks your body into thinking there’s something wrong with your glycogen stores. Your body then compensates by storing more when you carbo-load.

Athletes do this by eating a low-carb diet for three to four days, then carbo-loading for three to four days.

Risks

Other factors can influence the effectiveness of an athlete’s carbo-loading strategy, including:

  • How fit they are
  • How well they hydrate
  • And how intensely they exercise

When carbo-loading it’s best to consult a doctor, a registered dietitian or nutritionist because this practice can cause some discomfort or side effects. This includes digestive discomfort and blood sugar changes. To prevent digestive discomfort, experts recommend that athletes stay away from high-fibre foods one or two days before an event.

Despite carbo-loading, athletes still need to replenish their bodies’ energy during endurance events to maintain their blood sugar levels. They need to periodically consume sports drinks, gels, bars or fruit during their race. Athletes who experience blood sugar changes usually have to monitor their blood sugar levels during training. This way they can plan the correct meal plan.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If done correctly, carbo-loading can be the difference between an athlete winning or losing their event. Do it right and they experience endurance and performance benefits. Doing it wrong can potentially result in malnutrition.  Want to learn more about how nutrition affects athletic performance? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Athletic Nutrition Course to find out more!

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Why do Athletes Carbo-Load? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Does a Personal Trainer Do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-personal-trainer-do/ Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:51:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9050 Gone are the days when only celebrities and high-ranking public officials enlisted the assistance of fitness professionals. With more of us wanting to lead healthier lifestyles these days, there’s a huge need for qualified fitness gurus to make sure we’re doing the correct exercises to achieve our specific wellness goals. So, what does a personal...

The post What Does a Personal Trainer Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Gone are the days when only celebrities and high-ranking public officials enlisted the assistance of fitness professionals. With more of us wanting to lead healthier lifestyles these days, there’s a huge need for qualified fitness gurus to make sure we’re doing the correct exercises to achieve our specific wellness goals. So, what does a personal trainer do exactly? You’re about to find out…

Personal Trainer Duties

Assessment & Goal Setting

Your personal trainer should start off by assessing your current fitness level, and discuss any personal goals you’ve set, as well as any past injuries. Getting back into shape is a big decision to make. This is because it usually coincides with the setting of a specific outcome. Want to run the Comrades Marathon? Maybe it’s to look good in that dress you bought when you were two sizes smaller? Your personal trainer should listen to your goals and aspirations, and endeavour to make them a reality.

However, if your goals are unrealistic – like shedding 10 kg in a week and keeping it off – be prepared that your personal trainer will tell you this. He or she will make sure that the fitness goals that you set for yourself are S.M.A.R.T. This stands for:

  • Smart
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Realistic
  • Time bound.

Exercise Plan Development

Once they know what you’re capable of, a personal trainer gets to work developing your custom fitness regime. Complete newbie to exercise? Your personal trainer should start you off at a level you can handle – slowing increasing your capacity with lifting weight, reps and sets as your fitness improves. Personal trainers are well connected in the fitness industry and can even put you in touch with dieticians and nutritionists should you want to get your eating habits aligned with your new healthy lifestyle!

Trifocus fitness academy - personal trainer

Leading by Example

It’s a personal trainer’s job to know exactly how to perform an exercise, and yours won’t shy away from getting sweaty with you! Working out is tough on the body, and when exercises are performed incorrectly this leads to pain, strain and sometimes injury. Watch your personal trainer carefully as they show you the exercises you’ll be doing, and prioritise form when performing them yourself. With good form, you’ll strengthen correctly and won’t be plagued by downtime due to soreness or – even worse – as not having the correct form when you exercise can lead to serious injury.

Motivation & Celebration

There’ll be times that you might hate your personal trainer, and that’s OK. Sculpting the body of your dreams isn’t easy. Fret you not, because your personal trainer will be there at every step of the way. Motivation comes naturally to them, and you want to push yourself more just because they believe in you. The final but most important thing a personal trainer does is celebrate your wins with you – regardless of how small you think they might be.

When choosing your personal trainer, make sure that his or her brand of motivation works for you. Some people may respond well to their personal trainer shouting at them while others will not be motivated at all by this type of behaviour. So make sure that your personality clicks with that of your trainer in order to get optimal results.

A Good Personal Trainer is a Qualified One

As a final note, be sure to ask your potential trainer about their qualifications. You don’t want to spend money on something that means the world to you, only to find out that your mentor isn’t qualified to train you. For this reason consider trainers that hold a personal training diplomas from reputable fitness colleges. Get in touch with us at Trifocus Fitness Academy to find out about our Personal Training Diploma – Platinum Package and see how this bespoke selection of course will make you into the best personal trainer you can be.

Considering a Career in Personal Training?

If you’re passionate about helping people, and you’d like to get into the best shape of your life, personal training might just be the career move you’ve been waiting for! Choose from short personal training courses through to comprehensive recognised personal training diplomas. Find out more about our Trifocus Fitness Academy personal training courses today! Alternatively, we have a wide range of other online fitness courses available. To learn more about these, visit our website.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What Does a Personal Trainer Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is ‘Speed Training’? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-speed-training/ Mon, 01 Apr 2019 08:31:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=9029 With professional sports becoming more and more competitive, mainly due to the proliferation of performance enhancers, athletes need to become bigger, faster and stronger just to compete in their respective fields. Sports like athletics, soccer, rugby and hockey focus on speed. This means that speed training is something athletes need to work on alongside strength...

The post What is ‘Speed Training’? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
With professional sports becoming more and more competitive, mainly due to the proliferation of performance enhancers, athletes need to become bigger, faster and stronger just to compete in their respective fields. Sports like athletics, soccer, rugby and hockey focus on speed. This means that speed training is something athletes need to work on alongside strength and endurance training.

Speed Training Defined

Also known as interval training, speed training is the improvement of your speed or explosive bodily potential as used in various fitness disciplines. A definition of speed in this context is given by topendsports.com, who describe it as, “the ability to move quickly across the ground or move limbs rapidly to grab or throw.” Workouts are usually sets with time intervals that are followed to the second. For example, 45 seconds of full-effort push-ups followed by 15 seconds of rest, then repeated.

Types of Speed Training Exercises

Because of their cardiovascular benefits, speed training workouts are utilised by personal trainers across the planet. We’ve listed a few of these exercises below:

On the Road

  • Like jogging? Next time you hit the tar, incorporate the pole-to-pole speed training exercise by sprinting between every second set of poles. This is excellent for speed training, and greatly improves your stamina when done over lengthy distances.

Trifocus fitness academy - speed training

In the Gym

  • Your hamstrings and glutes are your ‘go’ muscles, and need to be exceptionally strong if you are to improve your overall speed as an athlete. The Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift works these parts like crazy and isn’t too tough to master at all.
  • In the studio section of your gym, place a ball 3 meters away from the wall, then another one 3 meters from the first. Starting at the wall, jog to the first ball and back. Then sprint to the second ball and back to the wall. Then jog the full length of the studio and back. Repeat.
  • Depth jumps are excellent speed training exercises. This is because they improve our explosive potential. Start by standing on a bench. Step off the edge and as you make contact with the ground, explode upwards as hard as you can. Practise this and you’ll be amazed at how high you can jump!

On the Field

  • So, how far can you jump? The standing broad jump is an excellent plyometric exercise that trains your muscles’ explosive capabilities. Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. Swing your arms and jump forward from a quarter squat position – as far as you can. Walk back to the starting position. Repeat.
  • Quite a number of bodily movements are initiated from one leg, so to train quick single-leg movements mini hurdle hops are ideal. Set up small hurdles about 30 centimetres apart. Hop over each on one leg (trying not to spend too much time on the ground). Once you clear the last hurdle, explode into a full sprint for 10 metres.

Become a Speed Training Specialist

If speed training is something you thoroughly enjoy, and you’re considering a move into personal training as a career choice, take a look at our Trifocus Fitness Academy Personal Training Diploma! You’ll cover speed training in detail, and receive the knowledge needed to offer professional speed training programmes to your clients! Connect with us to find out more.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post What is ‘Speed Training’? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Get the Most Out of Abdominal Crunches with Kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/get-more-out-abdominal-crunches-with-kettlebells/ Fri, 15 Mar 2019 08:02:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8778 There are a million ways to work your abs, but few moves come close to the good old abdominal crunch. However, this ab-busting exercise technique is amplified tenfold through the use of kettlebells. This article looks briefly at why kettlebells rock abdominal crunches, the types of kettlebells, and how to blast your core with kettlebell-loaded...

The post Get the Most Out of Abdominal Crunches with Kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are a million ways to work your abs, but few moves come close to the good old abdominal crunch. However, this ab-busting exercise technique is amplified tenfold through the use of kettlebells. This article looks briefly at why kettlebells rock abdominal crunches, the types of kettlebells, and how to blast your core with kettlebell-loaded abdominal crunches!

Why Are Kettlebells So Great?

Kettlebells certainly do look a bit odd, but don’t let their appearance fool you. They’re excellent for explosive workouts, combining flexibility, strength, core power and muscular strength. Since they’re odd-shaped and have a tight centre of gravity, lifting kettlebells forces the use of muscles which mimic real-life actions. A handful of kettlebell exercise can give you an exhilarating full-body workout – training strength, cardio, and flexibility all at the same time.

Types of Kettlebells

Most kettlebells are made from cast iron, and  all consist of two parts: the handle and the ball. Kettlebells range in weight, much like dumbbells. There are two main types of kettlebells used in gymnasiums across the planet:

  • Standard Kettlebells

    These are the types of kettlebells you find at your average gym. They have handles that curve into the ball and are often coated in rubber for use in CrossFit and similar workouts.

  • Competition Kettlebells

    Kettlebells of this nature differ in two ways to their standard brethren. Competition kettlebells have a slightly narrower grip diameter, and the handle does not curve onto the ball – but rather extends straight down to it.

How to Perform a Kettlebell Abdominal Crunch

Here’s how to take your abdominal sets to the next level with a kettlebell:

  1. Lie flat on your back with your legs angled. Your feet must be flat on the floor, just wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. You have two choices here: either hold the kettlebell close to your chest with your hands wrapped around the ball. Alternatively, hold it out above you with your arms fully extended.
  3. Slowly raise your torso off the ground. Try to keep your feet flat on the floor. Only rise to around 45 degrees otherwise you’ll end up working your back more than your abs. If you’re not careful, this could cause injury.
  4. If you’re extending your arms, try and keep them pointing directly upwards as you lift your body. This will see your arm positioning change.
  5. If you do not extend your arms, be sure to have a firm grip on your kettlebell when lifting yourself. If you find you can get up with the kettlebell, simply move it down closer to your naval.
  6. Hold the extended position for a count of two and then slowly return to the starting position. Challenge yourself by increasing the weight of your kettlebell every few weeks.

Kettlebell workouts are not just superb for abdominal workouts, they are also fantastic for getting a superior cardiovascular workout in addition to a full-body workout. However, make sure that you perfect your form before progressing to heavier weights as if you use a weight  that is not correct for you, there is the strong possibility that you could do yourself untold damage. So, watch out!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Kettlebells Course is the perfect qualification to allow you to become the best kettlebells trainer you can be. Endorsed by REPSSA with 12 CPD points, this means that you can work as a kettlebell trainer anywhere in the world. For more information and to view our other courses, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Get the Most Out of Abdominal Crunches with Kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Precautions Should You Take During an Aerobics Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/precautions-during-aerobics-class/ Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:44:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8729 The possibility of an injury is always present when exercising. That’s why it’s important for you to know which precautions to take when working out. This is especially true in an aerobics class. Aerobics Precautions Wise up The aerobics instructor is there to help you, and other participants, during the class. So make use of...

The post What Precautions Should You Take During an Aerobics Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The possibility of an injury is always present when exercising. That’s why it’s important for you to know which precautions to take when working out. This is especially true in an aerobics class.

Aerobics Precautions

Wise up

The aerobics instructor is there to help you, and other participants, during the class. So make use of his or her knowledge should you have any questions about your form or technique. Do this, at least, during the beginning stages of you attending aerobics classes so that you develop good habits going forward. They can also give you safety tips and progressions to get you started or help you to accomplish your goal.

Warm up

Stretch and do warm-up exercises before every workout. This will increase your body’s core temperature and blood flow to the working muscles. It will also mentally prepare you for the workout ahead. Your aerobics instructor will work this into his or her routine.

Switch it up

Change up your routine by engaging in different types of aerobics classes such as spinning or Zumba. It will help you avoid hitting a plateau in your workouts and give your muscles a break from the same routine every day.  Add strength training and core work to your routine. If your muscles are balanced with a strong core, then your body will not wear down or have to compensate for being weak or if your muscles are too tight.

Dress up

You have to wear the proper workout attire for an aerobics class. If you wear the wrong shoes you can injure your ankle. If you wear clothes that are too tight you can interrupt your blood circulation.

Go to a specialty store for expert advice on what shoes and clothes you should be wearing. Make sure to replace worn clothing and shoes as they can no longer provide the support that your body needs.

Load up

What you eat and drink is just as important as your workout in an aerobics class. Eating something light before a class will give you the stamina you need to carry on and perform the routine as set out by the instructor. Carbohydrate will give you energy for your workout and replenish your glycogen stores for your recovery and next workout.

Protein after your workout will help repair the muscles you have worked during the aerobics class. So, make sure that you eat a protein-rich meal after your workout. Alternatively, take a protein shake.

Drink lots of water before, during and after your workouts to avoid dehydration. Work with a sports nutritionist to understand when, how much, and what foods you should be eating to keep you healthy and energised for workouts.

Power up

Your body will tell you when it’s time to stop.  Take breaks during the class to stop from over-exertion. Make sure you get enough rest for your body to recover.

Check up

Make sure the aerobics areas are well lit, have a moderate temperature and are well ventilated. Use facilities with a floor suited to aerobics, like sprung wooden floors or padded carpet over concrete. Check that all implements and equipment are maintained and in good condition.

Cool Down

At the end of your workout, take the time to stretch and relax your muscles. If you still feel that you are not suitably relaxed after your cool down that the instructor provides, make sure that you spend a couple of extra minutes stretching. This will increase blood circulation to the muscles that need to be healed after exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

It is very unlikely that you will go your entire exercise journey without getting injured. But with experts helping you and by taking the right precautions, you can reduce the chances of injury. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Aerobics Course will help all wannabe aerobics instructors be the best that they can be! For more information, follow this link.

 

The post What Precautions Should You Take During an Aerobics Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What to Expect in an Aerobics Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-expect-in-an-aerobics-class/ Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:36:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8718 Aerobic exercise is a great way to increase your cardiorespiratory capacity. This type of exercise means “with oxygen” and helps to keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory systems healthy. An aerobics class can provide a supportive and encouraging environment to help you keep these systems healthy. It also offers opportunities for socialising with people trying...

The post What to Expect in an Aerobics Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Aerobic exercise is a great way to increase your cardiorespiratory capacity. This type of exercise means “with oxygen” and helps to keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory systems healthy. An aerobics class can provide a supportive and encouraging environment to help you keep these systems healthy. It also offers opportunities for socialising with people trying to achieve the same goal as you are.

An aerobics class is usually designed according to the ages and fitness levels of the people attending.

What an aerobic session can consist of

An aerobics class consists of either cycling, kickboxing or choreographed exercises. These exercises fall under the better-known ‘cardio’ category of working out. These classes last 40 to 60 minutes and offer a total-body workout that develops endurance, strength and flexibility.

The instructor will take the class through a warm-up into a period of sustained aerobic work in combination with exercises that develop strength and flexibility. This is followed by a cool-down.

During the aerobic class, the instructor will show you the proper form and modify the exercises to any special needs you may have.  For example, if you have a lower-back injury he or she will modify the exercises so that you don’t put strain on this part of your body.

Exercises you can expect during an aerobics class

Although walking, swimming and running would fall under the aerobic category of exercise, or ‘cardio’ as it’s more commonly called, it is difficult to do these exercises in a confined space.

Aerobics classes tend to focus on activities that can be done indoors and in smaller spaces. Each class starts with warm-up exercises and ends with cooldown stretches. Spinning, kickboxing, and Zumba are the three most common aerobics classes you will find. Here are some tips to prepare yourself with what to expect from the classes:

Spinning

Spin classes build strength and improve muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance. Even if the equipment looks similar to the bike you use to take leisurely ride through the park it is everything but. A spin or cycle class is designed to increase your heart rate while – at the same time – giving you a total body workout.

Spin classes include resistance and incline portions in the sessions. Classes are between 45 to 60 minutes long. Some spin classes require cycle shoes that “clip” into the bike and padded bicycle shorts or pants. The stationary bike is always provided. Always bring water with as you’ll sweat – a lot!

Trifocus fitness academy - aerobics class

Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a high-impact exercise that builds strength and endurance. It also improves your reflexes.

Many people use kickboxing as a means to get rid of stress or frustration. This makes it beneficial both physically and emotionally.

Kickboxing combines martial arts, boxing, and aerobics. Your class may start with a warm-up of jogging, jumping jacks, or strengthening exercises such as push-ups. Then expect a series of punches, kicks, and hand strikes for the main workout.

Kickboxing classes are normally an hour long and happen one to three times a week.

To prepare for a kickbox class, all you need is gym shoes and lots of water.

Zumba

Zumba is good for your heart. It improves coordination and tones your whole body. It is also a great stress reliever.

Zumba is a dancing exercise that usually consists of easy-to-follow dance moves set to upbeat music. Classes usually last an hour and are held one to three times a week. Gym shoes and plenty of water are a MUST as you need to constantly replenish you fluid reserves during the class.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Aerobics classes are a great way to get a total body workout in a short space of time. This makes this type of exercise a great option for people with hectic schedules. If you want to learn more about aerobics and become an aerobics instructor yourself, check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Aerobics Course. On it, you’ll learn every thing you need to know about becoming an aerobics instructor that is in hot demand! For more information and to register, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What to Expect in an Aerobics Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the Best Athletic Performance Supplements https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/athletic-performance-supplements/ Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:12:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8631 Nothing feels as good as breaking through your own fitness barriers, running further and lifting heavier weights. We’re addicted to the endorphin-fueled high we get when we’re sweating bullets. Any athlete wants to excel and, more often than not, the best of them get a little help – from dietary supplements. Here’s a summary of...

The post What are the Best Athletic Performance Supplements appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nothing feels as good as breaking through your own fitness barriers, running further and lifting heavier weights. We’re addicted to the endorphin-fueled high we get when we’re sweating bullets. Any athlete wants to excel and, more often than not, the best of them get a little help – from dietary supplements. Here’s a summary of what these products are, the types of dietary supplements available, and the best supplements to take for athletic performance.

What Are Supplements?

Know someone that’s on a multi-vitamin? Perhaps you like to grab an energy drink on the way home from work? Both of these can be classified as dietary supplements. These are things we eat or drink that offer our bodies advantages, other than the advantages of eating three solid meals a day.

Sports supplements are performance-enhancing compounds crafted specifically for sports athletes. These include protein powders for muscular repair, joint and bone support supplements, electrolyte-rich drinks and energy supplements to name a few. Let’s take a look at a few types of supplements available.

Some Types of Supplements

There are a number of different types of sports supplements available for building muscle, boosting energy and losing weight. We’ve listed some of the more popular supplements, that athletes prefer, below:

Protein Supplements

These are arguably the most important dietary supplements for boosted athletic performance. They focus primarily on the muscular system, and offer a range of performance benefits:

  • Whey protein – supports the development of lean body mass
  • Casein protein – slow release of protein; found in meal replacements
  • Egg white protein – over 40 proteins; ideal for lactose intolerant athletes

Amino Acid Support

Amino acids support protein synthesis and building of muscle. Thus, they’re often taken along with protein supplements. Here are a few types and their benefits:

  • BCAAs – greatly reduce muscle soreness
  • Glutamine – improve immunity and nitrogen balance
  • Taurine – important for peak metabolic function

Performance Enhancers

These supplements help you when you need them most – while you’re exercising. Get stronger, faster and reduce downtime in between workouts with these dietary supplements:

  • Creatine – for overall power and strength gain
  • Beta-Alanine – reduces fatigue and lactic acid build-up
  • D-Ribose – energy fuel for workouts of high intensity

Best Supplements for Athletic Performance

The British Dietetic Association’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register shares that “when used effectively and safely, some supplements may contribute towards improvements in health and/or performance for some athletes.” These are some of the best sports supplements for endurance and strength athletes:

Endurance

  • Sodium Phosphate
    Improves red blood cells’ ability to deliver oxygen to active muscles, increasing time to exhaustion and increasing aerobic capacity.
  • Caffeine
    Provides an almost immediate energy boost so ideal for early morning runs. Reduces perception of effort and assists with delaying fatigue.
  • Creatine Monohydrate

Decreases recovery time during repeat interval training and increases power output levels at lactate threshold.

Strength

  • Whey Protein
    Ideally taken after resistance training sessions. Best type of protein for muscle mass and overall strength gains.
  • Creatine Monohydrate
    Allows for more reps until exhaustion and improves power gains astronomically! Drink water regularly if you’re on this supplement.
  • Amino Acids
    Aids in speeding up recovery times between training sessions and reduces muscle soreness. These promote protein synthesis and assist in suppressing protein degradation.

So, if you’re an athlete or want to see better results from your gym workouts why not try one of the above-mentioned supplements? If you’re not sure about which one to take, have a chat to one of the personal trainers at the gym or a nutritionist who will guide you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy, the leading sports and fitness education college, offers the Athletic Nutrition Course. This is a great course which teaches people about the ins and outs of athletic nutrition and will give them a better idea of how to advise athletes on the best nutrition for them to enhance their performance. For more information on this course, as well as to check out our other course offering, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

 

The post What are the Best Athletic Performance Supplements appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How Runners Benefit from Using Foam Rollers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/runners-benefit-from-using-foam-rollers/ Wed, 06 Mar 2019 08:55:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8623 Ever wished you had a massage therapist on hand after a long run? Endurance sports like distance running place sustained strain on our muscles, which often leads to long recovery periods which keep us out of exercise and slow our progress. This article takes a look at how foam rollers can reduce recovery time, the...

The post How Runners Benefit from Using Foam Rollers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Ever wished you had a massage therapist on hand after a long run? Endurance sports like distance running place sustained strain on our muscles, which often leads to long recovery periods which keep us out of exercise and slow our progress. This article takes a look at how foam rollers can reduce recovery time, the types of foam rollers available, and a few benefits of foam rolling as a runner.

Using Foam Rollers as a Runner

New to the amazing world of foam rolling? We’re going to recommend getting yourself a foam roller that’s on the softer side of the density spectrum and that’s at least 60 centimetres in length. Don’t let the YouTube videos convince you that you need a foam roller with more knobbles than an off road bike tyre. A smooth-surfaced one will do you just fine as a runner. Here’s how to use a foam roller:

  1. Position your foam roller horizontally on the floor in front of you. Make sure that you sit down in front of it
  2. Place the limb, which has the muscle group you want to target, on the top of the foam roller. Position the roller away from the tender spot.
  3. Slowly reposition your body to apply pressure on the foam roller. Move your limb over the roller’s surface as the pressure passes over the point of tension.
  4. Once passing the pain spot, slowly reverse the motion until you reach the starting position.

A Runner’s Benefits of Foam Rolling

Runners should ideally be foam rolling both before and after hitting the tarmac. A pre-run foam rolling will loosen the muscles up and is superb as a warm-up. Foam rolling post-exercise will ensure that any knots or other adhesions are broken up and will greatly reduce down-time between runs. Here are the major benefits of foam rolling as a runner:

  • Improved range of motion, flexibility and movement,
  • Breaks apart knots and smooths muscles,
  • Quickly returns muscles to normal functioning,
  • Increases blood flow to targeted muscles, and
  • Offers a deep-tissue massage without the price tag!

Foam Rolling Your Calves:

  • Sit on the floor with your foam roller between your legs. Position it underneath the Achilles tendon of your right leg.
  • Put your hands flat on the floor at your sides and raise your bottom off the ground.
  • Roll your leg forwards slowly, until the foam roller reaches behind your knee. Reverse the motion until the foam roller makes it back to your ankle area.
  • Turn your toes inwards to target your inner calf muscles. Repeat the rolling five times, then swap legs. 

Foam Rolling Your Quads:

  • Lie face down on the floor with your foam roller at your side. Position it just above the knee underneath your right leg, making sure not to push it too far over to the other leg.
  • Support your upper body with your hands out front, as if in a lowered push-up position.
  • Slowly push yourself backwards, allowing the foam roller to move from your knee to your groin.
  • Again, turning your toes inwards and repositioning your legs on the roller will award you access to other muscle groups. Repeat the above rolling five times, then swap legs.

As can be seen from the above, using foam rollers allows runners the ability to work out tension in the muscles that have been worked out during their run. As a foam roller isn’t that expensive, and doesn’t take up a lot of space, it can be stored at home and taken out for use at the end of a run.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about how to use a foam roller? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Foam Rolling Course will teach you everything that you need to know about how to use a foam roller correctly. For more information and to register, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post How Runners Benefit from Using Foam Rollers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When is the Best Time to Use a Foam Roller?  https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-time-use-foam-roller/ Tue, 05 Mar 2019 08:48:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8613 As we’ve said in previous articles, foam rolling is a proven self-myofascial release technique used by fitness coaches, athletes, personal trainers and members of the public alike. Self-myofascial release is any action taken by a person to reduce their muscular tension, aches and pains. This technique often involves self-massaging and placing prolonged pressure on a particularly sore spot using your fingers, elbows and other...

The post When is the Best Time to Use a Foam Roller?  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As we’ve said in previous articles, foam rolling is a proven self-myofascial release technique used by fitness coaches, athletes, personal trainers and members of the public alike. Self-myofascial release is any action taken by a person to reduce their muscular tension, aches and pains. This technique often involves self-massaging and placing prolonged pressure on a particularly sore spot using your fingers, elbows and other equipment. Let’s take a closer look at the areas a foam roller can target, times when you might need to consider foam rolling, and when is the best time to use a foam roller. 

When to Use a Foam Roller

Before Exercise 

They say you should stretch before and after exercise to avoid injury, and the same goes for foam rolling. Rolling before exercise will improve circulation, increase tissue elasticity, and improve your range of motion. This will help you move better during exercise and protect your muscles from injury. 

After Exercise 

Foam rolling directly after exercise is the most common time to do so as this is a great way to enhance recovery. By working on the muscle groups you focused on during your workout, you’ll improve blood flow in these areas and increase oxygen levels. This greatly reduces post-workout recovery time. 

When in Pain 

Muscular pain can be reduced through targeted foam rolling as long as you don’t roll too hard. This can do more damage than good so start off gently working the roller from outside of the pain point towards it. If you feel worse after the rolling, be sure to consult your doctor. 

Preventative Rolling 

Prone to waking up stiff and sore all over your body? Rise like a champ every morning with a good foam rolling just before you go to bed. This improves flexibility and releases muscular tension as well as enhancing muscular repair while you sleep. 

Areas a Foam Roller Can Target 

These are a few areas of the body where muscular pain can be relieved using a foam roller: 

Neck and Shoulders 

Does your job require you to remain desk-bound for most of the day, hunching over your computer and keyboard? Computer workers tend to slouch, which puts strain on the neck, shoulders and upper back. Foam rolling will assist with removing muscle knots in these areas and can even help to correct hunched posture! 

Lower and Upper Back 

Back pain is something most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Countless physiotherapists recommend foam rolling for back-pain sufferers as it is able to immediately release tensionreturn troublesome back muscles to their optimal state and increase flexibility.  

Arms and Legs 

Other than those in the back, leg muscles are very popular target areas for foam rolling. Runners and other endurance sportsmen use foam rollers to keep leg muscles in tip-top condition, and foam rolling can also be used to stretch and repair sore arm muscles like the biceps and triceps. 

Times You Might Need a Foam Rolling 

Here are a few occasions when foam rolling can really assist to bring relief from bodily pain: 

  • Lifestyle Pains

    These can be described as those irritating pains you get from sleeping in a strange position, slouching at your desk, or picking up that heavy box of stuff incorrectly. We can damage our muscles in a million ways but, thankfully, with a foam roller on hand these lifestyle pains can be remedied on the spot. 
     

  • Exercise Pains

    These types of aches and pains come about as a result of exercise. From sore calf muscles or quads due to vigorous walking or running, to sore arms and pectoral muscles from pumping iron in the gym, a foam rolling session after a workout will greatly reduce inflammation and speed up recovery time.
     

  • Stiffness

    Found that, lately, you’ve been waking up feeling, well, old? There are a bunch of reasons why you’d awaken feeling stiff and immobile, and incorrect sleep posture is one of these. So, when you wake up stiff, grab your foam roller and awaken your tired, strained muscles in minutes! 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to discover other benefits of foam rolling? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Foam Rolling Course will help you do this! Follow this link for more information. 

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post When is the Best Time to Use a Foam Roller?  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Personal Trainers Recommend Foam Rolling https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-personal-trainers-recommend-foam-rolling/ Mon, 04 Mar 2019 07:27:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8605 Previously the fitness industry’s best-kept secret, foam rollers are now a common sight in most fitness establishments. With so many health benefits associated with daily foam rolling, it’s easy to see why gyms are keeping a good stock of these! This article takes a look at why personal trainers recommend foam rolling and also five...

The post Why Personal Trainers Recommend Foam Rolling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Previously the fitness industry’s best-kept secret, foam rollers are now a common sight in most fitness establishments. With so many health benefits associated with daily foam rolling, it’s easy to see why gyms are keeping a good stock of these! This article takes a look at why personal trainers recommend foam rolling and also five health benefits of regular foam rolling.

What’s the Deal with Foam Rolling?

Foam rolling, or deep-tissue rolling, is one of many ways to practise self-myofascial release. In layman’s terms this refers to the process of applying pressure to pressure points that have developed in your muscles. This is in an attempt to reduce inflammation and stiffness.

Other methods of self-myofascial release include stretching and working sore muscles with your hands. Self-massaging is great for releasing tension but can be ineffective if not practised correctly. With foam rolling, you can pinpoint specific muscle groups without having an in-depth understanding of the musculo-skeletal system.

Personal Trainers’ Weigh In

Who better to ask about foam rollers than personal trainers, right? Here’s what some of them have to say about treating your body with a foam roller:

  • “One of the big benefits to a foam roller is a release of tension, which is nice with all the stress [of everyday life].”
  • “Foam rollers are one of the most crucial components to any [exercise] program I design because they increase range of motion and mobility.”
  • “Foam rollers can really help release lactic acid that builds up in your muscles after a workout. Be careful though, when you first roll your muscles it will be sore and painful. However, it will help alleviate any pain in the long run
  • “This tool is definitely going to loosen your body up! You’re going to want to do myofascial release before you go to bed.”

Foam Rolling: 5 Health Benefits

Other than the health benefits of foam rolling listed below, this technique aids with recovery after strenuous exercise. It also reduces the risks of muscle soreness through preventative deep-tissue rolling. Here are five health benefits of foam rolling:

  1. Improved Flexibility
    Stretching after exercise is a good idea but foam rolling is even better! Not only does foam rolling stretch your muscles but it improves the capabilities of your muscles and tendons to stretch further and perform better over time. Always wanted to touch your toes? Try a foam roller! 
  2. Removal of Lactic Acid
    That soreness you feel a day or two after heavy exercise is caused by a build-up of lactic acid and carbon dioxide in the muscles. When using a foam roller after a workout, lactic acid is moved from the muscles into the lymphatic system where it cannot cause muscular pain and stiffness. 
  3. Breaking Up Scar Tissue
    Years and years of exercising can cause scar tissue within the body, specifically in muscles and tendons. By foam rolling these areas, scar tissue is broken up and absorbed by the muscular system. This is done through targeting specific pressure points using a foam roller. 
  4. Improved Blood Flow
    By working your muscles with a foam roller, they stretch and loosen in a way that forces blood out of the muscle tissue. At this time the old blood is replaced with fresh blood, moving blood through the body and improving overall circulation. 
  5. Greater Range of Motion
    By foam rolling muscles instead of merely stretching them, you can actually increase the range of bodily motion! This is because foam rolling increases joint mobility and muscular strain loads, which means you can go further, higher and heavier as your muscles improve through targeted foam rolling.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you a personal trainer? Do you want to be able to teach your clients about foam rolling so that they can use it to give themselves relief from sore muscles? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Foam Rolling Course will give you the knowledge that you need in order to help your clients gain this skill. Specifically, you’ll learn about the muscles that foam rolling works on, how to set up foam rolling exercises for your client and how to identify ‘bad’ pain that clients may complain of during foam rolling. For more information, visit our website.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Why Personal Trainers Recommend Foam Rolling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Does Foam Rolling Actually Work? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-foam-rolling-actually-work-2/ Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:33:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8586 You’ve probably seen them in your fitness establishment: people manoeuvring themselves in various bodily shapes over what looks like a shortened, plump pool noodle. This is known as foam rolling. It offers our bodies a multitude of benefits – from releasing muscular tension to aiding muscular recovery after intense workouts. Let’s take a look at...

The post Why Does Foam Rolling Actually Work? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You’ve probably seen them in your fitness establishment: people manoeuvring themselves in various bodily shapes over what looks like a shortened, plump pool noodle. This is known as foam rolling. It offers our bodies a multitude of benefits – from releasing muscular tension to aiding muscular recovery after intense workouts. Let’s take a look at what exactly foam rolling is, the areas you can target with a foam roller, and how foam rolling benefits the body.

Foam Rolling in a Nutshell

The term ‘foam rolling’ is relatively new in the fitness industry but professional athletes have been using it for a very long time. Foam rolling is one of many ways to perform self-myofascial release, in other words, relieving musculo-skeletal tension yourself. The process involves using foam rollers, most of which are less than a metre in length and are made from condensed foam. The harder the foam, the deeper the massage you get when rolling your tired muscles over the roller.

Foam rolling works to relieve pain and exercise muscles in the same way that a massage would. It involves pressure applied directly to muscles using an object, be it a thumb, palm, elbow or – in the case of foam rollers – foam. You could go for a flat roller, which applies pressure over a wide surface area, or a knobbed foam roller with sections of foam protrusions that can pinpoint sore spots like only a thumb can.

You are in total control with a foam roller. Your body weight and applied pressure will determine how ‘deep’ your foam roller massage will be and you get to say when it’s getting too sore.

How Foam Rolling Benefits the Body

We’ve already mentioned a few pros of foam rolling but the total body benefits are still being discovered! Here are a few proven benefits of foam rolling on a regular basis:

  • Improved blood flow throughout the body,
  • Greater range of movement,
  • Decreased risk of muscle injury,
  • Reduced recovery time after injury,
  • Breaking-up of scar tissue,
  • Improved overall flexibility, and
  • Lactic acid removal post-workout,

Muscles Targeted by Foam Rolling

The short answer is that foam rolling can be used to target all of the major muscle groups of the body, with some exceptions. The trick is to find the correct methods to target specific muscles. Anyone can buy a foam roller and start but this could be doing more harm than good if the techniques aren’t administered correctly. Here’s a quick full-body foam rolling routine from Kelly Collins over at PaleoHacks with images to help you with body positioning:

Calves

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Many of us wear uncomfortable shoes all day, which causes us to walk in an odd position which ultimately puts strain on the calf muscles. Other causes of calf muscle pain include climbing steps or walking uphill. If not released through foam rolling or another self-myofascial technique, calf muscle tension can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back.

 Hamstrings

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Working a desk job, where you end up sitting down for most of the day? This, along with regular running, puts your hamstrings in a prolonged shortened position. From not stretching them out through the day hamstrings can become stiff and tight. This could cause pain in the knees, hips and lower back if not seen to by a professional or through foam rolling.

 Glutes

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Strained glute muscles can cause a range of issues including sciatic pain, knee pain, and lower back pain. This type of glute strain is caused by repetitive movements normally associated with hiking, squatting, lunging or cycling. Luckily, self-myofascial techniques like foam rolling allow you to remove this tension before it causes any deferred pain.

 Quadriceps

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Pain in the quadriceps can be caused by vigorous exercise or simply be leading an active lifestyle. They’re one of the easiest muscle groups to stretch, and usually become strained from squatting, running up inclines, lunging, cycling, and climbing flights of stairs. If not treated, quad strain can defer pain to the knees, hip flexors, glutes and lower back.

 Shoulders

Other than shortening the hamstrings, sitting at a desk all day causes rounded shoulders and a forward-jutting chin. This causes upper-back, neck and shoulder pain which can become chronic when not treated in time. Foam rolling between the shoulder blades can work out knots and even increase your range of motion in your shoulders.

 Back

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Sitting all day and incorrect lifting techniques can cause generalised back pain, something millions of people suffer with across the globe. The bad thing with back pain is that it can manifest in other areas of the body, like the neck and hips. This is the most common area worked with a foam roller, and, arguably, the most important.

 Neck

Trifocus Fitness Academy - foam rolling

Did you know that neck pain can be caused by sitting, driving, and even sleeping in the incorrect position? After the back, the neck is one area of the body you don’t want to neglect when it’s telling you there’s a problem. Neck stiffness can lead to headaches, nausea, and chronic pain in the shoulders, trapezius, and rhomboids.

*Images courtesy of blog.paleohacks.com

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in learning more about foam rolling? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Foam Rolling Course will teach you all you need to know! Read more here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

 

 

 

The post Why Does Foam Rolling Actually Work? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is there Cartilage Between Vertebrae? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-cartilage-between-vertebrae/ Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:26:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8575 You’ve probably heard phrases like he slipped a disc, or her vertebrae fused. Both of these are issues of the spine and come in on the more painful end of the spectrum. The first refers to a misplacement of the cartilage between vertebrae while the second is owing to its degeneration. So, why is there...

The post Why is there Cartilage Between Vertebrae? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You’ve probably heard phrases like he slipped a disc, or her vertebrae fused. Both of these are issues of the spine and come in on the more painful end of the spectrum. The first refers to a misplacement of the cartilage between vertebrae while the second is owing to its degeneration. So, why is there cartilage between vertebrae and what happens when this cartilage becomes problematic? This article will tell you more.

Cartilage In a Nutshell

There is cartilage between vertebrae to cushion the vertebral bones (like shock absorbers) while you move your body. It protects the vertebrae from damage and the spine to remain flexible.

Intervertebral Discs

Between each vertebra lies oval-shaped tissue known as the intervertebral discs. These discs are only present in the non-fused regions of the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) and are actually not entirely made of cartilage.

Each intervertebral disc has a:

  • Tough outer shell of cartilage, which is known as the annulus fibrosus, and
  • Soft, squishy centre known as the nucleus pulposus.

The outer layer of tough cartilage supports the stacked vertebrae while the central nucleus provides cushioning.

Functions of the Intervertebral Discs

There are three main functions of the intervertebral discs:

  1. Padding

These cartilage discs provide cushioning for the spine’s vertebrae. This greatly reduces the stress of impacts and ensures that the individual vertebrae do not rub against each other during bodily movements.

  1. Protection

Intervertebral discs assist with protecting the important nerves that run along the spinal column and between the vertebrae.

  1. Flexibility

Cartilage ensures a degree of spinal flexibility and allows us certain ranges of motion like bending forwards at the waist without damaging our spine.

Trifocus fitness academy - vertebrae

Common Intervertebral Disc Injuries

They might be coated in a thick layer of tough cartilage but the discs between vertebrae are far from indestructible! Below are the three most common causes of intervertebral disc:

  • Herniated Discs

Also known as a ‘slipped disc’, a herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc bulges or ‘pops’ out of place owing to excessive strain (usually from lifting something heavy incorrectly). The intervertebral disc actually ruptures apart, and the soft gelatinous centre leaks into the surrounding nerves to cause irritation and eventual inflammation. Once inflammation occurs, pressure is placed on the nerves to result in severe back pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As you get older, the cartilage discs between your vertebrae lose flexibility and their ability to absorb stress placed on the spine. The intervertebral discs become thinner and more rigid so restricting movement and causing pain. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can occur in people as young as 20 years old and commonly occurs in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spinal column.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about the make-up of the vertebrae as well as their functioning in the body, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Dissection of Vertebrae Course. It is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA) which has awarded this course 3 CPD points. This makes your CPD points internationally transferrable.

Course modules include:

  • Learning how to differentiate between the different muscles of the spinal column
  • What are ‘muscle fascia’
  • Discovering how to work with curvatures of the spine
  • What are the different parts of the vertebrae?
  • Distinguish between the regional characteristics of the vertebrae

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Why is there Cartilage Between Vertebrae? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is the Function of the Vertebrae? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-function-of-the-vertebrae/ Mon, 25 Feb 2019 07:49:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8443 Without vertebrae, we’d simply flop around like fish out of water. Think of your spine as your body’s ‘foundation’, without which the rest of you wouldn’t perform so well. The vertebral column is a key component of the human musculoskeletal structure. It is home to a total of 33 bones stacked one on top of...

The post What is the Function of the Vertebrae? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Without vertebrae, we’d simply flop around like fish out of water. Think of your spine as your body’s ‘foundation’, without which the rest of you wouldn’t perform so well. The vertebral column is a key component of the human musculoskeletal structure. It is home to a total of 33 bones stacked one on top of the other to make up what is commonly known as the spine. So, what types of vertebrae are found in the human body? What is their function? Let’s take a look.

Functions of the Vertebrae

Collectively, the functions of the vertebrae are to ensure that the spinal cord is protected and to support a range of muscles. Vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other with the vertebral arches (central gap where the spinal cord runs through) of each perfectly in line. Other than this purpose, each type of vertebra plays an important role in ensuring that we are able to function effectively:

  • Cervical vertebrae are critical for supporting our head, which weighs between 4.5 and 5 kilograms. The first cervical vertebra connects the spine to the skull and allows us to nod our heads forwards and backwards. The second cervical vertebra down allows for the side-to-side ‘no’ motion of the head.
  • Thoracic vertebrae are found between the collar bone and just above the naval. They have quite an important job. These vertebrae actually hold the rib cage in place and aid in protecting the heart and lungs.

Trifocus fitness academy - vertebrae

  • Lumbar vertebrae are much larger and stronger than the rest of the spine’s vertebrae – and for good reason! These vertebral bones have one main function: to support the weight of the body. Since they’re big and strong, lumbar vertebrae are able to absorb stresses when we lift and carry heavy objects.
  • Sacral vertebrae exist to connect our spine to our hip bones, which are otherwise known as the iliac bones. Along with the iliac bones, the sacral vertebrae form a sort of ring known as the pelvic girdle. Just below the sacral spine, ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor attach to the coccyx region (the lower end of the vertebral column).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about how the vertebrae are made up, as well as how they function, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Dissection of Vertebrae Course. It is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA) with 3 CPD points. This makes it the ideal course for personal trainers to maintain their professional status with.

During this learning programme, you’ll get a thorough knowledge of the make-up of this very important part of the body. Course modules include:

  • What are the different muscles of the spinal column?
  • What is meant by ‘muscle fascia’?
  • How to work with curvatures of the spine
  • What are the different parts of the vertebrae?
  • What are regional characteristics of the vertebrae?

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What is the Function of the Vertebrae? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Safety Precautions should you take when Lifting Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-safety-precautions-should-you-take-when-lifting-weights/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 06:59:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8431 Lifting weights is a great way of building muscle strength, developing lean muscle and ensuring that your bones stay healthy. All in all, it’s a great way to maintain your overall state of health and fitness. However, weight lifting in the incorrect manner can very quickly lead to injury which will put your gym sessions...

The post What Safety Precautions should you take when Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Lifting weights is a great way of building muscle strength, developing lean muscle and ensuring that your bones stay healthy. All in all, it’s a great way to maintain your overall state of health and fitness. However, weight lifting in the incorrect manner can very quickly lead to injury which will put your gym sessions on hold so slowing down your progress.

To prevent this from happening, there are a number of safety precautions that you can take to make sure that you stay injury free when lifting weights. Here are a couple.

Weight lifting safety tips

Adopt the correct form

When lifting weights, always make sure that you adopt the correct form. All exercises are specifically designed to work a particular muscle and will only do this if you perform the exercise as it was intended. However, if you don’t do this, you’ll end up putting strain on a muscle that you weren’t supposed to.

For example, with the abdominal crunch – which is a fabulous exercise for strengthening your core muscles and developing a six pack – many people pull themselves up off the floor by pulling on their necks. This strains the neck and causes unnecessary neck pain and tension. What they should be doing is activating their abdominal muscles and using the power generated from this to lift themselves up.

Watch this video for a demonstration of how to do an abdominal crunch correctly:

Don’t lift weights that are too heavy for you

A rule of thumb is that you should only work with weights that you can lift comfortably while maintaining the correct form. If you are struggling just to lift the weights, chances are very good that you’ll be concentrating just on this and not on anything else. We know that many weight lifters feel that it’s a point of pride to lift the heaviest weights possible but start with what you can manage and build yourself up. You won’t do yourself any favours by injuring yourself because the weights that you were lifting were too heavy.

Always wear closed shoes when lifting weights

The weight section in a gym – especially the free weights section – can get crowded specifically at peak times. Many people lifting weights drop their weights very suddenly after a set so if your feet are in the way – and you are wearing sandals – you could end up with a broken toe or foot. So always wear a pair of cross trainers when you are training with weights.

Have a spotter

In the weights section of the gym, you’ll often see two people working out together. One will be doing an exercise, such as a bench press, while the other person will be watching them. This person is the spotter. When the person doing the exercise is finished, they will help the exerciser put the barbell back on the rack.

If you’re trying out new sets of weights, it’s always a good idea to have a spotter. This is so that it you find that you’re not able to complete a set your spotter will be able to help you put the weights down.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we take the continuing education of all our personal trainers very seriously. This is why we’ve developed our Olympic Lifting CPD Course to assist trainers in getting up to speed with the do’s and don’t of weight lifting so that they can offer this service to their clients. We have  a great range of CPD courses for personal trainers. Visit our website to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What Safety Precautions should you take when Lifting Weights? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When should you Start Weight Lifting? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/when-start-weight-lifting/ Tue, 19 Feb 2019 08:41:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8405 Many people express concern about their child’s growth when it comes to weight lifting. However, there are a lot of benefits for children who start lifting weights (moderately not for body building purposes) at an early age. In this article, we explore the correct age for children to start weight lifting, including the benefits it...

The post When should you Start Weight Lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Many people express concern about their child’s growth when it comes to weight lifting. However, there are a lot of benefits for children who start lifting weights (moderately not for body building purposes) at an early age. In this article, we explore the correct age for children to start weight lifting, including the benefits it holds. According to experts, children are able to start lifting weights between the ages of seven or eight. This is usually the time when children understand how to follow directions – an important part of strength training or weight lifting.

Despite many parents’ beliefs that strength training will make their child resemble a bodybuilder, trainers describe it as “the method of conditioning that makes muscles stronger”. First, let’s shake the suspicions that lifting weights too early is bad for your children by looking at some physical and neurological benefits.

Weight lifting benefits for children

Physical benefits

Lifting weights helps improve your child’s body composition and bone density without stunting their growth.

Neurological benefits

Strength training puts pressure on their nervous system. Over time, they adapt and their reflexes become faster.  Children adapt and develop their reflexes much faster than adults do.

Until the age of 20, our brains continue to learn and evolve but those growing years of peak neuroplasticity is where our motor control becomes hardwired. The earlier a child starts strength training, the more fine-tuned their neuromuscular system will be by the age of 20.

Two important terms to understand when considering if you should let your child lift weights is long-term athletic development and training age:

  • LTAD

Long-term athletic development (LTAD) is when you prepare children for their future years of sports by exposing them to strength training at an earlier age.

It creates the framework for kids in motor skill development, multi-sport sampling, and a focus on general health and well-being.

It also helps develop physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being for children.

 

  • Training age

Training age is a measure of how long someone has been strength training. For example, if you start strength training when you’re 10 years old, by the time you’re 16 you can handle a much higher load than someone who starts strength training at 16. This means that your training age is six years while the other person’s training age is 0.

Maximising a child’s training age is more impactful because they have more adaptive processes to capitalise on.

Between the ages of 14 and 16 years old, you have hormonal and neuromuscular factors converging. If you have a higher training age, there are more advantages for yielding higher adaptations. If your child starts lifting weights before puberty, they’ll have that solid foundation to explode off of when:

  • Their legs and arms grow,
  • Their centre of gravity changes, and
  • Their hormones settle in.

How to approach lifting weights

When you and your child are ready for them to start lifting weights, include weight lifting three days a week as part of their recommended hour of daily exercise.

Here is how to approach it with your child:

  • Appeal to their interest: Children won’t show much interest in the benefits of weight lifting. So tell them how much fun they can have and how much better they can progress at sport.
  • Start lifting weights: Decide how you will integrate weight lifting in a consistent routine into their daily hour of exercise. Start with very light weights and gradually ease into it. Focus on helping them work every major muscle group and to establish good form. Provide consistent feedback and encouragement.
  • Keep their interest: Children often have short attention spans or bore easily. Keep their interest by mixing it up and adding other weighted objects to lift, such as water bottles, canned food or bricks.
  • Other exercises: Aerobic activity and bone-strengthening exercises are also an important aspect of a healthy fitness programme for your child. The bulk of their daily hour of exercise should consist of aerobic activity and bone-strengthening exercises. Running, playing tag, participating in sport and jumping should do the trick.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you a personal trainer who wants to hone their skills in weight lifting? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Olympic Lifting CPD Course will help you do this! Read more here.

 

The post When should you Start Weight Lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the Benefits of Being a Sports Psychologist? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/benefits-being-sport-psychologist/ Wed, 13 Feb 2019 09:59:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8303 If you have a passion for sport and helping athletes, then becoming a sports psychologist is probably high on your list of possible careers. Sports psychology focuses on how playing sports affects people and how to help athletes have positive mindsets that will help them to excel in their sports. Sports psychologists understand that successful...

The post What are the Benefits of Being a Sports Psychologist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you have a passion for sport and helping athletes, then becoming a sports psychologist is probably high on your list of possible careers. Sports psychology focuses on how playing sports affects people and how to help athletes have positive mindsets that will help them to excel in their sports.

Sports psychologists understand that successful athletes, whether professional or amateur, must have healthy bodies and minds. And to achieve this success, you need a sports psychologist.

There are many benefits for athletes who use sports psychologists including overcoming psychological issues and reducing stress and extreme anxiety. But what are the benefits of becoming or being a sports psychologist?

What is a Sports Psychologist?

An athlete may stand alone when collecting the prize but it takes a team of people to get them ready for the win – physically and mentally. A sports psychologist forms part of the team that helps amateur and professional athletes to perform at their best. When you are at the top of your game, and you want to stay that way, your mind – not just your body – needs to be incredibly strong. This is where the sports psychologist comes in.

Today’s sports psychologists

The modern sports psychologist works with athletes at all levels to improve their performance, help them manage stress and anxiety as well as any challenges associated with injuries or challenges. Most importantly, they encourage and motivate athletes to enjoy what they do.

A sports psychologist also goes beyond what a coach does in that they get to an athlete’s underlying core beliefs. They mainly use relaxation techniques, visualisation and self-talk to create healthy self-esteem in athletes. This ensures they reach the level of excellence they strive for.

There are a number of tips that these professionals give their athletes to help them with their performance. You can use these too in order to improve your performance on the sports field and in the gym. For example:

  • When you’re working out, use positive mental imagery to keep you focused on achieving and surpassing your fitness goals.
  • Always engage in positive self-talk. This will help you get to go that extra mile when all you want to do is give up.
  • Break your training goals down. Don’t think about the 100km race that is in in front of you. Focus on getting to the next lamppost. Once you’ve gotten there, focus on reaching the finish line.

Enjoy the reward of helping athletes overcome their challenges

As a sports psychologist, you can bring back the joy for athletes who have lost their passion for their sport. Not only can you help them overcome challenges but you can also help athletes improve their mental and physical states. You can put a smile back on their dial! In other words, being a sports psychologist is a gratifying and fulfilling career.

In terms of designing programmes for their athletes, sports psychologists suggest the following best practices – among many others – to sports coaches to help them keep their sportsmen and -women motivated:

What one athlete finds enjoyable, another may not enjoy

The definition of an enjoyable activity is highly subjective yet the importance of doing something that someone likes is critical to maximising psychological payoffs.

Aerobic exercise

There has been significant debate about if exercise needs to be aerobic to produce reliable psychological benefits. Some studies have shown that activities, like yoga, which involve diaphragmatic breathing produce benefits similar to those from aerobic activities. Based on these findings, a regular, varied fitness programme will provide the best benefits.

Absence of interpersonal competition

Half the athletes involved in competitive activities lose. Along with this experience often go self-criticism and negative emotional states. If your self-esteem is at a high level, losing a game isn’t as likely to throw you for a spin. Remember, however, that self-esteem waxes and wanes based on life experiences. If an athlete happen to be on a losing streak in life, involving this athlete in a steady diet of competitively oriented sports may accelerate their downward spiral. This highlights the need for a personal lifestyle fitness (or wellness) coach to create scenarios where the athlete can feel successful in a non-competitive setting.

Trifocus fitness academy - sports psychologist

Closed or predictable activity

When life circumstances are ambiguous, uncertain, and uncontrollable, having an exercise programme that is predictable and contained may help. Swimming laps in a pool, doing a weight-training circuit, or going for a run on a well-worn path may allow your mind to release into free association. Such activities can also provide opportunities for solitude and reflection. While this may not work for all athletes or even at all times, this prescription can be important when the rest of one’s life feels chaotic and stressful.

Moderate intensity

Throughout the literature on the psychological benefits of exercise are consistent recommendations for moderate, rather than light or intense, exercise. As a rule of thumb, engaging in a programme that moderately taxes your body will more reliably produce beneficial psychological outcomes than participating in one that is too hard or too easy.

  1. A minimum of 20-30 minutes. More is not always better and less is not always without benefit. Whenever possible, exercise sessions should be scheduled to last at least 20-30 minutes, remembering of course that even 10-minute exercise periods have been shown to have some psychological payoffs.
  2. Weekly scheduling. The frequency of exercise sessions may vary according to preference, conditioning, and age. In general, the formula of being active on a daily basis – in one way or another – is a good one. When frequency drops below three times per week, psychological benefits usually decline as well.

The flexibility

Whether you work in someone else’s practice or for yourself, being a sports psychologist offers you freedom. You can set your own hours and control your schedule. There aren’t many professions where you get to enjoy this degree of freedom.

The diversity

One thing you can be certain of – when becoming a sports psychologist – is that your life will most definitely not be boring. You have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, all levels of skill, cultures and backgrounds. You probably won’t have one day that is the same. Whether you help children, amateur or professional athletes, you will get the opportunity to work with new people almost every day. How exciting!

And there you have it! Just three benefits of many of being a sports psychologist. Are you ready to step into your calling? Then contact us today!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Sports psychology is an interesting field that is always evolving. Contact a representative from  Trifocus Fitness Academy today about our Sports Psychology Course if you want to help athletes improve their performance and excel in their sport.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What are the Benefits of Being a Sports Psychologist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How do You Achieve Spine Stabilisation? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-achieve-spine-stabilisation/ Mon, 21 Jan 2019 10:11:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8058 The topic of spinal stabilisation is not often spoken about in the world of fitness. However, we feel that it should be. For many athletes it is a moot point. They seem to be able to correctly stabilise their spine naturally. For others, however, spine stabilisation doesn’t come as easily. For these people it can...

The post How do You Achieve Spine Stabilisation? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The topic of spinal stabilisation is not often spoken about in the world of fitness. However, we feel that it should be. For many athletes it is a moot point. They seem to be able to correctly stabilise their spine naturally. For others, however, spine stabilisation doesn’t come as easily. For these people it can lead to injuries, hampered performance and (in some cases) even an inability to hold urine while working out.

Spinal stability has a lot to do with how you work out and how effectively you can do so. It is important for:

  • Fostering freedom of movement,
  • Assisting with recovery from injuries, and of course,
  • Preventing such injuries from occurring in the first place.

So let’s take a moment to discuss spinal stabilisation. What is it, how does it occur, and how can you ensure that you are getting it right?

What Contributes to a Stable Spine?

In a nutshell, your spinal stability is directly affected by the strength and endurance of your core-group muscles. All of these work together to provide you with core stability. These muscles are made up of – among others – the following:

The Transverse Abdominis

The Transverse Abdominis is situated behind your other abdominals. It is attached to your lower ribs and pelvis using horizontal fibres. When the transverse abdominis contracts it creates create a vacuum, pulling in your abdomen to create internal pressure and stability.

The Diaphragm

Working in partnership with your transverse abdominis is the diaphragm. This muscle flattens as you breathe to allow for the flow of oxygen to your lungs. When it contracts, it pushes your abdomen out and creates abdominal pressure and stability. We all start life out as infants who breathe in this way by using our diaphragms. As we get older, people tend to forget how to do it and breathe primarily with their lungs instead. Practising breathing with your diaphragm will enhance your core stability.

Trifocus fitness academy - spine stabilisation

Pelvic Floor Muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are those that are commonly associated with controlling your bladder. These muscles  which you contract when you need to interrupt or stop the flow of urine from your body. While providing for bladder control, your pelvic floor muscles are also crucial for spinal stability.

It is the relationship between the pelvic floor muscles and the transverse abdominis that support spinal stabilisation. The absence of strength in the pelvic floor muscles is also often the reason why some women lose urine while working out.

When working out, by contracting these two groups of muscles you can achieve greater spinal stability. Furthermore, pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened with regular training, such as through Kegel exercises.

The Multifidi Muscles

The multifidi muscles are a group of small muscles along either side of the spine and very close to the midline of the body. The primary function of these muscles is to provide bodily stability in the back, arms and legs, even before any movement occurs. They do this by working alongside your transverse abdominis.

Keeping your multifidi muscles strong is important for retaining spinal stability since they offer your back a great deal of support and mobility. Keeping them strengthened can be done with exercises that work your core-group, such as:

  • Crunches,
  • Lumbar multifidus exercises, and
  • Cardio

Spinal stabilisation is an important, though often overlooked, concept in the world of fitness. By ensuring that you keep those core-group muscles strong, and with a little extra concentration during your routines, you will be able to ensure that you put the right stability into your movements, reduce the chance of injury and, of course, increase your performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the intricacies of the fitness world, why not get an internationally accredited personal training diploma from us here at Trifocus Fitness Academy. Visit our website today or get into contact with us to learn more about our offers on specialised fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How do You Achieve Spine Stabilisation? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
5 Moves You’ll Learn from Your Boxercise Instructor https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/moves-youll-learn-from-boxercise-instructor/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 07:18:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=8012 Boxercise, which was established in 1992 by boxing coach Andy Wake, is a form of high-intensity interval training. The core of this is based on boxing.  It has been hailed for its combination of coordination, strength and cardio training which increase energy levels and release endorphins for better mood control. In today’s fast-paced world, what...

The post 5 Moves You’ll Learn from Your Boxercise Instructor appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Boxercise, which was established in 1992 by boxing coach Andy Wake, is a form of high-intensity interval training. The core of this is based on boxing.  It has been hailed for its combination of coordination, strength and cardio training which increase energy levels and release endorphins for better mood control. In today’s fast-paced world, what better way than boxercise is there to release stress?

Since its inception some 26 years ago, boxercise has grown immensely in popularity thanks to the enjoyable form of exercise that it provides and of course the remarkable results that can be attained from doing it.

If you are looking at taking part in a class but want to know what you will get out of it, and what you will learn, here are some of the moves you will be mastering:

Boxercise movements

1.      The Drummer

The Drummer is a good starting point since it uses both arms and legs to provide a full-body workout. The method is fairly simple and contains a combination of high punches, low hammer punches and high knees. A single Drummer drill should consist of the following routines, which should be done in quick succession:

  • 10 high punches
  • 10 low hammer punches
  • 10 high knee kicks to the pad

2.      Crunch and Punch

During this drill, two boxers get into a crunch position opposite each other. Each one does a crunch at the same time. As they rise, one boxer (who has gloves on) throws a succession of jabs at the other (who is wearing pads).

At the first crunch, the boxer will throw two jabs. At the second, they will throw four. Repeat this until the boxer reaches ten punches. Switch over so that the other person is throwing the jabs.

DSM Digital school of marketing - boxercise

3.      The Horserider

While boxercise routines are generally done in groups, the Horserider can be done alone. This routine combines the following into a single routine:

  • Movement;
  • Leg work; and
  • Coordination into a single routine.

Start in what is called the Horseriding Stance. This is a stance adopted from Tai Chi where you stand with your:

  • Legs a little more than shoulder width apart;
  • Back erect; and
  • Knees slightly and bent as though you are sitting on a horse.

While in this stance, perform ten straight punches:

  • Shuffle forward in your stance and do another ten.
  • After this, shuffle backwards and do another ten.

The amount of time you spend repeating this depend on your abilities. However, most trainers recommend doing it for about two minutes before taking a thirty second break.

4.      Squat ‘n Roll

You will want to do this one on a mat since you will be spending a small bit of the drill on the floor. This routine combines floor movement, boxing and squats to give a full-body workout while improving bod and spacial awareness while enhancing coordination.

To start, throw 4 punches. Then do two squats, followed by a boxers roll:

  • A boxers roll starts from the standing position. You then roll backwards onto a mat and roll all the way back until you are back in a standing position. You may struggle with this the first few times so try rolling onto one of your knees first before standing up.

5.      Duck and Weave

The Duck and Weave has been a staple of the boxing profession since as far back as anyone can remember. It offers a practical drill during training sessions as well as some useful techniques for actual fights. This is simply a succession of particular movements that should be done with speed and rhythm:

  • Throw a left jab, then a right cross, another left jab then a right hook.
  • Now duck and weave under a strike thrown by whoever is holding the pad.
  • Repeat this for about two minutes depending on your ability, and switch with the other partner.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Boxercise offers a means of working out that is practical, enjoyable and effective.

If you would like to learn more about using techniques such as these to run your own fitness classes, why not consider getting a personal training diploma from Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Call us or visit our website today to find out more about our internationally accredited, online fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 5 Moves You’ll Learn from Your Boxercise Instructor appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is Cycling a Great Low Impact Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/cycling-great-low-impact-exercise/ Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:59:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7981 Low impact exercises are hailed as an excellent approach to fitness due to their ability to burn fat while building endurance and strength. Though perhaps the biggest benefit to low-impact routines are that they are relatively easy on your muscles, bones and joints in the long-run. By contrast, heavy physical activity (which is often more...

The post Why is Cycling a Great Low Impact Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Low impact exercises are hailed as an excellent approach to fitness due to their ability to burn fat while building endurance and strength. Though perhaps the biggest benefit to low-impact routines are that they are relatively easy on your muscles, bones and joints in the long-run.

By contrast, heavy physical activity (which is often more accessible) may yield results, but take a toll on your body as it does so. High-Impact activity such as jogging, for instance, may result in eventual knee, shin or ankle injuries at a later stage.

For this reason, low-impact exercises are the preferred approach for many. There are plenty of low impact exercises out there to choose from, and cycling is one of the best of them.

Why Opt for Low Impact Exercises?

While not necessary for everyone, low impact exercises are an excellent means of working out that puts minimal strain on your muscles, bones and joints.  Consider the strain put on your knees when using the treadmill, a repetitive action which can lead to serious knee and leg injuries as you get older.

In some cases, a person’s biology or injuries makes it dangerous or at the very least unwise to do high-impact exercises; and so finding a varied and enjoyable low-impact routine would be important to ensure that they reach their fitness goals.

Remember though that just because they don’t put long-term strain on the body, low impact exercises are by no means easier or less effective than others.

There are, fortunately, a great number of these types of workouts out there, and some are more effective and more intensive than their counterparts. But all are designed to work the body in specific ways; whether it be endurance, stamina or strength building.

Trifocus fitness academy - cycling

Popular Low Impact Exercises?

When it comes to low impact exercises, there is enough of a variety to give you the pick of the batch and to find something that gets the best results or works best with you.

These exercises have been considered low impact in that they are not weight-bearing and result in minimal or rather no damage to the body:

  • Swimming
  • Yoga
  • Rowing
  • Circuit training
  • Kettlebells
  • Bodyweight workouts
  • Elliptical training
  • Cycling

Cycling as a Low Impact Exercise

Because cycling is non weight bearing and low impact, it is one of the few forms of exercise that won’t put undue strain on your joints. This means that as your fitness levels rise, you will be able to put in more without putting your body in danger.

Today you may cycle ten kilometres; but with enough time you could push that number as high as and even beyond forty kilometres in a single ride. This makes it a particularly enjoyable activity, since it allows you to inject a sense of exploration and freedom into your exercise routine.

It also offers one of the more enjoyable forms of exercise, since it can be done outdoors; taking in the scenery while burning calories.

Cycling is also recognised as one of the better and more effective ways of burning calories in comparison to other low-impact exercises such as rowing or circuit training.

It also has the added benefit of being able to work in synchronisation with your current routine, in being an efficient mode of transport. It can also be done socially or on your own; while indoor cycling offers a diverse range of approaches that work the body in different ways.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Cycling represents just one aspect of low-impact workouts which are greatly beneficial to the body. Finding the right approach to working out, whether for your own benefit or for that of your clients, can help you get the best results when reaching fitness goals.

If you would like to learn more about the nature and industry of fitness, why not start by getting a personal training diploma from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Visit our website to learn more about our online and internationally accredited courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why is Cycling a Great Low Impact Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How is Walking Biomechanically Analysed? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-walking-biomechanically-analysed/ Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:01:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7935 Walking is seemingly the most natural of human actions. It is among the first things that we learn to do. This means that the average person probably spends very little time thinking about technique and performance when performing this activity. There are, however, cases where the way in which a person walks can have an...

The post How is Walking Biomechanically Analysed? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Walking is seemingly the most natural of human actions. It is among the first things that we learn to do. This means that the average person probably spends very little time thinking about technique and performance when performing this activity.

There are, however, cases where the way in which a person walks can have an effect on either their health or their performance in sport. Athletes and patients may have a number of reasons to consider technique during this deceptively complex motion. Thus there is also a need to analyse and fine-tune the way people walk in a way that is scientific. That’s where biomechanics steps in.

The motion of walking

What Does Biomechanics Mean?

In a nutshell, biomechanics is the study of human motion. The discipline unites a scientific understanding of the principles of physics and mechanics so that they can be applied to athletic performance and physical health.

The practice is especially useful for athletes since it allows them to analyse their movements and form in a way that is detailed enough to allow them to fine-tune their movements for better results. When competing at a professional level, biomechanical analysis can often give athletes the edge that they need to surpass their competitors through targeted training.

When walking, results are best achieved on a treadmill. This way, stop motion cameras can be set up around the equipment to capture the subject at different stages of the walking action.

This information is used to measure the placement of parts of the legs as they move, for example:

  • The angle of the hamstring and quadriceps in relation to the pretibial muscles; or
  • Velocity could be measured to determine the impact on the knee during the motion.

The results can be used for a range of possibilities such as determining the root cause of foot pain or enhancing athletic performance.

The Principles of Biomechanics

Of course, the data produced by a biomechanical analysis is useless without an understanding of:

  • What exactly is being measured; and
  • Which benchmarks should be used to measure results.

A sound understanding of the below principles allows practitioners and fitness instructors to understand the data provided so that it can be used effectively.

Trifocus fitness Academy - walking

Stability

Stability increases in objects where:

  • The centre of gravity is low;
  • There is a large base of support;
  • The line of gravity is close to the base of support;
  • The object’s mass increases.

Maximum Effort

Maximum force can only be achieved when all joints contributing to the objective (movement) are used.

Maximum Velocity

Maximum velocity requires the use of all joints in order from smallest to largest.

Impulse

The greater the applied impulse, the greater the increase in velocity.

Reaction

Movement usually happens in opposition to an applied force.

Torque

Angular motion is produced by applying force at some distance from an axis, otherwise known as torque.

Angular Momentum

Angular momentum remains constant when an athlete or object is in the air.

Not all of these biomechanical principles are applied to all movements all of the time. It depends rather on what type of movement is being performed. Still, by having a sound understanding of these principles, and having a familiarity with seeing them at work, those measuring movements can come to beneficial results.

Finding the Cause of Injuries and Avoiding Them

Injuries from repetitive or erroneous motions can result in constant pain, discomfort or a certain degree of loss in mobility.

Some of these injuries may come from more obvious motions such as shin-splints from running. Others aren’t always easy to spot such as longitudinal and rotational stresses placed on lower extremities when walking with weight applied more to one side of the foot than another.

Improving the Effectiveness of Movements

By measuring the position, angle and velocity of limbs during workouts and even walking, a biomechanical analysis can provide athletes with information on:

  • How to improve their form;
  • How to conduct movements that use energy more effectively; and
  • Those that enhance performance by applying the principles of maximum effort and velocity.

This also leads to movements in athletes that reduce the risk of them contracting injuries during performance.

Learn More from Trifocus Fitness Academy

Many industries and practices make use of biomechanical analyses to treat patients, refine techniques and even to develop new ones. If you would like to learn more about how they are used in the fitness industry, why not get an internationally accredited personal training certificate from Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Visit our website for details on our online fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How is Walking Biomechanically Analysed? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
How to Measure a Person’s Fitness Levels https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-measure-persons-fitness-levels/ Tue, 08 Jan 2019 07:48:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7919 Taking stock of your fitness goals is an important step in achieving the results that you want. You need a starting point to determine your progress. In addition, you should also measure your physical performance to see how close you are to hitting the mark that you’ve set for yourself. There are a number of...

The post How to Measure a Person’s Fitness Levels appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Taking stock of your fitness goals is an important step in achieving the results that you want. You need a starting point to determine your progress. In addition, you should also measure your physical performance to see how close you are to hitting the mark that you’ve set for yourself. There are a number of ways to test your, or another person’s, fitness levels. Choosing the one that suits you best is up to you. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective approaches that offer the most accurate results.

Measuring fitness progress

Endurance Test: Running

Running is an age-old test of human fitness. Some people are better at it than others. Experts suggest that a mile-long run should be able to tell you what you need to know about your base fitness. This is based on the amount of time it takes you to finish the trail.

Studies suggest that men over the age of 50, who have optimal cardiovascular capabilities, should be able to finish a mile-long run in around eight minutes. For women, the average time taken to complete a mile-long run is nine minutes. If you’re younger, you should be aiming to finish a mile in even less time.

This number is a good starting point to test your fitness. You shouldn’t accept it as your best. As your fitness levels improve, you should be aiming to complete the mile in less time.

The Maximum Aerobic Function (MAF) Test

The Maximum Aerobic Function test is an excellent way to measure more advanced levels of fitness. Developed by Phil Maffetone, it’s been hailed as one of the best ways of measuring a person’s fitness capacity. Here’s how it works:

  • Take to the track while using a strap-on heart-monitor. Begin your routine slowly while gradually elevating your heart rate to around 75%.
  • Now, continue doing about eight laps. Ensure that you maintain your heart rate steadily at 75% by adjusting the amount of exertion you put in to do so. Make sure to time yourself as you do.

While not particularly strenuous (since you’re maintaining your heart rate at 75%) this method will give you detailed information on your speed, endurance and fitness levels which will show how your body will perform at higher intensities. The MAF test can be performed on just about any aerobic activity including jogging, cycling and rowing.

Trifocus fitness academy - fitness levels

Calories Per Minute on a Bike

The age-old test of seeing how many calories you can burn in a given amount of time is still an effective way of measuring fitness levels today. While this activity doesn’t need to be strictly done on a stationary bike, they’re the most accessible since some bodies just aren’t meant for flat-out running (perhaps owing to age or injuries). Stationary bikes with their systems of minimal impact can, on the other hand, be used by just about everyone.

The process is fairly simple:

  • Get on a stationary bike at the gym and cycle flat-out for a full minute.
  • In that time, you should be able to burn over 87 calories.

Doing these types of cycle sprints provides a method of measuring fitness that minimises the risk of injury, especially for those with diminishing fitness levels while still providing you with measurable results.

Can You Enjoy Long Walks?

It’s no secret that the human body was built for walking great distances. Our ancestors were, after-all, wanderers.

Because of this, a fit body should be able to walk for exceptionally long periods of time before discomfort starts to set in. A good benchmark to hit is around two hours. If, within this period, you start to struggle with shortness of breath, muscle cramps or an inability to take in the scenery, your fitness levels will need some work.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are, of course, many more ways that a person can test their fitness levels. Each one might be more or less suited to specific people and their individual fitness goals and needs. To learn more about how you can become a part of the exciting world of professional fitness, by obtaining personal training certification, contact a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Alternatively, visit our website for additional details.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post How to Measure a Person’s Fitness Levels appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Flexibility Training is a Must for your Workout Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-flexibility-training-is-a-must-for-workout-routine/ Thu, 03 Jan 2019 07:51:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7856 Flexibility is the mobility or range of motion in a joint. The structure of the joint and the soft tissue that surrounds it determine the range of motion you are able to exercise. Flexibility is an important part of any fitness programme yet it is often ignored or forgotten. Many people in a fitness programme...

The post Why Flexibility Training is a Must for your Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Flexibility is the mobility or range of motion in a joint. The structure of the joint and the soft tissue that surrounds it determine the range of motion you are able to exercise. Flexibility is an important part of any fitness programme yet it is often ignored or forgotten. Many people in a fitness programme work their cardiovascular systems and muscles but forget about flexibility.

What are the benefits and purpose of flexibility?

There are many benefits that a stretching programme provides:

  1. Stress reduction

Stretched muscles are more relaxed. Muscles which are full of tension have to work harder. This requires more energy to perform day-to-day tasks. A daily stretching routine can help to relax the muscle tissue which can help them remain healthier.

  1. Increased blood supply and fluids to the joint structure

Stretching can increase the circulation of synovial fluid in the joint. Synovial fluid helps more nutrients to be transported to the joint structure. This helps to increase the range of motion of this part of the body.

  1. Improve balance and posture

Stretching muscle tissue and joint structures can help improve balance and posture. Bad postural habits – such as sitting or standing improperly – can cause problems. A stretching programme can address these.

Trifocus fitness Academy - flexibility

  1. Increased coordination

Studies have shown that the time it takes for nerve impulses to travel from the brain to the body and back again can be reduced with flexibility training. This process can help muscle groups to work together more efficiently which helps to increase overall coordination.

  1. Increased performance

Flexibility training helps to increase the range of motion of a joint structure which can help the muscles to do more with less risk of injury.

5 Guidelines and techniques with flexibility training

  1. Stretch before and after an exercise activity.
  2. A pre-exercise stretch is aimed at improving the flexibility of the joints which will be used during the exercise. A runner, for example, would want to perform a static stretch to stretch the calf and hamstring muscles.
  3. A post-exercise stretch should be used to relax the contracted muscle to help the circulation of fluids to the joint structures and remove waste products from the muscles so helping to restore them to resting length.
  4. Stretching after exercise, when the body core temperature is the highest, is the best time to stretch for overall flexibility. A person should hold each stretch for longer periods to enhance maximum gains in range of motion.
  5. Intensity and duration are the most important factors in stretching. A low-intensity, high-duration stretch is the best stretch to increase range of motion.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in learning more about exercise and how the body can adapt to it? If so, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Course is just up your alley. For more information and to register, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Flexibility Training is a Must for your Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Lelani Loots: An Incredible Fitness Journey https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/lelani-loots-fitness-professional/ Thu, 27 Dec 2018 08:39:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7777 Lelani Loots – who is a proud #TeamTrifocus brand ambassador – is a bootcamp instructor and personal trainer. She completed her personal training qualification with us online and absolutely raves about it! (Read about her experiences with the Trifocus Fitness Academy online learning portal.) She took time out of her busy schedule to chat to...

The post Lelani Loots: An Incredible Fitness Journey appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Lelani Loots – who is a proud #TeamTrifocus brand ambassador – is a bootcamp instructor and personal trainer. She completed her personal training qualification with us online and absolutely raves about it! (Read about her experiences with the Trifocus Fitness Academy online learning portal.) She took time out of her busy schedule to chat to us about what made her get into fitness.

Lelani Loots Q&A

What was that one ‘a-ha’ moment which made you get to the gym?

Before I fully committed to the fitness lifestyle, I lived a pretty ‘typical’ life as an active woman. I was always athletic and I would go to the gym or for runs but I never really pushed myself. I was always conscious of my diet but would never go the extra mile.

What keeps you pushing?

I am always motivated by something new:

  • One day it could be someone’s kind words,
  • The next day it could be seeing a girl’s physique on Instagram who inspires me, and
  • Sometimes I motivate myself by seeing how far I’ve really come.

I think it’s very important to look back and remember why I started. Another motivator for me is when I get questions from people online or at my gym.

What do you enjoy about the fitness lifestyle?

I’m very self-motivated and I love seeing results. It’s fabulous to have such a great fan base and to be able to help change people’s lives

How often do you work out a week?

I work out six days a week:

  • On three of those six days I do two sessions a day: a gym session in the morning and a CrossFit session in the evening.

I love training, enjoy working hard and give it my all throughout the week.

Trifocus fitness academy - Lelani Loots

What is your favourite type of workout and why?

I find that what works best for me is using a rep range of between eight and 12 reps as this allows me to go heavy on the weights. I also like to play around with supersets, drop sets and pyramid sets. I limit my workouts to between four and five exercises. I never go over this number because adding more exercises feels like a waste of time to me and I always like to maintain my form.

For my cardio I enjoy doing CrossFit because it’s an all-in-one workout:

  • Strength,
  • Cardio, and
  • Gymnastics.

The last time we chatted, you said that you completed our Personal Training and Life Coaching qualifications. What made you go for these?

Getting paid to do what you love and making a career out of it is the dream! The ethos presented by Trifocus Fitness Academy allowed me to do this.  Every day is different. You’ll meet all kinds of people from different walks of life who want to achieve various goals. You won’t just be helping people get fitter, you’ll be making sure they lead healthier, active lives and change how they feel about themselves.

What are your fitness goals for 2019?

This time next year, I see myself training hard and continuing to develop my physique, fitness and health.

If someone, who is just starting out on their fitness journey, came to you for advice, what would you tell them?

  • Be consistent as this is the key to success.
  • Be patient. Improving your body takes time.
  • Don’t let setbacks discourage you. There will always be something that throws you off track. Focus and keep pushing forward.

If you dream is to become a personal trainer like Lelani, have a look at the comprehensive range of personal training courses on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy!

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Lelani Loots: An Incredible Fitness Journey appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What a Sports Manager Needs to Know About Budgeting https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/sport-manager-need-to-know-budgeting/ Thu, 06 Dec 2018 07:48:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7723 Sports Management and Finance Being a sports manager requires an understanding of all aspects of the industry and facility you are working for. This includes the financial side of things. Being able to manage a successful fitness facility requires a sharp set of budgeting skills that have been honed to not only facilitate the survival...

The post What a Sports Manager Needs to Know About Budgeting appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports Management and Finance

Being a sports manager requires an understanding of all aspects of the industry and facility you are working for. This includes the financial side of things. Being able to manage a successful fitness facility requires a sharp set of budgeting skills that have been honed to not only facilitate the survival of a business but also to ensure its growth.

To do this, the business’s finances need to represent a well-oiled machine that is characterised by a healthy cash flow, sustainability, and growth.

In this regard, facility managers and sports managers need to hold a number of financial management skills aimed at:

  • Maintaining cash flow,
  • Understanding the financial requirements of the facility and its undertakings,
  • Understanding where available funds are best spent, as well as
  • Compiling accurate, detailed reports on the financial activities of the facility.

Let’s explore each of these crucial skills in more detail.

Managing the finances of a sports club

Why does a sports administrator need a good financial management system?

For your business to be successful, not only is it vital to turn a profit but – at the same time – you need to have a healthy cash flow so that you have enough money to pay your staff members, replace sporting equipment when you need to or perform general maintenance around the sports club.

A good financial management system will help sports administrators focus on the bigger picture that they want to accomplish for their sports club. In addition, managing a sports club’s finances well will ensure that there is enough cash to meet daily financial objectives.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

Budgeting Skills

Maintaining Cash Flow

Cash flow is the life blood of any business. The most successful businesses manage their cash flows as an intricate ecosystem and maintain a careful balance between funds coming into the business and funds being spent.

In terms of fitness facilities, or even personal training businesses of all sizes, budgeting correctly for the flow of cash is a continual, monthly cycle.

Cash comes in from customers or clients or, in some cases, from allocated funds. This may come in the form of membership fees, accounts received or once off-payments. It’s  largely dependent on the costing model of the business.

The cycle of cash flow also necessitates that money is going out of the business since each operation comes with its own set of expenses. Consider the cost of the premises, employees, power and water, maintenance, and mortgages to name a few.

Maintaining optimal cash flow means being able to keep your finger on the pulse of everything that is coming in, as well as everything that is going out, and working to maintain a favourable ratio of profit to expenditure.

Trifocus fitness academy - budgeting

Financial Requirements for Projects and Facilities

Sporting facilities have a diverse and extensive list of requirements that are largely dependent on their type, their operations and their scale.

Gyms, for example, have different financial needs to country clubs and golf courses which in turn have demands that differ to football stadiums. It’s all relative to the type of institution and the purpose that they serve.

For each of these facilities, there are a number of costs. There are the:

  • Short-term costs for daily tasks;
  • Long-term costs such as maintenance, expansion, insurance, and the like; as well as
  • Cost of events or activities, if you are running the type of facility that hosts or organises fitness events.

The diverse financial challenges that face fitness facilities make sports management a fairly intricate affair where budgeting is concerned. Practitioners and consultants need to be fairly adaptable while still holding a sound understanding of the financial requirements of the fitness industry as a whole, as well as their specific facility or business.

Maintaining an Economic Enterprise

Maintaining an economic enterprise means not only knowing where the business is spending its money but also understanding where it should and shouldn’t be spending it.

That doesn’t mean that both costs and corners should be cut at every turn, but rather that an understanding should be fostered of where expenses are enhancing and supporting your business and where they are simply taking away from it.

Being able to draw accurate and realistic budgets that take into account the most beneficial costs of the business, while eliminating the unnecessary ones, is an essential part of maintaining cash flow and enabling the growth and sustainability of the business

It also allows you to offer your clients added value by focusing your costs and bettering your facility.

Accurate Reporting

Being able to collate information about the gains and expenses of a facility is an essential skill for sports managers. Generally speaking, there are stakeholders involved on a financial level who expect transparency in terms of the finances of the business.

This means that sports managers need to be able to create accurate and understandable reports regarding the facility’s budget and how closely the business has stayed within its confines throughout its operations.

Here are some tips to help you plan and control your finances at your sporting facility better:

  • Avoid investing too much money in fixed assets, for example, office equipment. So, if you only need one printer, don’t buy two!
  • Maintain short-term working capital needs to support accounts receivable and inventory more efficiently. Make sure that you always have available funds to, for example, pay your staff members or the repair guy who you’ve called to fix a tear in the shade cloth in your sports club parking lot.
  • Set sales goals. You need to be growth-oriented as opposed to being just an order taker. Instead of just accepting membership dues when people want to sign up to your sports club, go out and actively promote your club so that you can drum up sign-ups. For example, start a Facebook campaign where you can target an audience of people who live and work around your sports club and make signing up for your club irresistible.
  • Operate your business more efficiently by keeping sales as well as general and administrative expenses low. Do you find that your box of printer paper isn’t lasting a week when you’ve only budgeted for one box a month? Why not encourage people to recycle paper for their personal printing and only use new paper when they are printing for a client.
  • Perform tax planning. If not planned for correctly, the taxman can take a whopping chunk out of your earnings in penalties if you don’t declare your tax correctly. Avoid this by hiring a tax consultant who will make sure that you have the taxes for your sports club covered.

These are some tips that you, as a sports administrator, can follow to manage your finances correctly.

If you want to become a world-class sports administrator sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course. Course modules include:

  • Apply administrative skills and knowledge to a sporting environment
  • Apply professional values and ethics to your chosen sports club
  • Explain what the term ‘sports-related’ multi-disciplinary team means

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more? Take an online sports management course through the Trifocus Fitness Academy. Enrol today by visiting our website where you can also find detailed information about our extensive collection of internationally accredited fitness courses.

 

The post What a Sports Manager Needs to Know About Budgeting appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Drafting a Business Plan: A How-to Tutorial for Sports Managers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/drafting-business-plan-how-to-tutorial/ Tue, 04 Dec 2018 10:57:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7706 Anyone who has ever needed to draft a business plan can attest to just how much more complicated they are than they seem at face value. While most of us dream of owning our own businesses someday, few of us actually understand each and every aspect that goes into starting one up. Sports managers are...

The post Drafting a Business Plan: A How-to Tutorial for Sports Managers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Anyone who has ever needed to draft a business plan can attest to just how much more complicated they are than they seem at face value. While most of us dream of owning our own businesses someday, few of us actually understand each and every aspect that goes into starting one up. Sports managers are often in a position where they need to be able to provide a detailed business plan. The fitness industry has its own sets of needs, considerations and challenges that are unique to the various professions under its umbrella. To make things easier when planning your own business, our team here at Trifocus Fitness Academy has compiled a brief tutorial on drawing up your own business plan as it is related to the fitness industry.

Business Plan Tutorial

Table of Contents

Strictly speaking, you will likely finalise your table of contents last. This is once you have the layout of the rest of your business plan down. Still, it is a good idea to start with a rough outline of it so that you can use it to structure the rest of your plan. The table of contents will not only help you but will also give potential business partners and investors a glance into your business without them having to comb through it meticulously.

The Executive Summary

The executive summary should give a fairly detailed description of each section of your business. In the field of fitness this may include the type of facility you run, the aims of your business, how fitness objectives work together and the like.

The executive summary needs to be as detailed as possible. It may take some substantial research of the industry, your competition and your own goals before you can coherently put it together. Since sports managers generally oversee all aspects of a fitness business, they will need to be quite confident in the content of this summary.

A Description of the Company

The description of the company should be quite a general one that gives the reader an overview of the business, its partnerships, its ideal clients, mission statement and credentials. If you would like a better example of a company description, it is a good idea to take a look at the ‘about us’ section of any website, which generally has the same format.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - business plan drafting

Outlining your Market

Here you will describe the particular opportunities that your fitness business is trying to achieve. In it, you will take a look at opportunities, the market and the industry in general. This will give you a fairly good idea of your opportunities and limitations, who you should be directing your efforts to and any gaps in the market that your business is in the position to take up and offer a service.

It needs to be specific. Something like ‘helping clients reach their fitness goals’ simply isn’t enough. In this outline you will need to identify obstacles, determine who your customers are and how much they are willing to pay, who your suppliers will be and what the cost of that is, and of course, who you will be competing with.

Perfecting Your Business Model

The business model is one of the most important considerations you can make when drawing up a business plan for any industry. The field of fitness is no different. In your outline for your business model, you will need to stipulate things like where revenue will come from, the costs of generating it, the profitability of the business, as well as the capital required to get it off the ground.

The Competitive Strategy

This section should concentrate on two important factors regarding competition. Firstly, it should address the means through which your business will compete in the fitness industry. What makes it unique and marketable over your competitors. Secondly, you need to devise a strategy for how your business will grow its market share and how long that will take.

Organisational Structure

The organisational structure of your business is important. It will vary depending on the size of it. This will determine how you group your employees into team, managers and the like.

Marketing Plan

Even the best business plan will get you nowhere if you don’t concentrate on marketing. The best advertising campaigns are not done on the fly but are rather carefully planned and laid out. It wouldn’t hurt outlining this approach in your business plan.

Financial Road Map

Finances can make or break a business, which makes the need for a financial plan all the more important. Your plan should include projections that are as accurate as possible to avoid mistakes costing a fortune once the business is running.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to Learn More

There are, of course, a number of ways to approach a business plan. The one you take will depend on your own goals. To learn more by obtaining sports management certification from a trusted fitness college, contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy today or visit our website for additional details.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Sport Management registration

The post Drafting a Business Plan: A How-to Tutorial for Sports Managers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Isometric Exercise Should be a Part of Your Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/isometric-exercises-part-of-routine/ Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:59:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7612 Isometric exercises take advantage of a third, lesser spoken about type of muscle contraction known as isometric contraction. This differs from concentric contractions (muscle tension from shortening) and eccentric contractions (muscle tension from lengthening), in that it describes tension placed on the muscle, without the muscle itself necessarily undergoing any movement. When, for instance, you...

The post Why Isometric Exercise Should be a Part of Your Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Isometric exercises take advantage of a third, lesser spoken about type of muscle contraction known as isometric contraction. This differs from concentric contractions (muscle tension from shortening) and eccentric contractions (muscle tension from lengthening), in that it describes tension placed on the muscle, without the muscle itself necessarily undergoing any movement.

When, for instance, you hold a squatting position, push up against an immovable object or simply flex a muscle and hold the tension, you are applying an isometric contraction to it.

Exercises that utilise isometric contractions in muscles have been hailed as an excellent way to see results from workout routines. Beyond that they are accessible to anyone since they require no equipment, can be done anywhere, and also take up very little time.

With this in mind, here are a few reasons why they would fit perfectly into your workout schedule, no matter how full it already is.

Reason to fit Isometric training in your workout

Retaining Mobility and Flexibility

As the body ages, it begins to lose its muscle. By the time you get to the age of 40, you muscle have already lost much of their mobility and flexibility, and this is especially the case for those that have not actively worked on maintaining muscular stamina.

Ask any personal trainer what the best way to minimise the onset of age-related muscle loss is, and they will likely tell you that exercises that build and maintain muscle stamina and mobility through isometric contractions, are one of the best ways to go about it.

An added benefit to regularly including isometric poses in your workout routine is that it significantly shortens the amount of time it takes your muscles to recover from strenuous workouts, allowing you to get more out of your existing routine.

No Equipment Required

Isometric exercises are perfect for the modern day workout routine simply because they require no equipment.

Just about any other fitness activity, whether it be running or a sport, requires some degree of equipment. This makes them inaccessible to some people, especially those without space to keep the equipment.

Isometric contractions can be achieved simply using your own bodyweight, by holding certain poses. Leverage from solid, heavy objects in your environment can also be used. This benefit of not needing any equipment leads us to our next point, the fact that they can be done just about anywhere.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - isometric exercises

You can do Isometric Exercises Anywhere

Life gets busy, and there isn’t always time to, or place to set aside for additions to a workout routine. The fact that isometric training requires no equipment, and utilises your bodyweight for the most part, means that you can perform these exercises anywhere.

This makes them the perfect exercises to incorporate into your current routine. You can perform them at the gym, before a run, following or preceding a sporting event, or in your living room when you get home from work.

This makes isometric training a flexible approach to working out, especially when combined with other activities, that fits snuggly into your own schedule, no matter where you need to be.

They Take Up So Little Time

Unlike cardiovascular exercises and weight training, isometric routines generally yield results in less total time than other exercises. That is not to say that you can supplement time spent on the road or in the gym with time spent holding squats; it just means that they will be easy to add to your current schedule, and you will notice a difference in less time.

Isometric training routines can be done in a matter of minutes, or can be extended depending on your ability and fitness goals; still they generally can be completed in less time than it takes to get those same results with other means of working out.

Further time can be saved by the fact that isometric routines can be done just about anywhere, since you don’t have to travel back and forth to do them.

Learn More at the Trifocus Fitness Academy

Isometric training is only one part of a large sphere of activities that can be specialised in, in the fitness industry. If you would like to learn more about the industry by obtaining an internationally accredited personal training certificate, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website, or contact one of our representatives for further details on all of our courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Isometric Exercise Should be a Part of Your Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What are the Benefits of Pilates Breathing? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-pilates-breathing/ Thu, 22 Nov 2018 08:18:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=7119 Pilates and Yoga – which are both classified as mind-body exercises – both employ different ways of breathing. In Pilates, thoracic or lateral breathing is used. What this means is that we breathe in through the nose. During the Pilates breathing process, we expand our lower rib cage while keeping our abdominals contracted. (Just as...

The post What are the Benefits of Pilates Breathing? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates and Yoga – which are both classified as mind-body exercises – both employ different ways of breathing. In Pilates, thoracic or lateral breathing is used. What this means is that we breathe in through the nose. During the Pilates breathing process, we expand our lower rib cage while keeping our abdominals contracted. (Just as an aside, ‘contracting your abdominals’ doesn’t just mean keeping your belly button in. When your instructor tells you to contract your abdominals you must contract your belly button and, at the same time, contract your pelvic floor.)

On the other hand, in Yoga we used abdominals or diaphragmatic breathing. During this process you’ll breathe in and will draw the air into your abdominal region. Your rib cage won’t move that much. This type of breathing is called Ujjayi breathing. Read more about its benefits here.

Pilates breathing has a number of benefits for you both during your practice as well as in other aspects of your day-to-day life. Read on to find out more.

Why breathing in deeply is good for you

Oxygen sustains most functions in our body. Literally, it gives us life as if we are suffocated, and are deprived of oxygen, we die. Joseph Pilates, in his book Return to Life Through Contrology, explained it best why we need to breathe deeply: “Lazy breathing converts the lungs, literally and figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying and dead germs as well as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs.”

Remember to breathe in class

It’s a strange thing that many Pilates instructors have seen and remark on. During class when students are performing movements, they often forget to breathe! By doing this, they don’t get the full benefit of the exercises that they are doing.

Joseph Pilates designed his exercises to work in tandem with breath. During the part of the exercise that requires the most effort – for example, in the pelvic tilt when you start to articulate your spine upwards – you’ll breathe out. This is so that you can take advantage of the natural contraction of your abdominals which happens when you breathe out to help you during the exercise. Those who hold their breath during the exercise don’t take advantage of this and, as such, may well put strain on parts of their body which they are not supposed to.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - pilates breathing

Pilates breathing increases lung capacity

In endurance sports, such as running marathons, you need a sustained amount of energy for a long period of time to keep you going.

Oxygen is at the basis of energy production. If this essential element isn’t present no energy will be produced and, as a result, you’ll quickly start to feel tired.

Think about it. When people take short quick breaths – in other words they hyperventilate – they can only exert energy for a short period of time as is the case with sprinters. After their sprint, they have to recover for a prolonged period before they can perform again.

During a marathon, the runner will take long, deep breaths. This means that they can keep on going for longer so that they can finish their respective race.

What Pilates exercise can help you develop your lung capacity?

Many experts agree that one of the best way to develop your lung capacity is by doing the exercise call the hundred:

  • Lie on your back on a mat.
  • Pull in your belly button and, at the same time, contract your pelvic floor.
  • Make sure that your pelvis is in neutral.
  • Put both legs into table top. Make sure that your legs are together with your toes gently pointed reaching out of the heel.
  • Extend your arms at your sides with your palms facing downwards.
  • Pull your shoulders off the mat and pulse your arms.

To learn more about this exercise, follow this link.

Pilates is a fabulous exercise which not only helps you get lean and trim but also has incredible health benefits as we’ve seen from this article. Why not give it a try and see if it works for you?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to deepen your Pilates practice and introduce others to this discipline, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Course today!

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

 

The post What are the Benefits of Pilates Breathing? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Myths about Carbs Exposed https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/carbs-myhts/ Wed, 07 Nov 2018 07:24:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6678 Carbs get a pretty bad rap from fitness blogs and diet plans the world over. Just one look at an active person’s Facebook feed and you will likely see scores of stories about how carbohydrates lead to weight gain, shorten one’s life expectancy or are responsible for a series of other unwanted side-effects. For the...

The post Myths about Carbs Exposed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Carbs get a pretty bad rap from fitness blogs and diet plans the world over. Just one look at an active person’s Facebook feed and you will likely see scores of stories about how carbohydrates lead to weight gain, shorten one’s life expectancy or are responsible for a series of other unwanted side-effects.

For the most part, much of these reports are simple regurgitations of already questionable statements. Statements that, if at all based on any kind of scientific study, are generally based on flawed ones.

But people are always looking for ways to get the most out of their diets, and so often these myths that accumulate into bad dietary advice are taken as gospel. But we need carbohydrates, especially those of us who are active.

So to help you paint a better picture of them in your mind, here is the truth behind some of the most widespread myths about carbs that, for some reason or another, are accepted as absolute truth.

Truth about Carbs

False: Carbs Result in Weight Gain

While you may lose weight from cutting carbs from your diet, you are only doing so because cutting out carbs results in a cut in calories. In fact the weight lost in this way is generally water weight and so doesn’t offer any results in the long run.

Many studies suggest that when it comes to carbs, people are simply having them in portions that are too big. Most of us consume enough carbs in a single meal for our entire daily requirements. That is where the problem sits. In light of this, the average person should be consuming no more than 150 grams of carbohydrates in a day.

False: Carbs Are Carbs Are Carbs…

Saying that all carbohydrates are bad is like saying all people are bad. It simply isn’t true. Like people, you get both good and bad carbs. It is the beneficial ones that you should be concentrating on.

The quality of a carbohydrate is dependent on its fibre content. The more fibre contained in carbs, the slower pace that it is absorbed into your body. This allows that energy to be released over a long period of time. This makes it a priority to take in the right carbs. Instead of sugary processed ones that offer nothing but empty calories, you should be going for wholegrains, starchy vegetables and fresh fruit. This will essentially keep your blood sugar from spiking, which will keep your snack arm holstered.

Trifocus fitness academy - carbs

False: Lowering Your Carb Intake is Good for Your Health

Carbohydrates are essential to a healthy human life. This is all the more important when that person is active as we’ve said before. And so cutting them from your diet is not just unnecessary but it is also a pretty bad idea.

Carbohydrates contain the fibres that your body needs to break down sugars and create useable energy. Without them, a person may suffer blood-sugar irregularities, they will feel constant hunger, and will likely feel tired for a lot of the time. A much better approach is to monitor the quality and the portions of carbs that you take in each day. Substitute empty calories with complex carbs that will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

False: White Foods are Bad for You

While this one may seem true in many cases, it isn’t exactly a universal law. Avoiding processed and refined carbs like white sugar, white rice and maize meal is always a good idea. These are the exact kind of examples of simple, empty-calorie carbs that are mentioned in this article.

Complex carbs like potatoes, which are widely and unfairly classed alongside those carbs mentioned above, are extremely healthy, high in fibre and also contain potassium.

If you think potatoes are the exception here, then consider cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic and leeks; all of which are often given the same bad treatment.

Become a Personal Trainer with Specialist Nutrition Knowledge

With the right specialised knowledge, as a personal trainer you could use verified nutritional facts to make informed choices about your diet as well as advise others on how to do the same. With a specialised nutrition certificate or Nutrition Diploma from Trifocus Fitness Academy, you can do just that and be accredited for it.

Contact us today or visit our website for additional details on our specialised fitness courses.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post Myths about Carbs Exposed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Career Choices do Sports Administrators Have? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/career-choices-sport-administrators/ Tue, 06 Nov 2018 10:30:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6671 In between the glory of Olympic gold medallists and athletic superstars, not much is often said about the gears that keep the fitness and sports industries moving. Sports administrators, the world over, have a tremendously important job to do every day. Their title describes one of the most all-encompassing professions in the industry: from managing...

The post What Career Choices do Sports Administrators Have? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
In between the glory of Olympic gold medallists and athletic superstars, not much is often said about the gears that keep the fitness and sports industries moving. Sports administrators, the world over, have a tremendously important job to do every day. Their title describes one of the most all-encompassing professions in the industry: from managing sports facilities and coaching to overseeing the corporate-centric affairs of the industry like signing player contracts and making important decisions about ethics in sport.

While sports administrators can, at one point, be there to help players train at another they could be responsible for the business behind why clubs like Man United make money.  This is a broad spectrum, we’ll admit, and not everyone has what it takes to be employed by an internationally acclaimed football club. But there are still quite a number of career paths sports administrator could travel down.

Sports Administration for Coaching

There is a lot more that goes into coaching than what spectators and even players see. When working with sports teams, there are a number of concerns to face:

  • There is, firstly, a business side of the sport to consider. At the end of the day, a club or facility is a business like every other. It needs to make money to survive.
  • On top of that coaches need to be able to form strategies, build a cohesive team through clear-cut communication skills and, above all, a coach needs to be able to inspire the team to want to perform better.

Team Management

Team management juggles a need for keen strategic business decisions as well as how and by whom, a team should be built. It is a challenging career path but it can also be an extremely lucrative one even for those who aren’t coaching international superstars.

A team manager’s communication skills need to be strong. They need leadership skills and a passion for sport. They need to understand the fundamentals of fitness as well as the nuances of business. Above all, they need to have impeccable organisational skills.

Trifocus - sport administrators

Facility Manager

Facility managers have an equally important role in the fitness industry. They run the day-to-day tasks in terms of all kinds of playing surfaces be these soccer fields, basketball arenas, stadiums, pools or golf courses. They oversee all operations that keep a facility functional and make sure that they meet the requirements of those within them.

A facility manager services the building by orchestrating cleaning, upkeep on the playing surface and equipment, operating security, and generally nurturing the surrounding environment. They are responsible for the face of fitness and sport. They keep the treadmills running at the gym.

Training Staff

The title ‘training staff’ also casts a relatively wide net and encompasses everyone who is involved with assisting in matches and training sessions on a professional level.

They may be:

  • On-hand medics or kinesiotherapists;
  • An assistant coach overseeing drills;
  • A physical therapist, sports nutritionist; or even
  • An exercise psychologist.

There is a lot involved in training a team, which leaves room for plenty of opportunities to specialise. However any approach to specialising as a sports trainer will require an understanding of concepts concerning sports administration.

Entrepreneur

Anybody looking to start their own business in the fitness industry could benefit greatly from a keen understanding of sports administration.  It outfits you with the necessary understanding of both business and sport that will give you the best shot at success. When paired with a specialisation in something like personal training, the odds of having a lucrative career grow all the more.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to know more about starting your career as a sports administrator with an internationally accredited course, contact a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy, or visit our website for additional details on all of our online courses.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What Career Choices do Sports Administrators Have? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Fitness Bootcamps Have Become all the Rage https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-fitness-bootcamps-have-become-all-the-rage/ Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:32:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6665 You’ve probably been noticing small gatherings of people in local parks, getting some early-morning or evening training in the open air. These fitness bootcamps have been springing up everywhere, having taken off faster than a viral video. They have remained as popular since. As their popularity grows, many are turning to bootcamps for an alternative...

The post Why Fitness Bootcamps Have Become all the Rage appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You’ve probably been noticing small gatherings of people in local parks, getting some early-morning or evening training in the open air. These fitness bootcamps have been springing up everywhere, having taken off faster than a viral video. They have remained as popular since. As their popularity grows, many are turning to bootcamps for an alternative (though no-less challenging) approach to reaching their fitness goals. Something that injects a fair amount of enjoyment, competitiveness and accountability into the whole affair. If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing one yet, then you should know that there are a number of good reasons why personal trainers and the average person are both turning to bootcamps. This is because they have a multitude of benefits to offer.

Bootcamps are Extremely Effective

Let’s be honest. The most important aspect of any approach to working out is how effectively it can yield results. Over the years there have been countless attempts at trying to hack how to get the body you want. But without being invasive, none of them ever amount to much.

While bootcamps by no-means make exercise any easier, they definitely yield results:

  • Workouts conducted during fitness bootcamps are modelled closely after routines performed in military bootcamps. This gives you an idea of their potential to transform your body!
  • They work by targeting muscles, combining fitness and strength, and require constant movement, accountability, and a whole range of other aspects that add to their effectiveness. This ensures \that bootcamps yield results for people with all sorts of fitness goals.

Bootcamps give an All-Round Workout

As briefly mentioned above, fitness bootcamps combine a number of different exercises and forms into single sessions to provide a holistic approach to working out. These include:

  • Running and jogging;
  • Push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups; as well as
  • Resistance training.

On top of that they include intensive aerobic conditioning and a targeted total body workout.

This combination of specialised movements, aerobic activity and strength-building make bootcamps effective while also keeping each session interesting.

An additional benefit to the types of exercises performed in a bootcamp is that sessions require very little equipment since most of the workouts are modelled using your own body weight. Wherever equipment is required, however, the personal trainer conducting the course will generally supply what is needed.

Trifocus fitness academy - bootcamps

Bootcamps are Just Plain Fun

There are many enjoyable forms of exercises and what may look like fun to one person might not to another. However, by their very nature, bootcamps are genuinely enjoyable – no matter your fitness level. These workout sessions take l conducted outdoors in wide open spaces, which already makes a bootcamp far more enjoyable and interesting than working out at the gym.

They also take place in groups, which doesn’t always sound like the best way to work out but exercising in a group does have a lot of advantages as you’ll push yourself a lot harder by activating your competitive streak and encouraging you to be accountable for your fitness goals.

They are Facilitated by Personal Trainers

Perhaps one of the reasons why bootcamps are so popular is that they are generally facilitated by an accredited personal trainer. Anyone who has ever struggled to meet their fitness goals can attest to the boost that a trainer can give you whether it be through motivation or simply with a more structured workout schedule and eating plan.

A good bootcamp offers its clients these kinds of services. They are a popular choice because people get the expert advice and attendance that they would from a personal trainer. Bootcamps are indeed an invaluable service in the fitness industry.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy and Learn to Host Your Own Bootcamp

Perhaps you’re reading this article because you have an interest in running your own bootcamp? If that is the case, you could become an instructor by taking an online bootcamp course through Trifocus Fitness Academy. Contact us today or take a look through our website for additional information on our internationally accredited fitness courses.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post Why Fitness Bootcamps Have Become all the Rage appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
A Runner’s Guide to Building Muscle https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/runner-guide-to-building-muscle/ Thu, 01 Nov 2018 07:17:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6644 Many athletes assume that you can focus on building muscle through weight-training. Alternatively, you can build your endurance and fitness, and get lean, by running. And there is nothing in between the two but wasted efforts. In truth, there is no reason why you can’t have them both. All you need to do is shift...

The post A Runner’s Guide to Building Muscle appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Many athletes assume that you can focus on building muscle through weight-training. Alternatively, you can build your endurance and fitness, and get lean, by running. And there is nothing in between the two but wasted efforts.

In truth, there is no reason why you can’t have them both. All you need to do is shift up the way you train, essentially making it more challenging and varied, and you will be able build the mass that you are looking for, even if running is your preferred method of working out.

The results to working out in a way that meets both of these goals speak for themselves. That is the reason why so many people turn to specialised personal training schedules and programmes which offer a full-body workout that increases mass and endurance at the same time. These workout approaches make running the crux of the routine to get the best of both worlds from athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

This guide will show you how to do just that. By simply tweaking a few small points in your workout schedule to accommodate for a more complete series of fitness goals you will be able to account for building stamina while also building muscle.

Tips for building muscle together with stamina

Push for Longer Distances

One of the most effective ways for a person to gain mass while running is by simply increasing the distance you go in a single session. Granted, you will need to run quite a distance further but it is effective. Here’s how it works.

Your body builds mass using growth hormones to fuel your muscles. Your body will only produce a certain amount of it unless it is put under extensive strain, the kind of strain that comes with extreme long-distance running. So by increasing your distance drastically, you are essentially encouraging the production of growth hormones in your body, which are directly responsible for building mass.

Introduce Intervals to Your Running Routes

While varying your entire workout schedule is one way to build mass as a runner simply changing your running routine can essentially have the same effect in terms of building muscle. The trick is to find ways of making your current route all the more challenging by doing intervals at different speeds, each separated by brief periods of active rest where you are still jogging.

By adding bursts to your runs, you will start building muscle in your legs. A word of caution, though, is not to overdo it and risk injury. If you need to take a shorter route to increase the intensity of your workout, do it.

Do you have some uphills near your route that you’ve been avoiding? Introducing them to your run for sporadic changes in incline will also do a lot to build muscle while running.

Trifocus fitness academy - building muscle

Add Additional Workouts to Your Runs

You can make your running route a lot more intensive by simply adding a few extra exercises to it. Set checkpoints for yourself, stop at them and do a few sets of push-ups, squats, burpees or sit-ups. Adding these few extra workouts to your running routine will ensure that you are also building muscle.

Remember: Your body needs Food and Rest

When trying to bulk up it can be tempting to fill each day in your schedule with intensive routines in the hopes that you will see results sooner.  In reality, you need to give your muscles time to recover, especially after particularly intensive sessions.

Equally important is the food you use to fuel your body for intense periods of exercise. Eating foods with moderate carbohydrates and plenty of protein will help in you efforts at building muscle. You may find that introducing a supplement, such as creatine to your diet, you will achieve more noticeable results.

Want to Become a Personal Trainer?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

With a specialised collection of knowledge and a sound understanding of how exercise affects the human body, you can achieve these results for yourself with relative ease and you can help and motivate others to do the same.

If you would like to know more about obtaining a personal training certificate from an accredited college, contact a representative from Trifocus Fitness Academy, or visit our website for details.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post A Runner’s Guide to Building Muscle appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
4 of the Best Workouts for Building Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-workouts-for-building-fitness/ Tue, 30 Oct 2018 06:39:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6617 With the right knowledge of technique and form during fitness training, there are many approaches to achieving results when it comes to losing weight, increasing stamina, improving performance, burning fat and generally improving your health. The fields of personal training and sports science are constantly revolutionising new ways to work out which are ever more...

The post 4 of the Best Workouts for Building Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
With the right knowledge of technique and form during fitness training, there are many approaches to achieving results when it comes to losing weight, increasing stamina, improving performance, burning fat and generally improving your health. The fields of personal training and sports science are constantly revolutionising new ways to work out which are ever more effective, efficient and challenging. This article explores four of the best workouts for building fitness.

Before we start, this article assumes an intermediate-to-advanced level of fitness. The routines listed here are fairly challenging and so are not ideal for beginners. Much of what is covered in this list is concerned with high intensity training. This means that if you are just starting out, you should probably first read this article on.

Become fit with these workouts

1.      High Intensity Interval Training

High intensity interval training (HIIT) has is widely regarded as one of the most effective workouts for building fitness. It requires little-to-no equipment, delivers results fairly quickly, and also offers time-efficient workout routines. This allows personal trainers to complete a session in just 35 minutes (or less depending on the intensity of your workout).

The key point to HIIT circuits are their greatly shortened recovery intervals, each of which separates extremely intensive bursts of cardio activity. Recovery times should be no longer than just 20 seconds. These should be separated by high-intensity cardio exercises, each of which should last around 40 seconds. A single circuit should last about four to five minutes. The number of circuits that you complete will depend on your skill level. You may even feel like going until you burn out. For a challenging session we recommend that you complete a total of four circuits.

2.      Elliptical Interval Training

While offering an extremely effective workout, elliptical interval training does require the use of an elliptical machine. People often use them more for a consistently paced cardio workout or for warming up before a routine. However, a far better way to get a great workout out of the machine is to constantly increase resistance with intervals that push your body a little bit harder each time.

This type of workout combines intensive intervals of varying lengths (some of them are one minute long while some are two) with a constant increase in resistance, as well as short, steady-state recovery periods in between. This make it one of the best workouts for building fitness.

Trifocus fitness academy - best workouts for building fitness

3.      Tabata Cardio Training

Tabata workouts sound easy enough on paper but they actually offer one of the most gruelling and effective ways of building fitness and developing endurance. This is why it is on the list as one of the best workouts for building fitness.

The concept is fairly simple:

  • You do four cycles of four different, extremely high-intensity exercises. Each exercise is only 20 seconds long. In between you take 10-second rests.
  • Once you have completed all four exercises you repeat these cycles a total of four times.

The point of this, which you will become acutely aware of while doing this routine, is that 10 seconds simply isn’t enough time for recovery. This enhances the rate at which this routine shreds through calories and enhances endurance while making it a particularly challenging though rewarding way to build fitness.

4.      Outdoor Circuit Workouts

Outdoor circuit exercises combine cardio, pace-changes and alternating resistance, as well as high-impact workouts into a single circuit. This challenges your body in a variety of ways in a way that indoor training and machines cannot.

During these workouts, you start at – and keep – a constantly moderate pace throughout the duration of the workout. You’ll interrupt your sessions by intermittently increasing the pace or by running uphill. To further increase the intensity of the circuit, periodic stops are made to do high-impact exercises such as push-ups, burpees or long jumps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are a variety of ways to increase the body’s stamina and strength. When armed with the right expertise, you can even make a successful and exciting career out of helping others to do the same. If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website to find out more about taking our internationally accredited online personal training courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post 4 of the Best Workouts for Building Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What do you Need to Study to Become a Nutritionist? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/study-to-become-a-nutritionist/ Thu, 18 Oct 2018 10:05:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6425 Do you spend most of your evening preparing your food for the next day? Do you gravitate to the nutrition magazines when you’re waiting in line to pay at the grocery store? Are you meticulous about what you eat and follow a clean eating plan? If you answered yes to these questions, you should become...

The post What do you Need to Study to Become a Nutritionist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you spend most of your evening preparing your food for the next day? Do you gravitate to the nutrition magazines when you’re waiting in line to pay at the grocery store? Are you meticulous about what you eat and follow a clean eating plan? If you answered yes to these questions, you should become a nutritionist. But how do you go about this? What subjects do you need to study to become a nutritionist? Read on and we’ll tell you how you can achieve your nutrition dreams!

Nutritionist required knowledge

A good grasp of nutrition basics

One of the main jobs of a nutritionist is developing healthy eating plans for their clients. Such a plan needs to incorporate elements of the major food groups: carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, milk and dairy, fats and sugars. Sometimes a person may be allergic to a certain food (a common example is milk among people who are lactose intolerant). This means that nutritionists need to know what the role of eat food is in a person’s diet because so that they can suggest a substitute for the allergen. So when you study nutrition you need to know the fundamentals of good nutrition like the back of your hand.

Nutritionists need to know about GI

As we progress further into the 21st century, the accelerator pedal of life is constantly being pushed further to the floor. To cope with this frenetic pace of life, we need sustained energy levels so that we can keep going for longer periods of time.

The Glycaemic Index – or GI – is the scale on which food is organised according to how quickly it is absorbed into your bloodstream: a high-GI food will be absorbed quickly while a low-GI food will take longer to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The significance of this is that the slower the absorption rate is, the less time it will take for you to feel tired and you’ll also feel fuller for longer. So, if you eat whole-wheat bread (which is low GI) you’ll find that your lunchtime sandwich will keep you satisfied for more hours than if you opted for a white-bread option.

It’s important for nutritionists to study and understand the GI as, for weight-loss clients, prescribing them low-GI foods will be beneficial as this will keep them fuller for longer and not prompt them to eat extra calories as they are hungry. This means that the GI needs to be a fundamental when you study nutrition.

Trifocus fitness academy study to become a nutritionist

A knowledge of how special populations should be eating

As we progress though the various stages of life, our nutrition requirements vary quite significantly.

A child needs to eat unrefined carbohydrates – such as butternut and sweetcorn – so that they have enough energy to grow into adults. As their hearts are developing, parents should limit the bad fats that they eat – such as junk food – so that they don’t run into problems later in life. (Read our article – entitled The Secret to Good Nutrition for Children – for other good ideas of what to feed your children.)

During pregnancy, a woman’s system has to adapt significantly to accommodate her growing baby. For example, her heart has to beat for her growing foetus so that blood can circulate into the baby’s budding body. Because everything in her blood gets pushed through the baby she has to be very careful about what she eats and drinks. Alcohol in her blood can cause Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in her baby, which is incredibly debilitating after the child is born and can decrease life expectancy.

There are many age-related diseases that one could end up suffering from as we get older, for example osteoporosis which is characterised by a degeneration of the bones. To counteract this, people who suffer from osteoporosis or who have a familiar history of the disease should take calcium to strengthen their bones. (Follow this link to learn about the other benefits of calcium.)

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Certification, we give students an in-depth grounding of all the above aspects. Or even consider our newest course the Sports Nutrition Diploma. It’s some of the best nutrition course out there! Armed with this nutrition qualification from us, you’ll be a nutritionist in hot demand! For more information and to register, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy nutrition course registration

The post What do you Need to Study to Become a Nutritionist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why Isometric Exercises Should be Part of Your Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-isometric-exercises-should-be-part-of-your-routine/ Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:11:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6323 There are countless exercises that you can choose to do in order to stay fit: Pilates, spinning, Yoga, bootcamp… The list is endless! One of these categories of exercises that you can select are isometric exercises.  In this article, we’ll tell you what these types of exercises are and how they can benefit you. What...

The post Why Isometric Exercises Should be Part of Your Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are countless exercises that you can choose to do in order to stay fit: Pilates, spinning, Yoga, bootcamp… The list is endless! One of these categories of exercises that you can select are isometric exercises.  In this article, we’ll tell you what these types of exercises are and how they can benefit you.

What are isometric exercises?

When you perform an isometric exercise, the length of the muscle doesn’t change. This is opposed to running or walking on a treadmill when your leg muscles lengthen and contract so that you can perform the movement.

In an isometric exercise, you hold the position for a protracted period of time. This action acts on the muscle fibres to effect change on the muscle. Dr Edward R Laskowski, who specialises in sports medicine, provides a more scientific explanation:

“Isometric exercises are contractions of a particular muscle or group of muscles. During isometric exercises, the muscle doesn’t noticeably change length and the affected joint doesn’t move.”

Why are isometric exercises so valuable for your fitness routine?

Isometric exercises target one muscle or a muscle group. This means that when such an exercise is performed, it provides highly targeted results for that part of the body so allowing you to address problem areas very efficiently.

Trifocus fitness academy - isometric exercises

As an isometric exercise works only on the muscle, it doesn’t involve joints. This means that injuries are minimised. This type of movement incredibly valuable for people who suffer from arthritis because this condition causes the sufferer’s joints to swell and isometric exercises avoid activating the joint. If you, or anyone you know, suffer from a type of disease which causes inflammation of the joints, why not consult a personal trainer who can develop an isometric training routine for you?

Some studies have shown that performing isometric exercises can assist in lowering blood pressure. Says Eli Ben-Yehuda who is a highly experienced registered nurse:

“In a handful of studies, folks with normal blood pressure who did three 15 to 20 minutes sessions of isometric exercises every week for 10 weeks experienced more than a 10-point plunge in their systolic blood pressure.”

What isometric exercises can I add into my routine?

One of the most effective abdominal isometric exercises out there, which should be added to any personal training routine, is the plank. Here’s how to do it:

  • Start this exercise in a prone push-up position. Make sure that your body’s weight is supported on your toes and forearms.
  • Bend your arms at 90 degrees and place them directly under your shoulders.
  • Keep your body straight for the duration of the exercise.
  • Contract your abdominals and relax your upper back.
  • Hold for 15 seconds. As you feel that you are getting stronger, increase the time that you hold this position for.

For more information, watch this video.

Another great isometric exercise which targets your transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, obliques is the side plank.  To do this correctly:

  • Start in a side plank position with your bottom elbow firmly planted on the floor.
  • Be sure that your elbow is directly underneath your shoulder and that your feet are stacked on top of each other.
  • Hold for 15 seconds. As you feel that you are getting stronger, increase the time that you hold this position for.
  • Repeat on the other

Many, many Yoga poses fall into the category of isometric exercises as they strengthen your muscles by holding a pose for a particular length of time.

Warrior 2 is a good example of such an isometric exercise. This video demonstrates how you perform this pose:

If you have hip, shoulder, back or knee problems, be very careful when you perform this pose. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems or are pregnant, don’t have your hands above your head. If you suffer from neck problems, keep your head in neutral and don’t look at your hands.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn more about different exercises and how you can use these to increase your fitness levels? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certificate will teach you this and so much more. As we are both locally and internationally accredited, you can be assured that with a personal training qualification from us, in your hands, you’ll be set for career success in the fitness industry! Read more here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

The post Why Isometric Exercises Should be Part of Your Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports Administrators Need to Know How To Manage the Finances of their Sports Club https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/sports-administrators-manage-finances-sports-club/ Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:35:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6273 One of the most vital duties of sports administrators is managing the finances of the sports club that you run. To do this right, and make sure that your sporting facility is an INCREDIBLY profitable venture, you need to adopt a good financial management system. Managing the finances of a sports club Why does a...

The post Sports Administrators Need to Know How To Manage the Finances of their Sports Club appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
One of the most vital duties of sports administrators is managing the finances of the sports club that you run. To do this right, and make sure that your sporting facility is an INCREDIBLY profitable venture, you need to adopt a good financial management system.

Managing the finances of a sports club

Why does a sports administrator need a good financial management system?

For your business to be successful, not only is it vital to turn a profit but – at the same time – you need to have a healthy cash flow so that you have enough money to pay your staff members, replace sporting equipment when you need to or perform general maintenance around the sports club.

A good financial management system will help sports administrators focus on the bigger picture that they want to accomplish for their sports club. In addition, managing a sports club’s finances well will ensure that there is enough cash to meet daily financial objectives.

What does a good financial management system help a sports administrator do?

A good financial management system will help you become a better sports administrator. This is because the system will help you to:

  • Manage your club’s finances proactively rather than reactively,
  • Provide financial planning information for potential investors, and
  • Make your sports club more profitable and efficient.

Financial planning and control need to be integral components of a sports administrator’s arsenal as these skills will enable you to critically assess how you can make the finances of your sports club work and, ultimately, make the venture more profitable.

Here are some tips to help you plan and control your finances at your sporting facility better:

  • Avoid investing too much money in fixed assets, for example office equipment. So, if you only need one printer, don’t buy two!
  • Maintain short-term working capital needs to support accounts receivable and inventory more efficiently. Make sure that you always have available funds to, for example, pay your staff members or the repair guy who you’ve called to fix a tear in the shade cloth in your sports club parking lot.
  • Set sales goals. You need to be growth oriented as opposed to being just an order taker. Instead of just accepting membership dues when people want to sign up to your sports club, go out and actively promote your club so that you can drum up sign-ups. For example, start a Facebook campaign where you can target an audience of people who live and work around your sports club and make signing up to your club irresistible.
  • Operate your business more efficiently by keeping sales as well as general and administrative expenses low. Do you find that your box of printer paper isn’t lasting a week when you’ve only budgeted for one box a month? Why not encourage people to recycle paper for their personal printing and only use new paper when they are printing for a client.
  • Perform tax planning. If not planned for correctly, the taxman can take a whopping chunk out of your earnings in penalties if you don’t declare your tax correctly. Avoid this by hiring a tax consultant who will make sure that you have the taxes for your sports club covered.

These are some tips that you, as a sports administrator, can follow to mange your finances correctly.

If you want to become a world-class sports administrator sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course. Course modules include:

  • Apply administrative skills and knowledge to a sporting environment
  • Apply professional values and ethics to your chosen sports club
  • Explain what the term ‘sports-related’ multi-disciplinary team means

Follow this link to find out what other modules make up this course.

Why choose Trifocus Fitness Academy to study sports administration?

Very simply, Trifocus Fitness Academy has a stellar reputation of providing high-quality and comprehensive training in both the sports administration and fitness industries. Our past students will back us up 100%!

In addition, our accreditations set us miles apart from our competitors. Our Sports Administration Course is a skills course that is accredited with Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA ID FIT/CENTADM/4/0082 Level 4).

All students who graduate from Trifocus Fitness Academy are registered on the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPPSA). This means that all students who pass through our halls are in line for international health and fitness job opportunities. The sky is the limit with a sports administration qualification from Trifocus Fitness Academy!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course and join the exciting world of sports administration.

 

 

 

 

The post Sports Administrators Need to Know How To Manage the Finances of their Sports Club appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What Are the Skills of a Sports Administrator? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-administrator-skills/ Tue, 02 Oct 2018 13:41:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6208 To be an effective and on-the-ball sports administrator, you need to have a working knowledge of the administrative systems that go into running a sports or fitness organisation. This is because it’s your responsibility to ensure that all these run as they are supposed to in order for the facility to function. Managing and administrating...

The post What Are the Skills of a Sports Administrator? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
To be an effective and on-the-ball sports administrator, you need to have a working knowledge of the administrative systems that go into running a sports or fitness organisation. This is because it’s your responsibility to ensure that all these run as they are supposed to in order for the facility to function. Managing and administrating an office, which is the first contact people will have with your sporting organisation – is not as easy as you think! There are a number of vital skills that are necessary to make sure that the office in a sporting or fitness facility run smoothly.

A professional telephone manner

One of the key roles of an office administrator in a sporting facility is answering the phone. As mentioned above, the office of a sporting facility is the first place that someone will contact when he or she needs to make contact with the sporting organisation. This means that the office administrator always needs to have a professional and polite tone on the telephone. Even if they are having a bad day they cannot take it out on the people on the other side of the phone. If they do, they risk doing untold damage to your brand and, as a result, driving your customers to your competitors.

Super organisational skills

At one point or another, an office administrator at a sporting facility will need to perform diary management the sports administrator. From scheduling a flight for their sports team to get to their quarter final match to booking slots in the sports administrator’s diary for meetings to book the sporting venue, the office administrator needs to have all of these straight and make sure that they don’t get confused.

Out-of-this-world communication skills

The office administrator is the face of the sporting facility or venue. This means that they’ll be the first people that a visitor sees or they will be responsible for responding to general e-mail queries. This means that an office administrator’s verbal AND written communication skills need to be top-notch so that they do justice to your brand.

A keen eye for detail

An office administrator at a sporting facility will more than likely be required to perform data capturing duties. For example, he or she may be required to keep a database of sporting goods suppliers so that when it comes time to replace anything – from soccer balls to tennis nets and netball hoops – the office administrator can tell the sports administrator, at the click of a button, where they can find what they’re looking for.

The office administrator in a sporting facility is just one of the people, in the administrative team, who the sports administrator will have to manage. If this sounds extremely exciting to you, you should become a sports administrator!

Trifocus fitness academy sport administrator

How can I become a sports administrator?

Easy – by signing up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course, that’s how! This course will equip you with all the vital capabilities that you need to become the best sports administrator you can. Course modules include:

  • Apply administrative skills and knowledge in the sporting environment,
  • Apply professional values and ethics to the practise of sports, and
  • Explain what a ‘sports-related’ multi-disciplinary team is.

Follow this link to sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course.

Why choose Trifocus Fitness Academy to study sports administration?

Very simply that Trifocus Fitness Academy has a stellar reputation of providing high-quality and comprehensive training in both the sports and fitness industries. Our past students will back us up 100%!

In addition, our accreditations put us head and shoulders above the rest. Our Sports Administration Course is a skills course that is accredited with Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA ID FIT/CENTADM/4/0082 Level 4).

All of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s graduates are registered on the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPPSA). This means that all students who pass through our halls are in line for international health and fitness job opportunities. The sky is the limit!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course and see why you were made for a career in sports administration.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 Trifocus Fitness Academy Register button

The post What Are the Skills of a Sports Administrator? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Online Bootcamp Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/courses/online-bootcamp-course/ Mon, 01 Oct 2018 11:13:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?post_type=product&p=6186 Bootcamp classes are becoming the most popular fitness courses out there. Participants will get a super workout while reaping the benefits of being outdoors.

The post Online Bootcamp Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Bootcamp workouts can be quite different depending on their focus. They usually include an intensive mix of aerobic, strength training, and speed elements during each class session. One bootcamp workout may stress body weight exercises (calisthenics) while another might stress military-style drills.

Most of the time, you can expect to do calisthenics — such as pull-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges as well as crunches — together with drills and sprints. Some include particular resistance or strength training workouts.

A bootcamp workout is ultimately a kind of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — in other words bursts of intense activity that are alternated with intervals of lighter activity. A bootcamp workout also can include functional fitness, such as utilising whole-body, multijoint exercises that simulate movements people do in life.

Given the popularity of bootcamps there is a growing demand for bootcamp instructors. This is why doing an online bootcamp course is a great idea.

What is an Online Bootcamp Course?

The online boot camp course is a learning programme – which is given online – that teaches experienced fitness professionals about how to become a bootcamp instructor.

What Can You Do With The Online Bootcamp Course Qualification?

After you have completed the online bootcamp course you can become a bootcamp instructor. This qualification will enable you to deliver bootcamps in person as well as online.

What Does The Online Bootcamp Course Include?

Training as a bootcamp instructor involves mastery of several forms of plyometric (jump training) and interval training. These include the following:

  • Speed training (sprinting)
  • Squats
  • Squat thrusts
  • Lunges
  • Jumping jacks
  • Planks

You’ll also learn principles of motivation and encouragement, how to foster teamwork in a group and create an environment of camaraderie and cooperation. These are vital skills to the success of everyone in the bootcamp group, as you will all be together over a period of weeks.

The online bootcamp course includes the following modules:

  • Bootcamp drills (periodisation within the timeframes of bootcamps)
  • Bootcamp set-up
  • Case studies
  • Group instruction
  • Instructor communication tips and skills
  • Practicals

The post Online Bootcamp Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Who Hires Sports Managers? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/who-hires-sports-managers/ Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:19:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=6019 With national pride being at an all-time-high, with no sign of falling, sports managers are in high demand. Why? Because they are the people who get the sports people out in front of the crowds, who make sure that the stadiums are packed to capacity. If there were no sports managers, sporting superstars wouldn’t exist...

The post Who Hires Sports Managers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
With national pride being at an all-time-high, with no sign of falling, sports managers are in high demand. Why? Because they are the people who get the sports people out in front of the crowds, who make sure that the stadiums are packed to capacity. If there were no sports managers, sporting superstars wouldn’t exist – they would just be people who played a certain type of sport very well. Sports managers are not in the public eye as, for example, the sports coach is. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to promote the athlete or team’s success.

Where do sports managers get jobs?

Educational institutions

A very lucrative option for sports managers is as an athletics director at an educational institution, for example, a junior school, high school or university. More than anything else, their responsibility is making sure that sporting activities – such as athletics meets and the like – run smoothly. In addition, another big part of their job is running with the budgets and finances for the sporting department. So if being instrumental in moulding young sporting talent is something that you want to do, apply for a job as an athletics director.

Individual athletes

Another great career for a sports manager is as a sports agent. More often than not, they will work for an individual sports person and will be responsible for getting him or her lucrative contracts and endorsement deals.
Leigh Steinberg, who is seen to be one of the greatest sports agents in modern history, sums up the job of a sports agent:

“The job of representing athletes doesn’t work unless agents see themselves as stewards of the Sport. The focus needs to be on building brand, raising popularity and interests and creatively exploring every ancillary revenue stream and possibility.”

Sports marketing agencies

As someone who has an intimate knowledge of sports as well as the business behind sports, becoming a sports marketer is a job that will fit you, a sports management graduate, like a glove. This is because for a marketer to be truly successful in promoting a brand, they need to know their brand inside and out so that their promotions fit what the brand stands for.

And don’t think that a job as a sports marketer is boring… While your title may be ‘sports marketer’ you’ll get exposure to everything from writing press releases for your chosen athlete or sports team to making sure that he or she has a stellar digital marketing campaign to promote their brand. You’ll become extremely versatile in the sporting field.

How do I become a sports manager?

In order to follow any of the careers we’ve mentioned above, we recommend that you become a world-class sports manager. The only way to do this is by pursuing Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Certification.

Why do we say this?

Well, for starters, this premier sports management course will give you the best grounding ever in sports management. Course modules include:

• The ins and outs of managing the sporting environment, including developing organisational structures for sporting activities as well as how to manage finances in the sporting environment.
• How to respond to your athlete’s personal development needs.
• The golden rules of communication that all sports managers need to know.
• How to cultivate ethical behaviour in a sports environment.
• What impact does HIV/Aids have in the sporting environment.
• How to integrate people, who are suffering from disabilities, into sports.
• What the impact of HR is on the sporting environment.
• How to manage and administer a sporting tournament, both from an events and sporting point of view.
• Marketing your sporting events to potential ticket holders.

Our Sports Management Certification is highly acclaimed. This certification is accredited through the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA ID 60309 Level 5).

In addition, Trifocus Fitness Academy itself is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPPSA). Every student who graduates with us, armed with a sports management certification, gets listed on this prestigious database of exercise professionals. You’ll be able to work anywhere in the world with your sports management qualification!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

What are you waiting for? Sign up today for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Certification and take you career as a sports manager to the stars.

Register button

The post Who Hires Sports Managers? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is the Difference between Sports Management and Sports Administration? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/differences-between-sports-management-sport-admin/ Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:10:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=5688 In the field of sports, the fields of sports management and sports administration are closely related. And, sometimes, they can be confused with each other. Although these two professions do work hand in hand, there are some fundamental differences between them. You NEED to know about these variations as these will help you to choose...

The post What is the Difference between Sports Management and Sports Administration? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
In the field of sports, the fields of sports management and sports administration are closely related. And, sometimes, they can be confused with each other. Although these two professions do work hand in hand, there are some fundamental differences between them. You NEED to know about these variations as these will help you to choose which sporting career path you want to follow. Let’s have a look at the differences between sports management and sports administration.

Sports management vs sports administration

What does a sports manager do?

A sports manager, as the term suggests, manages the business of sports. He or she will manage players’ contracts, marketing and finances of the individual player or team. They are business people involved in sports and are responsible for making sure that the careers of the different sportsmen and -women and/or team are incredibly successful.

Denise Stern, in her article entitled Job Description of a Sports Manager, agrees:

“Sports managers lead diverse and active lives and perform valuable jobs, from the youth sports levels to professional athletes. The job description for a sports manager can be simple or complicated, depending on where you’re located, your school or sports organization size, and your own goals. Understanding the basic duties of a sports manager may help you decide whether this is a field you’d like to enter.”

What does a sports administrator do?

While the job of a sports administrator is focused on the business side of sports, a sports administrator focuses on the daily life of the sports player or team. In other words, sports administrators are intimately involved with maintaining the health and well-being of their athletes, from an administrative point of view.

Mark Burns, Fellow with Sports Symposium, Inc., lists a number of jobs that you can walk into with a qualification is sports administration:

  • Athletic director
  • General manger
  • Associate director of marketing
  • Assistant director of facilities
  • Director of youth sports
  • Media relations director
  • Advertising sales representative
  • Guest service manager
  • Vice president of finance/accounting
  • Ticket manager
  • Special event promotions manger
  • Tournament planner
  • Sports information director
  • Customer relations director

So what career is for you?

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we offer superior qualifications in both sports management and sports administration.

In our sports management qualification, the modules are:

  • What communication skills a sports manager needs to have
  • What ethical behaviour and discipline needs to be present in a sporting environment
  • How to manage players, who suffer from disabilities, in a sporting environment
  • How to manage the sporting environment
  • How to manage HR in sports
  • How to manage HIV and AIDS in sports
  • Learn how to manage and administer sporting tournaments
  • Discover the art of personal developmental training
  • Define safety and security in your sporting event
  • Learn about sports and fitness marketing

To learn more about this course, and to register, follow this link.

Our Sports Administration Course will equip you with all the fundamental skills that you need to become the best sports administrator you can. Course modules include:

  • Apply administrative skills and knowledge

This involves plotting out a comprehensive business plan as well as operational and finance procedures.

  • Apply professional values and ethics

Here you’ll learn about how professional ethics and values need to be applied in your sporting organisation.

  • Explain what a ‘sports-related’ multi-disciplinary team is

Demonstrate the knowledge that is required to run a sporting facility so that you are clued up on legal and ethical business practices.

Follow this link to sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course.

Why choose Trifocus Fitness Academy?

Very simply, Trifocus has a stellar reputation of providing high-quality and comprehensive training in both the sports and fitness industries. Our past students will back us up 100%!

In addition, our accreditations which put us head and shoulders above the rest. For example our Sports Management Certification is accredited by the  Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)  and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA ID 60309 Level 5). Our Sports Administration Course is a skills course that is accredited with CATHSSETA ID FIT/CENTADM/4/0082 Level 4.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

All of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s graduates are registered on the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPPSA). This means that all students who pass through our halls are in line for international health and fitness job opportunities.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Certification or Sports Administration Course!

sport coach registration button

 

The post What is the Difference between Sports Management and Sports Administration? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Is Having a Six-Pack the Same as Having a Strong Core? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/six-pack-vs-strong-core/ Tue, 11 Sep 2018 09:33:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=5531 Nothing looks better, on a beach, than a well-toned set of abdominals – or a six pack if you prefer. Many would turn around and say that a person who has a good six pack has a strong core. However, if this is true it doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has a strong...

The post Is Having a Six-Pack the Same as Having a Strong Core? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nothing looks better, on a beach, than a well-toned set of abdominals – or a six pack if you prefer. Many would turn around and say that a person who has a good six pack has a strong core. However, if this is true it doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has a strong core. Here’s why.

Six pack vs strong core

What is a ‘six pack’?

Your abdomen is made up of a number of muscles. These are:

  • Transversus abdominis
  • Rectus abdominis
  • External obliques
  • Internal obliques

It is the rectus abdominis, says fitness veteran Andrea Cespedes, which plays an integral part in the formation of a six pack:

“In every person, a strong tendon separates the right and left sides of the rectus abdominis and three tendon creases segment it horizontally. When you’re lean enough to have these separations show, you’re said to have six-pack abs.”

What does it mean to have a strong core?

 Contrary to popular belief, having a six pack – or a flat-looking stomach – doesn’t mean that you necessarily have a strong core. Having a strong core means that all of your abdominal muscles – in other words your external obliques, internal obliques, transversus abdominus IN ADDITION TO your rectus abdominis – are super strong.

Exercises to strengthen your core

Pilates is a great way for you to strengthen your core. (Our recommendation is that if you want to embark on your Pilates journey, you need to choose a teacher who has a certificate in teaching Pilates from Trifocus Fitness Academy. To find out more about this dynamic Pilates teacher-training course, follow this link.) There are a number of exercises that we recommend you start with before you progress to more advanced moves.

The hundred

 This is a foundational Pilates exercise which helps the student to coordinate their breath and gives their abdominal muscles a great workout. Blood circulation is also improved greatly with this exercise.

How to do it

 Lie on your back on the mat. Put your legs into table top with your feet flexed. Your arms must be extended on the mat with your palms facing down.

Inhale to prepare and as you exhale lift your head and shoulders off the mat as well as your arms so that they are level with your shoulders. Extend your legs as low as possible while keeping your lumbar spine in neutral. (If you feel any tension in your neck, rest your head on a pillow.)

For five counts pulse your arms vertically in time with your breath as you inhale. Repeat this action as you exhale. Repeat for 10 sets of 10 pulses.

Single leg stretch

Lie on your back on a mat. Your legs must be in table top. Rest your hands on either side of your knees and lift your head off the mat. Lift your upper body up towards your breast bone. (As with the hundred, if you find that keeping your head lifted off the floor is too painful, rest your head on a pillow.)

Inhale to prepare and as you exhale, keep your abdominals contracted and extend your right leg forward. Rest your hands on your left knee. Inhale and switch legs. Repeat the movement as many times as you need to.

Single leg circles

 As with the previous two exercises lie on your back, on a mat. Your arms must be extended at your sides with the palms of your hands facing downwards. Ensure that your neck and head are in a neutral position.

Inhale, bend one of your legs and gently extend it straight up towards the ceiling. Exhale and circle it over the centre of your body. While you are doing this ensure that your hips don’t rock and you maintain your abdominal contraction. Circle this leg in one direction for five counts and then reverse the motion for five counts. Bend this leg and return to your starting position. Repeat with the other leg.

Benefits of strong core muscles

A strong core helps with balance

Balance is not just important for acrobats to have. Everyone needs a good sense of balance to assist them in their everyday functioning. Fitness and health coach, Chris Freytag, explains  more:

“Kinesthetic awareness, or the ability to know where your body parts are in three-dimensional space, is required for every movement we make. So it’s not surprising that balance can be learned, challenged, and improved.

A well-trained core helps in alleviating lower back pain and improving posture

It’s been proven that people who don’t have a strong core are more at risk for lower back pain and/or poor posture. Why? Because if a person’s abdominal muscles are not strong they could end up straining their lower back because the core is not functioning to keep the person upright. Hence the lower back ends up doing most of the work. Poor posture will result because the person will end up with a rounded back because their core muscles are not playing their part in keeping the person upright.

A great Pilates exercise to do that will strengthen your lower back is the Basic Mat Pelvic Lift. This is how you perform this exercise:

  • Lie on your back. Make sure that your arms are relaxed on either side of your body. The palms of your hands must be facing down. Your legs must be bent with the feet facing forwards.
  • Inhale to prepare and connect your abdominals.
  • As you exhale, pull into your abdominal muscles and slowly lift your torso off the mat one vertebra at a time. When you reach the pinnacle of the exercise, squeeze your glutes.
  • Inhale and hold the pose.
  • Exhale and slowly return your torso to the mat and feel each vertebra articulate onto the mat.

To watch a demonstration of this exercise, follow this link.

Good core strength can help you reach your fitness goals

 In every single type of exercise – be it weight-lifting, spinning or water aerobics – core strength is vital as it helps you maintain the correct form. For example, in spinning when you perform running sprints out of the saddle a strong core helps you keep a good posture and get the most out of the exercise. If you didn’t have the benefit of a strong core, there is a very good chance that you could injure yourself badly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to take your Pilates practice further and teach others how to perform these very beneficial exercises, why don’t you sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Pilates course. Armed with this qualification, you’ll be able to take your career in fitness to new heights.

Trifocus Pilates course registration button

 

The post Is Having a Six-Pack the Same as Having a Strong Core? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why You Should Become a Sports Conditioning Coach https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/become-sports-conditioning-coach/ Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:16:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=5318 There are many, many people who are involved in ensuring that a professional athlete is successful in his or her chosen sports discipline. Among these people are a manager, nutritionist and – most importantly – a sports conditioning coach. But before you decide to enrol in the next sports conditioning course you see, you need...

The post Why You Should Become a Sports Conditioning Coach appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are many, many people who are involved in ensuring that a professional athlete is successful in his or her chosen sports discipline. Among these people are a manager, nutritionist and – most importantly – a sports conditioning coach. But before you decide to enrol in the next sports conditioning course you see, you need to ask yourself if you really are cut out to be a sports conditioning coach.

If you run a fitness business, or are looking to start, you may find that techniques enhancing your customers’ strength, speed and power are a valuable addition to the programmes you provide. This is why so many trainers incorporate sports conditioning exercises in their routines. Whether you run a private fitness facility or are looking to become a sports coach, sports conditioning will help you to improve the stamina and strength-building potential of your clients. Here are the top reasons to become a sports conditioning coach and make a success of your fitness business.

What is Sports Conditioning?

Sports conditioning involves physical fitness programmes that have two main aims: to improve athletic performance and to prevent athletic injuries. Just as no two athletes are the same, no two sports conditioning programmes are the same. Each programme will depend on the athlete’s age, skill level, sport, and personal preference. As a result, a sports conditioning coach must have a deep understanding of each clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and personal athletic goals.

Preventing injuries is a crucial component of sports conditioning. A sport conditioning coach will focus on eliminating muscle imbalances, addressing flexibility issues, and strengthening tendons and ligaments, in order to prevent the risk of injury. This can be beneficial to every type of athlete, whether amateur or professional. In addition, sports conditioning helps athletes to improve the following:

  • Their performance
  • Overall strength
  • Speed, agility and gait
  • Power through strength and plyometrics
  • Confidence

Why specialise in sports conditioning?

Becoming a sports conditioning coach will give your fitness business an edge. Not only will you have a wide range of athletes to work with across multiple disciplines, but you will always have work.  Sports conditioning is needed by athletes throughout the year, so whether it’s in season or off-season, you will be guaranteed business. In addition, if you offer this kind of training, you will ensure that all your athletes perform better and with more confidence.

How does it benefit your athletes?

Sports conditioning has profound benefits for athletes who undertake it. First, building strength and power increases your speed and agility. If your athletes can improve their speed and power, they will achieve better overall results in their sport. Also, building strength limits the likelihood that athletes will sustain injuries during physical activity, training and matches. In other words, your team will be in peak condition each time they perform. If your athletes do sustain injuries, which is likely to happen at least once in their careers, your training will enable them to recover quicker.

What do sports conditioning coaches do?

A sports conditioning coach is responsible for ensuring that their athlete’s sporting performance is nothing short of superb. They’ve go to make sure that their athlete is the best at what they do.

Specifically, this entails:

  • Creating training schedules or entire athletic programmes for their athletes
  • Devising goals for the season
  • Designing cardio and weight routines to assist the athletes in achieving these goals

How well do you know your chosen sport?

As sports conditioning coaches have to develop gym routines to allow their athletes to succeed in their particular sporting discipline, the coach themselves needs to be an expert in this sport. So if you decide to enroll in a sports conditioning course, you need to be an expert in the sport you are going to coach.

You need to be passionate about helping others succeed

A sports conditioning coach needs to be passionate about helping his or her athletes succeed in their particular sport. This needs to be their sole focus. If it isn’t the athlete won’t have much chance of winning in their chosen field.

So, if you feel that your life’s ambition is to become a sports conditioning coach, there are a few things that you need to look at in terms of the sports conditioning course that you decide to sign up for.

The sports conditioning course need to be extremely thorough

To become a sports conditioning coach, you will need to undergo specialised training. This is because it needs to be properly understood and approached with professional care in order to get it right, avoid injuries and to achieve measurable results. To this end, it is crucial for those looking to gain this qualification, to study a course that not only provides the necessary knowledge, but also awards local and international accreditation.

The sports conditioning course that you decide to pursue must cover everything that you need to know in order to become the absolute best sports conditioning coach you can! Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Conditioning Course is one such fitness qualification. On it, you’ll learn how to:

  • Collect information about your athlete and what their chosen sporting event is
  • Analyse and break down your athlete’s sporting activities looking at the fitness and conditioning aspect
  • Use a range of sport-specific training methods to ensure that your athlete has the best chance of success
  • Plan appropriate conditioning activities for athletes who take part in sporting events.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg! Follow this link to find out more about this sports conditioning course.

Trifocus Fitness academy - sports conditioning coach

Your sports conditioning course must be accredited

All of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s fitness courses are accredited through CATHSSETA, which means that when you graduate with this Sports Conditioning Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy, you’ll be on the fast track to success!

The fitness college you choose must offer flexible learning

These days so many people are at the mercy of the economy. They find themselves working two and even three jobs to keep up with the economic pressures that everyday life puts on them.

We, at Trifocus Fitness Academy, understand this which is why we offer our fitness courses online. This means that you will be able to fit your learning into your own schedule – all you need is a stable Internet connection.

Our student portal has many interactive slides and videos which will engage you and make your learning journey come alive.

Student support when you need it

Distance learning can be quite a lonely and isolating experience. Our student support – which is available via phone or e-mail – is on hand to answer any question you may have about your study material and help you succeed.

How it can add to your business?

If you are running a fitness business, offering sports conditioning will add to an attractive repertoire of programmes that you can offer your clients. Those athletes looking specifically for sports conditioning will be more likely to try your training and any other training that you may offer. Sports conditioning will always be a relevant and valuable offering, so adding it to your arsenal will only bring you more business. With all the benefits that it provides, you are bound to attract athletes of every skill level, age and ability.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So what are you waiting for? If you know that you want to become a sports conditioning course, sign up for this premier sports conditioning course from Trifocus Fitness Academy. Follow this link to leave us your details and one of our friendly and efficient sales consultants will be in touch shortly.

sport coach registration button

The post Why You Should Become a Sports Conditioning Coach appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is it Vital to Have a Strong Core? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/vital-have-strong-core/ Tue, 04 Sep 2018 10:15:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=5264 Having a great set of washboard abdominals is more than just about looking good in a bathing suit. Yes, you will make a big impression on the beach with a six pack but a strong core will help you in other aspects of your life too. Benefits of strong core muscles A strong core helps...

The post Why is it Vital to Have a Strong Core? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Having a great set of washboard abdominals is more than just about looking good in a bathing suit. Yes, you will make a big impression on the beach with a six pack but a strong core will help you in other aspects of your life too.

Benefits of strong core muscles

A strong core helps with balance

Balance is not just important for acrobats to have. Everyone needs a good sense of balance to assist them in their everyday functioning. Fitness and health coach, Chris Freytag, explains  more:

“Kinesthetic awareness, or the ability to know where your body parts are in three-dimensional space, is required for every movement we make. So it’s not surprising that balance can be learned, challenged, and improved.

“The agility and strength that comes with learning good balance helps us move smoothly and confidently every day, whether we are doing sports, playing with the kids, chasing down a taxi, or simply walking up the stairs. A good sense of balance and a strong awareness of where your body is in relation to the things around you can help you react quickly and prevent injuries and accidents.”

strong core

A well-trained core helps in alleviating lower back pain and improving posture

It’s been proven that people who don’t have a strong core are more at risk for lower back pain and/or poor posture. Why? Because if a person’s abdominal muscles are not strong they could end up straining their lower back because the core is not functioning to keep the person upright. Hence the lower back ends up doing most of the work. Poor posture will result because the person will end up with a rounded back because their core muscles are not playing their part in keeping the person upright.

A great Pilates exercise to do that will strengthen your lower back is the Basic Mat Pelvic Lift. This is how you perform this exercise:

  • Lie on your back. Make sure that your arms are relaxed on either side of your body. The palms of your hands must be facing down. Your legs must be bent with the feet facing forwards.
  • Inhale to prepare and connect your abdominals.
  • As you exhale, pull into your abdominal muscles and slowly lift your torso off the mat one vertebra at a time. When you reach the pinnacle of the exercise, squeeze your glutes.
  • Inhale and hold the pose.
  • Exhale and slowly return your torso to the mat and feel each vertebra articulate onto the mat.

To watch a demonstration of this exercise, follow this link.

Good core strength can help you reach your fitness goals

 In every single type of exercise – be it weight-lifting, spinning or water aerobics – core strength is vital as it helps you maintain the correct form. For example, in spinning when you perform running sprints out of the saddle a strong core helps you keep a good posture and get the most out of the exercise. If you didn’t have the benefit of a strong core, there is a very good chance that you could injure yourself badly.

One of the fundamental jobs of a Pilates teacher is to assist their students to develop a strong core. Trifocus Fitness Academy comprehensive Pilates certification is the perfect course to assist aspiring Pilates instructors to gain a good knowledge of Pilates. On this course you’ll learn about the various pieces of equipment that Pilates teachers have at their disposal, such as the basic ball and mat to the more advanced reformer, Cadillac and chair. You’ll also learn that the practice of Pilates is not about just getting a super core. It’s also about getting a full body workout with exercises such as the one-leg kick for your legs and the swimming exercise for your back muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So if you’re passionate about Pilates and want to make teaching it to other Pilates aficionados, your career, get started with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s condensed Pilates course . When you sign up with us, you’ll enjoy umpteen benefits such as flexible learning (which you’ll get from our online learning system), a qualification that is fully accredited as well as a truly interactive and beneficial learning experience. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!

The post Why is it Vital to Have a Strong Core? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Training and Nutrition: Two Sides of the Same Coin https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/training-and-nutrition-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/training-and-nutrition-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/#respond Wed, 27 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/training-and-nutrition-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/ When it comes to self-improvement and exercise, there are two very important factors to consider. Each of these plays a crucial role in enabling the other. These two factors are correctly conducted and stimulated training as well as following a beneficial eating plan. This regime will allow you to take in the essential nutrients needed to engage...

The post Training and Nutrition: Two Sides of the Same Coin appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to self-improvement and exercise, there are two very important factors to consider. Each of these plays a crucial role in enabling the other. These two factors are correctly conducted and stimulated training as well as following a beneficial eating plan. This regime will allow you to take in the essential nutrients needed to engage and benefit from your exercise and workouts.

In this day and age, many people are content to supplement one for the other. This is because of time constraints, low energy levels or just simple laziness. It is no secret that when a well-thought-out exercise routine is combined with a healthy eating plan the results are all the more effective.

Fitness and Nutrition relationship for self-improvement

Training and Forming a Well-Balanced Diet go Hand in Hand

Trifocus - training and nutrition

Instead of simply opting for diet plans that cut out what is bad for you, concentrate on those programmes that give your body what it needs. Hire professionals who can design a meal plan for you. This programme should take into account the needs put on your body by your lifestyle and exercise routine. Says Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD  – “Nutrition is far more involved than calories in versus calories out” – which is why it’s so important to get good advice.

With a balanced diet, you will be able to provide your body with the fuel it needs without putting it under pressure of starvation which can be damaging to your metabolism or may hamper your performance on a day-to-day basis. Even with a strict diet that gives you your daily recommended calorie intake and that works with your exercise plan, drink plenty of water daily and eat several small meals throughout the day.

How to Combine Training with Diet

The best results are generally seen when you combine a beneficial diet with a rigorous exercise and training routine. Providing your body with the fuel that it needs is all fine and well but you need to give it the opportunity to push itself and to put its nutrition stores to good use.

Make time during the day to find time for exercising that best suits you and your schedule. Make it a habit you enjoy . Whether you are running, weightlifting or climbing combining a strict diet and a rigorous exercise routine will leave you looking and feeling healthier with each session.

Why having a certification in nutrition can improve your life

Trifocus - nutrition certification

Knowledge is power. And when it comes to your nutrition, this is absolutely true. An an understanding of comprehensive nutrition is a powerful way to improve your lifestyle. With a Nutrition Certification you’ll learn the “how” and “why” of choosing certain foods and eating them in the correct quantities. Here are five ways that having comprehensive nutritional knowledge can improve your life.

You make food choices that suit your individual needs

Some people can’t get their day started without breakfast; others get queasy thinking about scrambled eggs any time before 11am… The point is, we all have different dietary needs and preferences. And when you’re armed with a Nutrition certification, you can make choices and decisions that suit your specific needs and preferences. This means you’re more likely to enjoy your food as well as your diet.

You know how to read food labels

Once you’ve studied nutrition, you’re able to read food labels properly and understand what each product does for you. This means you’re more informed about what to buy, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Janet Renee agrees: “A healthy diet is crucial throughout your lifetime and paying attention to nutrition labels is a good step toward improving your overall diet.”

You make healthier food choices

When you understand what you need to eat, and are able to read food labels correctly, you start making healthier food choices. You suddenly see which foods contain additives, sugars and salts. Since diet plays such a critical role in the maintenance of overall good health, it’s easy to see why comprehensive nutritional knowledge is so empowering.

Trifocus - eating habits; food choices

You lower your risk of disease

It’s no secret that eating a healthy diet is one way to prevent disease (and improve your health overall!). Experts from Harvard say that some of the diseases that can be prevented with a good diet include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. So when you’re armed with a Nutrition Certification, you can really maximise disease prevention. You’ll understand which foods have the nutrients required to prevent these dreaded diseases.

Your self esteem improves

It’s like magic – the self esteem boost you get from knowing you’re eating properly and you – perhaps – have a certificate in nutrition. And that you’re healthier for it.  There’s nothing more attractive than self-confidence!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to expand your knowledge of physical fitness and planning nutritious eating plans, be sure to contact one of our consultants at Trifocus Fitness Academy for more details on the various professional courses we have on offer. We are waiting for your call!

There’s never been a better time to invest in yourself – and more specifically, to empower yourself with nutritional knowledge. At Trifocus Fitness Academy, you can complete a Specialised Nutrition Certification, and benefit from your new expertise.

Trifocus specialised nutrition course registration

 

The post Training and Nutrition: Two Sides of the Same Coin appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/training-and-nutrition-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/feed/ 0
6 Ways To Become a More Effective Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-ways-become-effective-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-ways-become-effective-personal-trainer/#respond Fri, 22 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/6-ways-become-effective-personal-trainer/ Think about it: What do clients want from their personal trainer? In a nutshell, they want their trainer to be effective. To get results. To help them achieve fitness or weight loss, or the summer body they want to have. Being a effective personal trainer 1. Be super-educated about your sport Effective personal trainers are...

The post 6 Ways To Become a More Effective Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Think about it: What do clients want from their personal trainer? In a nutshell, they want their trainer to be effective. To get results. To help them achieve fitness or weight loss, or the summer body they want to have.

Being a effective personal trainer

1. Be super-educated about your sport

Effective personal trainers are knowledgeable about fitness, exercise, muscles and nutrition. They have to be – otherwise their clients wouldn’t be able to trust them, right? And he’d put their health at risk, too…
So invest in yourself. Make sure you get the best personal training, on an ongoing basis. Stay on top of the latest best practices. Always hone and refine your own skills.

2. Get results

Can you say, honestly, that you can see tangible results in your clients? Are they losing weight, losing centimeters and dropping pant sizes? Are they fitter and faster?

If not, then you’re not really a very effective personal trainer.

Be sure to track and record your clients’ individual progress so that it’s easy for you to justify their commitment to you. And it proves just how effective you are!

3. Embody a good attitude

Your attitude, in general, is of paramount importance.

You may be faced with a difficult client, for example. if your attitude is professional and assertive, you’ll be able to resolve any troubles quickly and effectively.

4. Be self-motivated and make sure you’re a master motivator in your own right too

You cannot inspire or motivate others to exercise and eat well if you’re not passionate about these things yourself. Make sure you are always motivated to be fitter, stronger, leaner and better in your own right. This in turn will motivate your clients, making your job a little easier.

But don’t stop there. Take the time to figure out what motivates each client. Connect with each client, create trust and rapport.

5. Make sure you have excellent communications skills

You have to not only explain exercise movements to your clients so they perform them correctly. You also have to engage your clients so they’re interested, stimulated and so they feel valued.

If you’re a good communicator, these things will come easily to you, and you’ll be a fabulous personal trainer. If you’re not a natural communicator, invest in training to learn the skills you need.

Personal trainer, Kim Ingleby, agrees: “Every person is different, so finding out what makes them tick: their goals, dreams, fears, limitations and lifestlye is key to helping them make the changes they want.

“Work with their lifestyle and support them with their mental and physical changes while being mindful of the difference between what is normal for you and what is normal for them.”

 6. Be creative and proactive in solving problems

Life is seldom smooth sailing, for you or your clients. The air conditioner stops working in the gym. Or the traffic on the highway is at a stand-still, and you can’t get to the gym on time. Or your client is booked off with an injury…

What sets a great trainer apart from the rest is that he has a Plan B (and a Plan C) for all sorts of mishaps and “unforeseen” situations. This means he can solve the problem quickly and efficiently. He’ll set up fans in the aircon-less gym. He’ll call clients and re-schedule a make-up group class. And he’ll create a specalised workout plan that takes the client’s injury into account.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s highly specialised personal training qualifications – both the certification and the diploma – will make you into the best personal trainer you can be!

Register button PT

The post 6 Ways To Become a More Effective Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-ways-become-effective-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
A Guide to Calorie-Burning Exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/calorie-burning-exercises/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/calorie-burning-exercises/#respond Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/calorie-burning-exercises/ Let’s face it: we’ve all fallen into the trap of reaching for the phone and ordering a take-away pizza or hamburger. But what we don’t think of – when we’re placing that all-important order – is how long it will take to work off what we’ve just eaten? What are the best calorie-burning exercises? Before...

The post A Guide to Calorie-Burning Exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Let’s face it: we’ve all fallen into the trap of reaching for the phone and ordering a take-away pizza or hamburger. But what we don’t think of – when we’re placing that all-important order – is how long it will take to work off what we’ve just eaten? What are the best calorie-burning exercises?

Before you can start tapping away at your calculator to work out how best to spend your time at the gym, you first have to find out how your weight is the more you weigh the more calories you’ll burn. So a person weighing 73kg doing high-impact aerobics will burn 533 calories an hour while a person weighing in at 109kg doing the same activity will burn 796 calories.

Intensive cardio workouts are better for losing weight

More sedate workouts – such as tai chi or yoga – don’t burn very many calories at all: calories burned range between around 180 calories to the lower 400 mark, depending on what your starting weight is.  However, when you up the cardiovascular intensity with, for example vigorous walking, the calories you burn increase immensely. They go up even further when you consider workouts such as aerobics.

Trifocus - calorie-burning exercises

How do I get the best out of my cardio workout?

To get the best out of your cardio workout – and to make sure that those junk food excursions don’t pack on the pounds– experts recommend that you follow a number of tips:

1. Don’t pound away at the treadmill for hours

When you perform an exercise repeatedly, your body adapts to it and – very soon – you won’t see the benefits you’re supposed to be getting from that particular workout. So, instead of spending an hour on the treadmill why not mix up your training and spend between 10 and 15 minutes training on other cardiovascular machines such as the step machine or stationary bicycle. These are guaranteed to be calorie-burning exercises!

2. Do the exercise right

Checking your form when you do your cardio will not only prevent injury but will also make sure that you get the most of your workout. For example, in a spinning class if your handle bars aren’t adjusted correctly – in other words they are too high or too low; you run the risk of developing neck, shoulder or hand pain.

3. Workout on an empty stomach

If you really want to burn fat, and make all your workouts calorie-burning exercises; you need to burn what’s in your glycogen stores. This means that you’ll need to do your cardio on an empty stomach; alternatively, just after you’ve done your weight training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

This is just a glimpse of what the world of personal training can help you – and others – with! In Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, you’ll learn more about how to maximise workouts – and that’s just the beginning.

Register button PT

The post A Guide to Calorie-Burning Exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/calorie-burning-exercises/feed/ 0
Reasons Why Walking Is Better Than Running https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-walking-is-better-than-running/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-walking-is-better-than-running/#respond Tue, 12 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-walking-is-better-than-running/ Aerobic cardiovascular exercise, like running, is a winner for a lot reasons: It’s an excellent way to lose weight and boost your energy levels. It beats down diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It controls your blood pressure and tackles stress. And done right, it leaves you feeling exhilarated and content! The thing is,...

The post Reasons Why Walking Is Better Than Running appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Aerobic cardiovascular exercise, like running, is a winner for a lot reasons: It’s an excellent way to lose weight and boost your energy levels. It beats down diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It controls your blood pressure and tackles stress. And done right, it leaves you feeling exhilarated and content! The thing is, running isn’t always the best choice of cardio exercise. Sometimes, walking is even better.  Here’s why.

Benefits of walking

Walking doesn’t damage your joints the way running can

Running is a high-impact exercise, and one that puts your body under stress. This means you’re at greater risk of stress- or trauma-related injuries.  If you walk, on the other hand, it doesn’t cause the same physical impact to your joints, but it still gives you a great workout.

Walking doesn’t push your heart too far

Running too hard, for too long, can damage your heart. And there’s a lot of science to prove this. If you walk, your heart isn’t taxed as much.

Trifocus -walking

Walking burns fat

When you run, your body needs to burn through the most accessible energy stores, fast. It usually burns carbohydrates first, to get the quick-release energy it needs.  When you walk, if you do so at the right intensity and for the right duration, your body will burn through its fat stores. It’s easy to wear ankle or wrist weights and make the walk a little tougher, if needed. This means that, as long as you’re on a healthy, balanced low-carb diet, you can lose weight by walking.

The caveat here is: You really have to exert yourself. A moderate walk around the block won’t activate your body’s fat-burning systems. You need to walk at a brisk pace, for more than 30 minutes (and perhaps throw in an incline or too), to really burn fat.

Walking offers you the same health benefits as running

Walking is a body-weight exercise. This means it will boost your bone density, helping you fend off conditions like osteoporosis, and avoid injuries. It also strengthens muscles and encourages muscle growth (and the more muscle you have, the more fat you burn).

What’s more, walking is excellent for your circulation, improving your wellness by driving fresh oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to your body (and removing toxins too).

Walking has been proven to prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol too.
So what are you waiting for? Invest in a good pair of running shoes, and get walking!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you have a passion for exercise, for wellness and for a healthy lifestyle, consider a career as a personal trainer. It’ll allow you to indulge this passion, and pursue a rewarding, fulfilling career in an industry that’s growing fast. Check out the Personal Training Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy today.

Register button PT

The post Reasons Why Walking Is Better Than Running appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-walking-is-better-than-running/feed/ 0
What To Expect When You’re Booked Off With An Injury https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/booked-off-injury/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/booked-off-injury/#respond Fri, 08 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/booked-off-injury/ If you’re an active individual, one who’s committed to his sport or exercise, then an injury is much more than a sore muscle or a bruise. The road to recovery may turn into something dark, winding and very lonely. Here’s what to expect after an injury, and how to deal with it proactively. You’ll experience...

The post What To Expect When You’re Booked Off With An Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you’re an active individual, one who’s committed to his sport or exercise, then an injury is much more than a sore muscle or a bruise. The road to recovery may turn into something dark, winding and very lonely.

Here’s what to expect after an injury, and how to deal with it proactively.

You’ll experience pain and discomfort:

A training injury may take some time to recover, and may involve rehabilitative therapy. Be prepared to experience some pain, to heal (no pain, no gain, right?). Be an active participant in the process: do the exercises your therapist prescribes, and rest when you should. Know that the pain will pass, but find out about alternative methods for pain management, like acupuncture, massage, Reflexology, etc.

You feel like your health is suffering:

If your sense of good health is very closely tied to your exercise, then you may end up feeling like a torn tendon is going to be the death of you. Keep your sense of perspective: An injury is just that – an injury. It’s not the end of your good health. You can still eat healthily, and perhaps even do a bit of light exercise, until you’ve recovered. Speak to your doctor or trainer about other forms of sport or exercise that are safe for you during the recovery period.

And hey, the enforced downtime may actually do you much more good than you expected, since it will give all your muscles a chance to rest.

You lose your sense of identity and your self esteem takes a knock:

Many of us are defined as individuals according to our hobbies. Also, we feel better about ourselves (more attractive, athletic, capable, etc.) when we exercise regularly. So when an injury takes you out of action, you may feel unattractive and out of place.

This is normal. So roll with it. Expect to feel a little sad, and give yourself some space to adjust. Find new ways to feel good – take up a new hobby, or make plans with friends and family. Stay positive, since there’s a proven link between state of mind and physical health. Says Kathleen Bullbrook – BNurs BPsych(Hons) MClinPsych Candidate –health incorporates the physical and mental, so if either of these are out of balance (for example, you’ve been booked off with an injury) you’ll feel the effects in your state of mind.

If you find yourself feeling very depressed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your support networks, or get professional help. Don’t shoulder the emotional burden alone!

sports injury

You fear re-injury and this fear gets you down:

Coaches and trainers will testify that this fear – perhaps more so than the injury itself – is what prevents an individual from fully engaging with his sport or exercise. It’s a normal fear. But don’t let it stop you. If you’re having doubts about your abilities or capabilities, get a friend to train with you or hire an experienced trainer to guide you. You can also picture your goals as rungs on a ladder; rather than trying to accomplish the goals at the very top of the ladder, tackle each smaller goal in succession. This way, you’ll slowly and steadily build up your sense of capability.

A training injury doesn’t have to be the worst thing that ever happened to you. It may force you to take some much needed time off, or it’ll force you to train differently (which may take your endurance and strength to places you never imagined). it may also force you to take up a new sport or hobby.

If you’re passionate about exercise, wellness, fitness and living well, then consider a career as a personal trainer. Check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy.  Register now!

 

The post What To Expect When You’re Booked Off With An Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/booked-off-injury/feed/ 0
Best Stretches For Men https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/best-stretches-for-men/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/best-stretches-for-men/#respond Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/best-stretches-for-men/ When it comes to physical characteristics, flexibility is probably the last thing on a man’s priority list, since most men would undoubtedly rather have a six-pack or ripped arms before being able to touch their toes. What these men don’t realise is the importance of flexibility in their muscles as if you lack flexibility, it...

The post Best Stretches For Men appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to physical characteristics, flexibility is probably the last thing on a man’s priority list, since most men would undoubtedly rather have a six-pack or ripped arms before being able to touch their toes. What these men don’t realise is the importance of flexibility in their muscles as if you lack flexibility, it can hinder results in the gym and also lead to injuries. Some will attempt to warm up before their workouts but, more often, fail to stretch afterwards. Simply bending over and touching your toes is not going to do the trick. Here are some of the best stretches for men:

Stretches best suited to men

For the neck – neck rolls

Take your chin towards your chest (tuck it in) and roll your head gently from side to side, bringing the ear toward the shoulder. Do not let your head go backwards, only from the one side to the other. Be careful – says certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and licensed physical therapist, Julie Gudmestad – not to hyperextend your neck during this stretch as this could cause severe damage.

For the hip flexors – kneeling hip flexor (and quadriceps) stretch

Kneel with one foot on the floor in front of you and the other foot on the floor behind you. Keep the back in neutral spine and lean forwards. You should feel the stretch in the hip flexor and quadriceps of the front leg. Hold the stretch for between 20 to 30 seconds and change legs.

For the upper and lower back – cat and camel stretch

This is a pose from yoga, but so good for the upper and lower back. It definitely qualifies as one of the best stretches for men. Get on your hands and knees and make sure that your spine is in neutral. Inhale and while you exhale arch your back by slightly tilting your head backwards (“camel”). Inhale, bringing your back to neutral spine, and exhale again while rounding your spine and bringing your head towards the space between your arms (“cat”) and inhale to return back to a neutral position.

For the glutes – lying glute stretch

Lie flat down on your back with your feet flat down on the floor. Now cross one ankle across the opposite knee. Grasp the thigh of the opposite leg and pull your leg towards you. You should feel a stretch in the opposite buttock. Hold the stretch for between 20 to 30 seconds and change legs. The reason the lying glute stretch qualifies as one of the best stretches for men is that it can help improve flexibility, relieve back, hip and knee pain and prevent injuries.

For the quadriceps – standing one leg quadriceps stretch

Stand tall and balance on one leg, taking hold of your ankle with the other hand and pulling your foot towards your glutes.  Keep the pelvis neutral position. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds and change legs.

Trifocus - stretches for men

For the hamstrings – seated forward bend

Sit flat on the ground with both legs straight out in front of you, now slowly bend forward reaching for your toes without bending your knees.  Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.

For the calves – standing calf stretch

Take a staggered stance and place your hand against the wall and lean forward while your front leg is bent and the back leg is straight out in front of you.  Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds and change legs.

Try to run through all of them if you have time. You will find that you can get a better stretch the second time around.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification.

pt button

 

The post Best Stretches For Men appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/best-stretches-for-men/feed/ 0
The Power Of Motivation In The Fitness Industry https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-motivation-fitness-industry/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-motivation-fitness-industry/#respond Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/power-motivation-fitness-industry/ Motivation is a crucial ingredient to a successful life both in the fitness industry as well as other walks of life. This is true no matter what your definition of success is. Being wealthy and having the best of the best; being healthy, fit, fast and strong; losing weight; finishing a degree; getting the job done and...

The post The Power Of Motivation In The Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Motivation is a crucial ingredient to a successful life both in the fitness industry as well as other walks of life. This is true no matter what your definition of success is. Being wealthy and having the best of the best; being healthy, fit, fast and strong; losing weight; finishing a degree; getting the job done and executing with excellence; or simply just living a happy life. Motivation is key! Every action requires motivation. And motivation, more often than not, determines how well we perform.

What Is Motivation In The Fitness Industry?

Motivation is that inner desire that keeps you pushing and pushing. It is that soft yet relentless and determined voice inside that keeps telling you to keep to going on when you feel like quitting. In the fitness industry –  say SJ Biddle and KR Fox from oughborough University, Leics, UK in a study entitled Motivation for physical activity and weight management – motivation is key:

“Motivation and barriers to exercise, exercise-related beliefs, attitudes, and self-efficacy, and the formulation of self-perceptions and identity towards exercise need to be considered in interventions and campaigns to capture the interests of the general public.

“Readiness to change and behaviour change strategies need to be considered and incorporated into social support structures to facilitate individual behaviour change. This could be delivered through community, workplace and primary health care settings.”

Motivation stems from desire and ambition. When it comes to reaching goals and getting results, you need to be motivated in order to achieve the best results possible. So before you even start working on reaching your goals – fitness related or otherwise – make sure that you are self-motivated. Furthermore that you have people in your corner who can motivate you when your motivation runs out. (PS: We, at Trifocus Fitness Academy, have the secret weapon in terms of motivation. It’s called the Life Coaching Certification and it will teach you – as well as your life coaching clients – the art of motivation.)

Trifocus - motivation

How To Motivate Personal Training Clients

This is a tricky question to answer. The solution to this riddle depends on the individual themselves and what they respond to. For example, one person – fitness wise – may be motivated to stay fit and trim in a bootcamp exercise environment. However, another may loathe and detest the thought of someone shouting at them when they try to exercise and may prefer the gentle encouragement of a personal trainer.

There are many theories that apply to motivation. For example:

  • Hertzberg’s Two-Factor Theory which states that two factors influence motivation and satisfaction; in other words motivator factors and hygiene factors.
  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which states that people will be motivated by what their needs in life are.
  • The Hawthorne Effect which states that people perform better when they are being watched. Something that all personal trainers in the fitness industry should take into consideration!
  • The Expectancy Theory which states that people behave in a certain way; as they expect certain results to occur because of that behaviour.
  • The Attribution Theory which explains how we attach meaning to people’s behaviour.

Watch the video below to discover ways in which you should be motivating your people.

Motivation Is Extremely Important In The Fitness Industry

It’s especially important when it comes to exercise, getting fit, getting healthy or losing weight. As they say, a little motivation goes a long way. A fitness professional who motivates their clients will always get them to consistently perform better. Ultimately helping them reach their desired goals.

There are a variety of scientifically tested theories of motivation, such as

There is nothing as demotivating as a personal trainer who doesn’t seem interested in helping you reach your goals. And the power lies in their passion and, more importantly, in their motivational skills.

The power of motivation is underrated – it could mean the difference between reaching your goals or failing to reach your goals. That is why it is so important to constantly and consistently motivate yourself. It is also vital to surround yourself with people who will motivate you when your motivation runs out.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If one of your goals is to enter into the personal training industry, the Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Course is the fitness qualification for you! With this course under your belt, you will become a fully fledged and accredited personal trainer in as little as three months! Click here to find out more about how you can follow your fitness dreams.

Register button PT

The post The Power Of Motivation In The Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-motivation-fitness-industry/feed/ 0
Why You Would Make a Wonderful Children’s Exercise Coach! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/make-wonderful-childrens-exercise-coach/ Tue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/make-wonderful-childrens-exercise-coach/ Getting children to exercise more should be everyone’s priority. After all, childhood obesity is arguably one of the biggest threats to kids’ health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled over the last 30 years. So what are we doing to nip this obesity in the bud?...

The post Why You Would Make a Wonderful Children’s Exercise Coach! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Getting children to exercise more should be everyone’s priority. After all, childhood obesity is arguably one of the biggest threats to kids’ health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled over the last 30 years. So what are we doing to nip this obesity in the bud? We should all consider ourselves a children’s exercise coach and get our children moving! Here’s why you’d make a wonderful coach:

Trifocus - children's exercise coach

Children’s exercise coach features

1. You’re an excellent motivator

Kids need motivation to exercise, to run and kick a ball, or jump over hurdles. If you can get them excited about exercise, and tuned into the goals, they’re more likely to WANT to get involved (and to repeat the activity often!). Childrens exercise coaches need to be excellent motivators.

2. You see each kid as an individual

Each kid is a unique set of skills, talents, dreams, fears, insecurities and desires. If you can take the time to tap into this for each kid, then you’ll understand how to motivate each child. You’ll create rapport and trust. And when that’s in place, each kid will play his heart out!

3. You’re tough, but kind and fair

No kid likes a drill sergeant but they’ll walk all over you if you aren’t tough enough. The key is finding a balance – knowing when to be kind, and knowing how to be tough without being too hard. When you get this right, the kids feel safe and happy. And they’re more likely to put their all into the exercise.

4. You make learning new skills, fun and exciting

Remember the first time you learned to pull yourself up a rope? Or swing a bat to hit a ball? It required coordination, bravery and some skills. And maybe you were nervous? Kids get nervous about these new skills and challenges but they respond to encouragement, love and support. And they’re usually eager to try, as long as it’s fun. Children’s exercise coaches need to be able to give heaps of encouragement.

Trifocus - children's exercise coach

5. You play, too

Have you ever noticed that kids gravitate towards the adults who play with them? Who get down on the floor with them and get dirty with them? Be that coach – the coach who gets dirty and plays with them. In an adult world, this is called “leading by example”. In their world, it’s called “friendship”. One thing’s for sure – it gets them involved!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are indeed passionate about kids exercise, check out the Comprehensive Certification in Exercise for Children on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

The post Why You Would Make a Wonderful Children’s Exercise Coach! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
11 Tips To Pick Up Clients As An Online Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-to-pick-up-clients-as-online-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-to-pick-up-clients-as-online-personal-trainer/#respond Fri, 25 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/tips-to-pick-up-clients-as-online-personal-trainer/ Running a successful business as an online personal trainer takes a lot of hard work. It takes sacrifice and is no different when it comes to running an online fitness business. So you’ve just finished your online personal training course. You’re ready to take on the business world and start your own fitness business as an online...

The post 11 Tips To Pick Up Clients As An Online Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Running a successful business as an online personal trainer takes a lot of hard work. It takes sacrifice and is no different when it comes to running an online fitness business.

So you’ve just finished your online personal training course. You’re ready to take on the business world and start your own fitness business as an online personal trainer. Well, luckily for you it is much easier and quicker to start a business today than it was 10 or 15 years ago thanks to the developments and advances in technology and social media. However, you will still need to put in a lot of hard work in to get the personal training clients you need. You’ll need to be smart about the way you acquire your online clients. Here are 11 tips to pick up clients as an online personal trainer.

Online Fitness Business Tips

1. Build A Brand

From the get-go, right when you first start building your business you need to construct a brand too. You will need to strategise about where to position yourself in the market. You will need to develop a brand identity. It’s vital that you make this the centre of your communications and marketing to the public so that people can get to know and trust you.

 2. Social Media Marketing

One of the most useful marketing tools at your disposal today – as a personal trainer – is social media. After building and setting up your business website, you will need to invest in a social media strategy to ensure you get the best out of the various platforms and so you can advertise your business to the right audience. (Want to know more about marketing your fitness business? Sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course today!)

 3. Advertising For the Online Personal Trainer

Besides spending money on social media advertising, you will need to invest in digital marketing like SEO and Google Adwords.  The great thing about these forms of advertising is that they are relatively inexpensive which makes them great for personal trainers just starting out in the fitness industry.

 4. Networking

Getting yourself into the industry and networking with the industry leaders is extremely important. Reach out to various industry leaders, athletes and other online personal trainers, and link up with them. There’s no harm in learning from those who have been where you are and are willing to lend a helping hand or give a tip or two. Networking will also help get your new brand the credibility you need to start getting referred.

 5. Referrals And Recommendations

As mentioned above, once you’ve set up a brand that people know and trust – and has some credibility in the fitness industry –  you should look at asking for recommendations and referrals.

 6. Events

Making yourself and your brand present at industry and sporting events is a sure-fire way to speak directly to the client you are trying to attract. An example of a fitness-related event that you can exhibit at, in South Africa, are the Arnolds Classic Africa.

 7. Running Specials

Launch specials and discounts always work well. This is because these give clients the opportunity to try your services before investing in full packages. Running regular specials and discounts will ensure great word-of-mouth marketing, which means you will always have fresh clients knocking on your door.

8. Affiliating With Other Online Personal Trainers And Fitness Brands

There are hundreds of great fitness brands in the industry. These will not necessarily be competitors. Linking up and affiliating yourself with some of the biggest brands in the industry will help you increase your brand’s credibility. Through this you will definitely get additional exposure, too.

9. Giving Away Free Trials

People are very reluctant to try a new brand or online personal trainer’s service without knowing about the services and what kind of results people have reached with this online personal trainer. Offering one-month trials is a great way for people to get to know your brand and your services.

10. Knowing Where To Find Your Clients

Knowing your audience and target market are two of the most important factors of a successful fitness business. As a part of your strategising, you need to figure out who you are targeting as well as how and where you will reach them.

11. Influencers

Influencer marketing is one of the most powerful and effective ways of reaching new clients. Your job as a business owner and personal trainer is to tell people how great your business is and services are. Linking up with influencers will give you access to powerful word-of-mouth marketing. When you find the right influencers who are looking for a mutually beneficial relationship with you, there is a lot more opportunity and marketing scope lying ahead for both brands.

Starting a business is not easy. Finding clients is even harder. However, there are a few things you can do to make it a bit easier. Start with what you have and what is most important. After this you will be running a successful fitness business in no time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more, take a look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Entrepreneurship course as well as their Fundamentals of a Fitness Business short course to build your knowledge to make a success in your fitness business.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

The post 11 Tips To Pick Up Clients As An Online Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-to-pick-up-clients-as-online-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
Why the Fitness Industry is Booming https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-fitness-industry-is-booming/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-fitness-industry-is-booming/#respond Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-the-fitness-industry-is-booming/ The fitness industry is worth trillions of Rands. The number of gyms, wellness centres and specialised sports centres is continually growing. We’re told that if we want to survive, we have to exercise and eat a super healthy diet. Medical aids and corporate firms are buying in, offering discounted gym memberships, or office gyms, to...

The post Why the Fitness Industry is Booming appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The fitness industry is worth trillions of Rands. The number of gyms, wellness centres and specialised sports centres is continually growing.

We’re told that if we want to survive, we have to exercise and eat a super healthy diet. Medical aids and corporate firms are buying in, offering discounted gym memberships, or office gyms, to encourage wellness.

There are scores of reasons to become a personal trainer. The money, career opportunities and rewards are but a small part of these. So, if you have been considering a career in personal training then here are a few of the perks associated with the job.

And here’s why.

Reasons the fitness industry is growing

We’re unhealthy – and we shouldn’t be

There are over 3 billion people in the workplace. And according to the Global Wellness Institute’s “Future of Wellness at Work” study, 76% of them report struggling with their physical health. A scary 52% of them are overweight or obese.

Consider the findings which state that our modern lifestyle – sitting for hours a day behind a computer screen, eating processed foods and drinking way too much coffee – is killing us. Polio and the plague are no longer our biggest health threats. Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are.

We’re told that if we want to survive, we have to exercise and eat a super healthy diet. Medical aids and corporate firms are buying in, offering discounted gym memberships, or office gyms, to encourage wellness.

Fitness is now a respectable hobby

It wasn’t always cool to admit that you were a fitness freak. And let’s be honest, the fitness fashion of the 70s wasn’t exactly cool.

But that changed in the 70s and 80s when health-conscious celebs made exercise hip. Think Rocky Balboa and Jane Fonda. They got us wanting fit, lean bodies.

And today, the biggest names in Hollywood are all fitness obsessed. And athleisure wear is huge!

The combination of an aging population, high obesity rates, and increased health awareness has created significant demand for quality, expert fitness professionals.

All of this simply means the fitness industry will continue to grow.  Which means there’s never been a better time to be a personal trainer, nutritionist or weightlifter.

What can we expect?

Here’s what we can expect from the fitness industry:

  • Pilates mashups: Expect to see Plates thrown into the mix with more intense physical training, like HIIT or crossfit.
  • Fun as fitness: Fitness modes like Zumba, that are fun and funky, will continue to draw us in. Everyone likes exercise that’s fun.
  • Outdoor adventure: Outdoor exercise, including Parkrun or adventure camps and obstacle courses, will grow in popularity.
  • Silver surfers: The fifty-somethings will be glad to see more gym classes tailored to them as we focus on a popoulation group that’s growing fast.

Some highlights from The Statisitcs Portal :

  •  Revenue in the “Fitness” segment amounts to US$70m in 2018.

  •  Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2018-2022) of 5.0% resulting in a market volume of US$85m in 2022.

  •  The market’s largest segment is the segment “Wearables” with a market volume of US$46m in 2018.

  •  From a global comparison perspective it is shown that most revenue is generated in China (US$3,644m in 2018).

These statistics indicate that the fitness market is full of potential and offers lots of opportunities, world-wide. Furthermore it reveals the market to be filled with competition. This makes it crucial to guarantee you are offering the best quality service and optimum business practices.

Why you should become a Personal Trainer

Making a Difference in People’s Lives

There are many career paths out there that don’t offer any real enrichment or benefit to people’s lives. So why join the hoards of selfish workers who do it just for the money?

One of the biggest rewards of being a personal trainer is having the ability to make positive, noticeable and measurable impacts on the lives of all of your clients. That feeling of helping someone else reach their fitness goals never goes away. This will leave you feeling like you are part of a career that truly makes a positive difference in the world.

The World is Your Oyster

Opting for internationally accredited personal training certification will open you up to the world. It will allow you to live and work just about anywhere. The global fitness industry is a booming one with career opportunities across the globe.

Do what you love and you’ll love what you do

Let’s be honest. The reason why you’re considering becoming a personal trainer is because you see the value in staying fit and healthy. Right? But beyond that, you enjoy physical activity, exercise and feeling good. Now imagine being able to make exercise and fitness part of your working lifestyle and doing what you love. Every single day.

Fitness is Cool

It wasn’t always cool to admit that you were a fitness freak. And let’s be honest, the fitness fashion of the 70s wasn’t exactly cool.

But that changed when health-conscious celebs made exercise hip. Think Rocky Balboa and Jane Fonda. They got us wanting fit, lean bodies. Losing weight, growing muscle and getting fitter has now become a daily routine for many South Africans.

All of this simply means the fitness industry will continue to grow.  Which means there’s never been a better time to be a personal trainer. If you take pride and enjoyment in exercise, then why not make it a more permanent part of your life?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The time is ripe to get into the fitness industry! Make your passion your career and enrol in one of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s accredited fitness courses.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

 

The post Why the Fitness Industry is Booming appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-fitness-industry-is-booming/feed/ 0
How To Attract The Clientele You Want As a Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-attract-the-clientele-you-want-as-a-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-attract-the-clientele-you-want-as-a-personal-trainer/#respond Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-attract-the-clientele-you-want-as-a-personal-trainer/ If you rely on your personal training business as your main source of income; you need to be strategic and proactive about how you get and retain your clients. The fitness industry is growing at an incredible pace. As a personal trainer, you’ll likely be in high demand all over the world – if you...

The post How To Attract The Clientele You Want As a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you rely on your personal training business as your main source of income; you need to be strategic and proactive about how you get and retain your clients. The fitness industry is growing at an incredible pace. As a personal trainer, you’ll likely be in high demand all over the world – if you are proactive. There is a lot of opportunities and clients to help you create the career of your dreams. For example, helping people become healthier and losing weight – which is on everyone’s list of goals. But, the competition is stiff – more clients means more competition.

What sets you apart? How do you ensure that you have enough clientele every month to make it a successful month for your business? Here are a few tips to help you proactively get and retain clients as a personal trainer.

Tips to attract and retain clients

Online marketing

With social media being so popular and widespread these days, there really is no excuse to why you are not effectively marketing yourself as a personal trainer and reaching potential clients on social media.

By spending a bit of money, you can get a professional website created for your business. This is where you host all of the information a potential client would want to see from you:

  • Rates,
  • contact details,
  • location,
  • a list of the services you offer, and some
  • valuable information about health and fitness to keep the traffic to your website coming in.

Then you need to create social media profiles and pages for your business where you can advertise and interact with potential clients, and send them to your website.

The power of social media is incredible: you can reach the right people instantly. Work out a social media strategy and determine what kind of content you need to post to reach your audience. Think out of the box and be different – remember, the market is saturated and people’s timelines are filled with information; so you need to stand out and make them pay attention to you!

Trifocus fitness academy - marketing

Word of mouth marketing

There is nothing as powerful as word of mouth marketing and referrals. If your current clients, friends or potential clients have a positive experience with your business, they are bound to tell everyone about you. Make people talk with incredible service and work ethic par to none.

Attend events and network

Make yourself seen and known in the industry by attending expos, bodybuilding and/or fitness shows, and events. Think about where your ideal client – the one who’s dying to engage the services of a personal trainer – will be spending their time and be there. Network with your fellow personal trainers so people can get to know your name as a trusted supplier in the industry.

Offer free advice and assistance

Nothing beats being nice. If someone asks your advice on their nutrition or training, be nice and help them in the right direction. If you see someone struggling with an exercise or with their form in the gym, approach them and help them out without being intimidating. People will remember the kind gesture and you will be the first one they call if they ever need a personal trainer.

Share client testimonials and results

Show potential clients what you can do for them by sharing your current clients’ results and testimonials on your website and social media. People need to see that you have the expertise and experience to help them get the results that they want.

Create a presence where you work

Make sure that everyone knows you for being helpful, kind, energetic and enthusiastic. Your energy speaks for you before you even say a word, and energy is contagious. People will remember you if you create a strong, positive presence.

Run specials and promotions

Offer potential clients a free session or a free assessment to see whether they’ll like working with you as a personal trainer. Create a referral program where clients can earn a discount on their sessions if they successfully refer others to you. Create a fitness challenge that people can join and, under your guidance, lose weight and see great results. This will also create excellent content and marketing for your business. Advertise these specials and promotions on social media and on your website.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To run a successful personal training business, you need to tick all the boxes. The above are just a few tips and suggestions to get you going but focus on what will set you apart from the competition and make you stand out. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will set you head and shoulders above the rest as it’s the most highly sought-after personal training qualification on the market!

Register button PT

The post How To Attract The Clientele You Want As a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-attract-the-clientele-you-want-as-a-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
Nutritional Lessons Used by Olympians While Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritional-lessons-olympians-training/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritional-lessons-olympians-training/#respond Mon, 21 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutritional-lessons-olympians-training/ Picture your day job entailed running, swimming, or gymnastics. Follow this up with strength training and prepping for a competition. It sounds exhausting, but it’s a typical day for the Olympic athletes. There’s also another component to the Olympic athlete’s training: an eternal hunger. Most Olympic athletes require an enormous amount of calories (some eat up...

The post Nutritional Lessons Used by Olympians While Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Picture your day job entailed running, swimming, or gymnastics. Follow this up with strength training and prepping for a competition. It sounds exhausting, but it’s a typical day for the Olympic athletes. There’s also another component to the Olympic athlete’s training: an eternal hunger. Most Olympic athletes require an enormous amount of calories (some eat up to 8 000 per day) to fuel their daily workouts and maintain strength. However eating whatever, whenever isn’t the solution. Food is more about fuel and good nutritional principles than anything else. So what exactly do Olympians eat and what can you steal from their diet plans?

Nutritional tips for optimal performance

Nutritional Fact #1: Calories Matter

It’s almost impossible to identify the exact diet of an Olympian. They all have different necessities based on size, sport, and training. However, Olympic athletes need to be wary of making healthy food choices. Just because they can eat thousands of calories at McDonald’s doesn’t mean that they should.

Jason Machowsky, a sports dietitian who has worked with many athletes, says one of the most important aspects of fuelling the Olympic athlete is to “create a plan that allows you to get in the right fuel each day based on the day’s demands, which involves eating foods for good health and immunity plus performance nutrition”.

Elite competitors put enormous strain on their bodies and immune systems, which means eating sufficient vitamins and minerals is even more important. Make it work for you:

  • Choose healthy foods to get the most gains from your workout and overall health. The healthier you are, the better you will feel, and the more your body will respond to your hard work.
  • Fuelling properly for a workout will only make you feel better during the workout. Olympians may eat a mound of pasta before an intense gym session, but mere mortals can grab a piece of fruit or a handful of crackers.

Nutritional Principle #2: All about Those Carbs

Carbohydrates are a huge part of fuelling the Olympic athlete, making up 55 to 65% of the diet. What about those athletes who don’t want to count their calories or carbohydrates?

Dietitians who work with the US team have created a simple plate system. On easy training days, athletes should build an “easy plate”:

  • 1/2 vegetables,
  • 1/4 grains, and
  • 1/4 protein.

On moderate days the grains increase to 1/3 of the plate, on hard days, the grains should be half the plate. This system allows athletes to get adequate carbs to fuel their workouts while still eating a balanced diet.

Make it work for you. On most days, we can follow the “easy plate,” which is what the USDA has been recommending for years.

Nutritional Principle #2: Recovery Matters

Kristi Spence, a dietitian who competed in the Olympic Trials for the marathon in 2008, says that when training, she always paid close attention to her recovery meal. “I think recovery nutrition is crucial, and I would make sure that I consumed something with carbohydrate and protein as soon as I could after intense training. I would often make chocolate milk smoothies – chocolate milk with frozen strawberries or frozen bananas – to enjoy after training. The flavour was terrific and I knew that the milk was delivering exactly what I needed.”

Make it work for you:

  • Recovery is the key to feeling good enough to work out again the next day. After an intense workout, your muscles need a mixture of carbs and protein. Chocolate milk is one of the best way to refuel.
  • For any competitive athletes, don’t try anything new on race day. Your stomach won’t be happy with you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy is South Africa’s leader in health and fitness education, offering the most extensive array of fitness and health qualifications on the market, at the most competitive prices. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s dedicated team of educators and facilitators are there to coach and mentor you every step of the way so that you can make your passion your career and join the exciting world of health and fitness, today!

Study A Specialised Nutrition Course - Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post Nutritional Lessons Used by Olympians While Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritional-lessons-olympians-training/feed/ 0
How To Start a Fitness Business https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-business/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-business/#respond Wed, 16 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-start-a-fitness-business/ Obesity is a problem in today’s society because fast food is incredibly cheap and you can find it almost anywhere. More and more people are also realising the importance of a regular fitness or exercise routine. However, most people don’t even know where to start when it comes to planning a fitness regime and they...

The post How To Start a Fitness Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Obesity is a problem in today’s society because fast food is incredibly cheap and you can find it almost anywhere. More and more people are also realising the importance of a regular fitness or exercise routine. However, most people don’t even know where to start when it comes to planning a fitness regime and they have no idea how to achieve their goals. This is where your fitness business will come in: you will help these people plan and stick to their exercise regimes while making a profit at the same time.

If you know quite a bit about exercise programs and ways to help people achieve their goals, maybe you are already a personal trainer at a gym, you can become an entrepreneur and start your own fitness business.
Below are the steps which you can follow to get you started.

Advice to start a fitness business

Determine what type of fitness business you want to start

You need to decide if you want to become a personal trainer, a Yoga instructor, a gym instructor or a Pilates instructor – there are many other options available. Besides getting a world-class fitness education, you’ll also need to become a master motivator so that you can help your clients achieve their fitness goals.

Get all the necessary licenses to open a fitness business

You will also have to register your company with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

Lease or buy a space for your fitness business

Firstly, you need to ensure that the space is large enough to house everything you may need as well as a class of people, unless you will be doing one-on-one training. You could even run the business from your home if it is big enough. Other options include training clients at their homes or training people at a gym. Be warned that you’ll have to pay rent to the gym if you decide to go with the second option.

Purchase fitness equipment

You can choose between new equipment or used equipment, that’s in good condition of course. Used equipment will save you money though.

Promote your fitness business

Nothing can make a business fail faster than poor marketing. You need to promote your business in as many ways you can. Marketing can be very expensive so you need to bear the costs in mind. Social Media is a great way to promote your business for free.

Social media can be extremely confusing as there are so many platforms and loads of different types of content that you could post. The good news is that as a personal trainer, there are certain platforms that you should be sticking to that will bring you the types of clients you want. But – before you do this – you need to make sure that you’re very clear about what you’re offering so that you can define your marketing message correctly.

Explain your service offering

As a personal trainer, you need to be very clear about what you could potentially be offering your clients so that you can structure your marketing message in accordance with what you’re offering.

“For example,” says Lisa Schneider: Managing Director at Trifocus Fitness Academy, “you could decide to do – in addition to your personal training qualification – a nutrition certificate so that you can advise your clients on the best diet they must follow so they can achieve their goals. Alternatively, you could look into getting trained in alternative training routines – such as kettlebells – which will add an extra dimension to your clients’ training.”

Choose your platform well

When choosing the social media platform that you want to have a presence on, think about the decision-making process that your clients will go through when choosing a personal trainer. What will they want to see? What will make them choose you?

An idea is to make a short video clip of you demonstrating an exercise, and talking through it, which you can post on social media. This will give people a glimpse into your training methods. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are great for displaying pictures and videos. It’s been shown that people on these platforms are more likely to make purchasing decisions about personal training services than any other social media platform.

Be consistent

Set up a posting schedule for your social media platforms and stick to it. Being present regularly on social media will help people to recognise you and will prompt them to phone you for a quotation.
Social media marketing is a very affordable platform for marketing your business; the only spend you need to make is your time. But make sure that you get your social media presence right. If you don’t, there could be very negative consequences!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy will guide you in the right direction so that you can start your own fitness business. Plus up your CPD points with our Fundamentals of a Fitness Business course or for something more comprehensive – the Entrepreneurship Course .

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

The post How To Start a Fitness Business appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-business/feed/ 0
What Every Pilates Instructor Needs to Know https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-every-pilates-instructor-needs-to-know/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-every-pilates-instructor-needs-to-know/#respond Mon, 14 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-every-pilates-instructor-needs-to-know/ As with all group fitness instructors, there are certain things that every great Pilates instructor needs to know.  These must-know pearls of wisdom range from an intimate knowledge of Pilates principles to how to run a group fitness class and making a success of their own Pilates business. Take a look. Fundamental Knowledge for a...

The post What Every Pilates Instructor Needs to Know appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As with all group fitness instructors, there are certain things that every great Pilates instructor needs to know.  These must-know pearls of wisdom range from an intimate knowledge of Pilates principles to how to run a group fitness class and making a success of their own Pilates business. Take a look.

Fundamental Knowledge for a Pilates Instructor

Joseph Pilates developed ‘contrology’ – what Pilates was first known as – in the early 20th century. And not much has changed with the art of Pilates since then. All movements are slow and controlled, focusing on activating the core.

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Course teaches students the time-honoured movements that Joseph himself developed. Modules on this course include:

  • Basic matwork,
  • Intermediate matwork,
  • Small barrel,
  • Basic Ball Series,
  • Intermediate ball series,
  • Theraband series,
  • Basic reformer series,
  • Intermediate reformer series,
  • Basic chair series,
  • Intermediate chair series,
  • Electric chair series, and
  • Basic cadillac series.

Trifocus - pilates instructor - mind body

How a Pilates Instructor Needs to Run a Group Fitness Class

Be it a spinning class, aerobics session or Pilates class, the principles of running a group fitness class are the same:

  • Concentrate on your clients. Make sure that they are comfortable with performing the exercises that you have included in your class and – if they are having trouble – help them.
  • Make your music appropriate tforo the exercise discipline you’re teaching. In Pilates, the goal is to get people relaxed and focused on the movements. Don’t choose a high-pace, high-energy tune that will get people fired up as a spinning instructor would. Choose a playlist that will get your clients in the right zone.

The Principles According to Which a Pilates Instructor needs to Run Their Business

Running a Pilates business is no different from running any other type of fitness business. It is your responsibility to make sure that you succeed – no one else’s. You are the face of the business. You are, ultimately, an entrepreneur.

Make sure that you live the principles that Joseph Pilates set out as you are a walking billboard for your business. If people see that you don’t ascribe fully to Pilates fundamentals they will pass you over and go to the next Pilates instructor.

Get your name out there. Broadcast yourself on social media and show the world what you can do. But always make sure that you stick to what your specialities are. So, for example, if you’re a Pilates Instructor who specialises in rehabilitation, an idea would be to showcase your success stories with various clients (obviously with their permission). Or if you decide to specialise in pregnancy Pilates, why not get a testimonial from a client who you trained during her pregnancy that you can put on your social media platforms?

A Glimpse into Fundamental Pilates Exercises

Every Pilates instructor will warm up on the mat. Alternatively, they will start teaching beginner Pilates students exercises that are confined to the mat as these are the core – excuse the pun! – Pilates exercises that the intermediate and advanced moves are built on.

One of these exercises is the pelvic tilt. It introduces you to the concept of bringing your naval to your spine. In addition, it teaches you how to articulate each of your vertebrae as you tilt your pelvis towards the ceiling. Watch this video for a breakdown on how to do this exercise.

3 Things to remember during the pelvic tilt

  • Always remember to breathe. The correct breathing sequence is as important to the exercise as the movement is.
  • Make sure that your lower back is pressed firmly into the floor throughout the entire exercise.
  • Keep your pelvis in neutral throughout. (Your pelvis will be in neutral when it’s in a straight line with every section of your spine. Click here for a very clever description of what neutral spine is.)

Watch points with the pelvic tilt

If you feel any numbness or tingling in any part or your body while doing the pelvic tilt, stop the exercise immediately and consult your physiotherapist or doctor immediately.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Pilates is such a rich and rewarding career path to follow and can make a huge difference to those who you teach. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Course is the ideal foundation for you to start your Pilates career. Click here to leave your details so that one of our sales consultants can chat to you some more about our Pilates courses on offer.

Trifocus Pilates course registration

 

The post What Every Pilates Instructor Needs to Know appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-every-pilates-instructor-needs-to-know/feed/ 0
Steps To Becoming A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/becoming-a-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/becoming-a-personal-trainer/#respond Fri, 11 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/becoming-a-personal-trainer/ There are loads of jobs in the fitness industry. Gym instructor, fitness trainer, Yoga teacher, swimming coach, Pilates instructor… The list in endless! However, the ultimate job in the fitness industry is – without a doubt – being a personal trainer. Why do we say this? Read on to find out… Become a Personal Trainer What...

The post Steps To Becoming A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are loads of jobs in the fitness industry. Gym instructor, fitness trainer, Yoga teacher, swimming coach, Pilates instructor… The list in endless! However, the ultimate job in the fitness industry is – without a doubt – being a personal trainer. Why do we say this? Read on to find out…

Become a Personal Trainer

What is a personal trainer?

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who is responsible for training every part of their clients’ bodies. Apart from an in-depth knowledge of exercises and how the body reacts to these, they also are intimately aware of nutrition principles. This is because they know that the exercises you do are only as good as the food you put into your body. Personal trainers know that exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. You can’t have a good exercise programme and a bad diet. The opposite is also true.

What are the skills that a personal trainer needs to have?

According to the National Federation of Trainers, a personal trainer – in fact any fitness trainer – must be:

  • Knowledgeable about human anatomy and physiology,
  • Au fait with how to design exercise programmes for groups and individuals,
  • Aware of the necessity of conducting regular screenings with their clients,
  • Passionate about helping their clients reach their health and fitness goals and, most importantly,
  • They must be able to motivate their clients to get to gym in the first place!

What’s the next step to becoming a world-class personal trainer?

To get be able to pick and choose which personal trainer jobs you want, you need to have a personal training qualification under your belt that is widely recognised.

We, at Trifocus Fitness Academy, offer three study options for personal training. These are locally accredited through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as well as the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).

Our courses are also internationally recognised through the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPPSA). This means that you’ll be able to take your personal training qualification anywhere. See the world as a personal trainer on a cruise liner, open up your own personal training business… The world is your oyster!

Personal Training Course

The Personal Training Course is Trifocus Fitness Academy’s newest and best offering in terms of personal training courses. It is very competitive in terms of pricing and – best of all – you will be able to finish it in as little as 3 MONTHS! This means that you’ll be able to pursue your passion – and become a personal trainer – in less time than it usually takes.

Modules on this fitness course include:

  • Understanding how to perform health screening procedures on your clients,
  • Designing exercises programmes for your clients that are most suitable for their needs including persons with special needs,
  • Crafting the ultimate nutrition programmes for your clients that will best suit their exercise regimes and genetic make-up,
  • Learning how to motivate your clients so that they stick to your well-thought-out programmes,
  • Understanding how to apply holistic wellness principles to the coaching of your client,
  • Getting to grips with fundamental entrepreneurship principles so that you will be able to run your fitness business like a pro!

For more information on this Personal Training Course, and how to register for it, click here.

Personal Training Certification:

This personal training qualification covers all the fundamentals that any personal trainer worth his or her salt needs to know like the back of their hands.

Our personal training certification is accredited locally – through CATHSSETA as well as SAQA – as well as internationally through REPSSA. This means that you’ll be in line for personal training jobs anywhere in the world when you have qualified with our personal training certification.

Personal Training Diploma:

This is the crème de la crème of study options for personal training at Trifocus Fitness Academy. Encompassing all the fundamental modules to be found on the personal training certification, our personal training diploma takes it to the next level with specialised learning modules such as designing exercise programmes for pregnant women and special populations, as well as knowing how to periodise the training year. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Need more convincing? The fitness industry is booming worldwide so if fitness is your passion, and you want to become a personal trainer, you need to sign up for one of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s accredited fitness courses. Click here to fill in our enquiry form and one of our sales consultants will get back to you shortly to tell you why you NEED to choose Trifocus Fitness Academy!

See what Trifocus students have to say

Jo-Anne Dannhauser Q&A Testimonial

Jo-Anne Dannhauser

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

I chose Trifocus Fitness Academy because of the amazing online platform they offer as well as for the fact that they have highly competitive and affordable prices. They have a huge variety of courses available in order to expand your knowledge in the fitness industry and I absolutely love that!!!

What Course did you just complete?

I completed the Athletic Nutrition Course via the online platform through Trifocus Fitness Academy. I am currently busy with my Diploma in Personal training as well and I cannot wait to graduate!!! Trifocus offers the best online platform to make studies so much more fun and easy to do!

What did you enjoy best about this course?

I enjoyed this course a lot because the time it took me to complete the course was not much at all, on top of that, the online platform made things a lot easier and quicker for me and allowed me to pass this course with amazing scores! I Loved it!

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

The online experience was amazing. The platform Trifocus provides is extremely easy to use and the short video explanations makes a huge difference. The online platform provides you with the feeling of being in class with a mentor right in front of you! The learning experience is truly amazing.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

I would recommend Trifocus Fitness Academy to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge in the fitness industry with the use of easy and accessible material and platforms to make your learning experience quick and a LOT of FUN!!! Trifocus offers highly competitive prices which is amazing. I would not hesitate recommending Trifocus to anyone!

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

Becoming qualified changed my life significantly for the main reason that I’ve learned many new things through this course. It has taught me a lot of things I never even considered before! I can now live a healthier lifestyle and help others achieve better health too, by expanding their knowledge as well! 

 

Rolph Williams Q&A Testimonial

Trifocus Graduate Rolph Williams

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

After some research and talking to other people in the fitness industry I decided that Trifocus was the most recent and accredited institute I would want to associate myself with.

What Course did you just complete?

Athletic Nutrition. The 1st of many!!!

What did you enjoy best about this course?

Very user friendly, well designed and highly informative.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

As per question 3, the material has been out together in an easy to learn and understand format. With the option to receive feedback from tutors as well is of high value to me.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

I would recommend Trifocus, for certain! If you want to get ahead in life and be successful you must study and work on yourself. Trifocus enables you to do that quite easily and with confidence.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

It has cemented my knowledge and understanding, as well as created a strong base from where I will continue to build and prosper.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy

 

The post Steps To Becoming A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/becoming-a-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
What is Lactic Acid Actually? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-lactic-acid-actually/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-lactic-acid-actually/#respond Thu, 10 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-is-lactic-acid-actually/ To understand what lactic acid actually is, we recommend using a runner as an example.  You wake up, put on your running shoes and hit the road. What happens after that? How lactic acid is produced Let’s say you are healthy and have an average fitness level. Your muscles would’ve stored up a sufficient amount...

The post What is Lactic Acid Actually? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
To understand what lactic acid actually is, we recommend using a runner as an example.  You wake up, put on your running shoes and hit the road. What happens after that?

How lactic acid is produced

Let’s say you are healthy and have an average fitness level. Your muscles would’ve stored up a sufficient amount of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) from your dinner the previous night. As soon as you start your running session, your muscles will start breaking down the glycogen into smaller energy units called glucose. According to medical experts, glucose is defined as:

“It’s a type of sugar you get from foods you eat, and your body uses it for energy. As it travels through your bloodstream to your cells, it’s called blood glucose or blood sugar.”

Your cells will break down the glucose down further and convert it into pyruvate and lactate. When you exercise at a moderate level, you will breathe in enough oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. In this way  the pyruvate will enter the compartments of the muscle cells. These cells are called the mitochondria, which is where ATP – energy – is formed.

Your cells will continuously seek equilibrium

This is why there will always be some lactate being produced. When you start exercising, there is more pyruvate than lactate. So as you increase your exercise intensity, your muscles demand more energy. Ten minutes into your run the energy compartments in your muscles will begin to reach maximum capacity in terms of the amount of pyruvate they can take up and turn over into ATP. Here is where the lactate comes in. When the mitochondria can no longer take up pyruvate, they will start to produce more lactate to compensate. Lactate levels increase as performance drops off.

Lactate doesn’t only appear when you’re training hard

Muscles use lactate for energy during moderate and intensive exercise. As your fitness improves, your muscles wiil start to create more mitochondria. When this happens you’ll be able to take up up even more lactate and use it for energy. After a few months of a cardio routine, your blood lactate levels will actually decrease for a given exercise intensity, which means that you’ll be taking up lactate more efficiently.

The cardio machine that you have to try

When you’re a newbie at the gym, everything can look a bit intimidating. The best place to start is with the cardio machines as these have super duper fat-burning properties. The stairmaster is great as it targets the glutes and thighs – and is guaranteed to make you work hard! Personal trainers recommend that you do between 20 and 30 minutes here, three times per week.

We love the elliptical trainer as well. Among others, it gives a great total body workout and incinerates fat: you can burn between 270 and 400 calories in a 30-minute session. It’s also incredibly low-impact as you feet never leave the pedals. This means that it’s gentle on your joints.

Trifocus - Lactic acid

Other must-try cardio workouts

Expert personal trainers also recommend plyometrics. These exercises are extremely adaptable for beginners and don’t need any fancy equipment. A good starter is the Jumping Jack. Do as many as you can for 20 seconds, rest for 20 seconds, and then do as many as you can for 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds. Increase your time to 40 seconds for the last set.

Skipping is an amazing fat-burning workout. Either choose to skip for a certain amount of time or do a prescribed number of reps. For example, skip for 30 – 60 seconds or do 50 – 100 jumps. What ever you choose to you, you’ll get your heart pumping – big time!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in learning more about how the human body responds to exercise? Do you want to discover the science behind exercise? Then Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Exercise Science Certification is for you.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

The post What is Lactic Acid Actually? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-lactic-acid-actually/feed/ 0
More On Personal Trainer Accreditation https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-trainer-accreditation/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-trainer-accreditation/#respond Mon, 07 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-trainer-accreditation/ Becoming a personal trainer and running a successful business is a lot of hard work. Furthermore it is one of the most rewarding careers. Those who are active and committed enough are finding ways to fill gaps in the fitness market. You can take advantage of training courses that offer all the tools necessary to...

The post More On Personal Trainer Accreditation appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Becoming a personal trainer and running a successful business is a lot of hard work. Furthermore it is one of the most rewarding careers. Those who are active and committed enough are finding ways to fill gaps in the fitness market. You can take advantage of training courses that offer all the tools necessary to make a success in the fitness industry. To this end, there is a wide assortment of qualifications, credentials and certifications available out there. They give prospective personal trainers what they need, depending on their goals, target audience and situation. Let’s go more info Personal Trainer Accreditation. We discuss what you can get from different types of personal training certifications. Finally we take a look at what most worthwhile academies have on offer.

Levels of Personal Trainer Qualifications

Personal Trainer Accreditation Agencies

Each level of qualification offers accreditation from various local and international authorities. These authorities give them their value:

  • REPSSA: The Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa

REPSSA provides guidelines and regulations for fitness instruction programmes in South Africa. They ensure the  adherence to international health and safety standards.

Membership of Reps provides assurance and confidence to consumers, employers and fitness professionals that all registered exercise professionals are appropriately qualified and have the knowledge, competence and skills to perform specific roles. Members are acknowledged for their professionalism, their adherence to the industry’s standards and their ongoing education.

  • CATHSSETA: The Cilture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports, Sector Education Training Authority

CATHSSETA serves to implement, develop, administer and assess the quality of national learning programs and frameworks. They ensure that fitness learning programs offered by academies meet national and international standards of excellence. This is done by conducting quality assurance.

  • SAQA: The South African Qualifications Authority

The South African Qualifications Authority gives recognition to institutions of higher learning. They ensure that the teaching methods and content of training courses meet a nationally recognized standard. A qualification must be recognized by SAQA to be considered valid in a South African job market.

  • ICE: The Institute of Credentialing Excellence

ICE overseas the credentialing of international personnel training programmes. They provide networking and resources to those involved in the credentialing industry.

Personal Trainer Certification

A personal trainer certificate will offer you with a functional outline of the human anatomy and biomechanics. In addition, one will also dive into physiology, nutrition, health screening, techniques to motivate and how to design exercise programs and work-spaces.

The Certification supplies you a with a general understanding of these topics. It gives you what you need to pursue a career as a personal trainer, both locally and internationally.

Personal Trainer Diploma

A diploma in personal training will have you exploring the science of exercise fairly deeply. It will give you a sound understanding of a wide array of topics from anatomy and exercise science, to entrepreneurship and HIV prevention. Furthermore, personal trainer diplomas are internationally recognised by ICE; are endorsed globally by REPSSA; and locally accredited by SAQA and CATHSSETA.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy Today

Would like more information about enrolling in a nationally and internationally accredited personal training course? Please feel free to contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Or visit our website for details on our courses, pricing, news, and blogs. Start your career in personal training today by taking the first step with us. Enter the fitness industry with your Personal Trainer Accreditation.

 

Check out some of our past students’ testimonials

Ivan Orsmond Q&A Testimonial

Ivan Orsmond

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

I chose Trifocus after checking out quite a few place. When I went into their offices at Blairgowrie side, they were very helpful. They showed me the whole process and I was sold right there and then. Their dashboards are easy to use and simple to understand with great content.

What Course did you just complete?

I just completed my personal training certification through Trifocus. It had great content in and was very intriguing. I loved the information throughout the whole course and how simple everything was.

What did you enjoy best about this course?

I enjoyed how simple the course was. The videos in between explaining some of the content, was a great thing. The way everything was explained just made it so much easier to understand.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

The online learning material was great. It was easy to understand and learn through. I found it was also so simple sending in the required papers right on the online dashboard; it was just so efficient and easy.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

I would indeed. My girlfriend has already started her online personal training certification and loves everything about it. People will love the content on it and its so simple.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Lifestyle and Wellness out look?

It has changed a lot of things in my life such as my training and my diet. I’m living healthier and more active now as my knowledge has also improved. Due to my course it’s so much easier to maintain body weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Justine Mackenzie Q&A Testimonial 

Justine Mackenzie

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

I chose Trifocus Academy because I heard great things about it and also found the website very professionally done, where I got all my information and questions answered.

What Course did you just complete?

I did the Personal Training Certificate

What did you enjoy best about this course?

The best part about the course was learning how to lay out different workout plans set for clients wanting to achieve different goals. Also I loved the anatomy section.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

I started my course when the online section wasn’t available yet so I didn’t experience it.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

Yes I would recommend Trifocus to people because it is a wonderful, supportive college and the material is up to standard.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

I’ve learnt a lot about my own body, I’ve always been very active and healthy but from my course I have really learnt more about different exercises and eating right and also just having/ maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy

 

 

The post More On Personal Trainer Accreditation appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-trainer-accreditation/feed/ 0
What Fitness Career Path Is Right For You https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/right-fitness-career-path/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/right-fitness-career-path/#respond Fri, 04 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/right-fitness-career-path/ If you are passionate about health and fitness, and want a fitness career, there are many different career paths that you can consider before embarking on your journey as a fitness professional. There are many different factors to consider before making your decision. This is because not every fitness profession will suit your personality and character. Some...

The post What Fitness Career Path Is Right For You appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are passionate about health and fitness, and want a fitness career, there are many different career paths that you can consider before embarking on your journey as a fitness professional. There are many different factors to consider before making your decision. This is because not every fitness profession will suit your personality and character. Some professions will require you to travel a lot, work outdoors, work with people on a daily basis, and have great communication skills. Others might require you to work from behind a desk or work alone. Your character and personality will determine what kind of fitness profession you will be great at and which you need to pass on. So, before you choose, here are a few professions and factors to consider.

Fitness Career Possibility #1: Personal Trainer

A personal trainer is someone who helps clients reach their personal health and fitness goals. Examples of these goals are:

  • Losing weight,
  • Picking up weight,
  • Getting stronger, faster and fitter,
  • Increasing muscle mass.

Personal trainers can also be seen as entrepreneurs or business owners. This is because most of them work for themselves and run very successful businesses and brands. Being a personal trainer gives you access to a lot of freedom and a luxury lifestyle if you are disciplined and hardworking. (Sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Entrepreneurship Course to learn the skills you need to run your own fitness businesss.)

Personal trainers need to be great at communication and working with people on a daily basis. They need to have a lot of passion for, and patience, getting their clients to reach their goals. They need to be able to motivate and inspire people to keep them disciplined. Being a business, having marketing skills is always a bonus as personal trainers need to market themselves and their business to get more clients.

Fitness Career Possiblity #2: Group Trainer or Instructor

A group trainer or instructor is someone who runs fitness classes for a group of people. Group fitness classes are great for people who do not want, or need, the personal attention and motivation that a personal trainer offers. Group trainers or instructors need to be able to work with and manage a big group of people. They need to very active, healthy, fit and energetic. Group trainers must have incredible motivating skills to keep the energy in the class high. (Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Aerobics Instructor course for the best training you’ll get – ANYWHERE – as a group fitness instructor!)

Fitness Career Possiblity #3:Yoga/Pilates Teacher

A Yoga or Pilates instructor teaches people the practice of yoga and Pilates. Yoga and Pilates are mind-body exercises and therefore require someone who is meditative, calming, and patient. Yoga and Pilates instructors are required to have great communication skills and work with people on a regular basis. However, the pace at which they work is not as intense and fast as personal trainers and group instructors. (Trifocus Fitness Academy offers a great range of mind-body courses.)

Fitness Career Possiblity #4: Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people with their nutrition. They work out healthy eating plans to suit a person’s medical conditions, food allergies, likes and dislikes, and goals.  The difference betweeen a nutritionist and a dietitian, says dietitian Cynthia Sass, “… lies in the depth, scope, length, and type of formal education and training.”

Although nutritionist works with people when they do consultations, it is less fast paced and a bit more isolated than a personal trainer or group fitness instructor as nutritionists are able to work alone. (If you’re considering a career as a nutritionist, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course is the way to go!)

Fitness Career Possiblity #5: Physical Therapist

Physical therapists work with patients to help them move better or more easily, treat injuries, reduce pain, restore function and ease the symptoms of disability. Physical therapists need to have great communication skills as they work with patients on a daily basis. However, they are usually office based and follow a tight schedule every day.

In addition to the above-mentioned professions, there are strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists and sports psychologists, along with a variety of other occupations and options for those looking for career paths in the health and fitness industry.

Before you decide on the path that is right for you, it is imperative that you do proper research and get as much knowledge about the profession – which you’re thinking of going into – as you can. Spending a day with someone who is already qualified and practising in the career path you want to pursue is a great way to gauge if it’s the right move for you.

See what previous students have to say

Gusmari Maritz Q&A Testimonial

Trifocus Graduate Gusmari Maritz

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

I was looking to further my studies in the fitness industry and Trifocus had such a wide variety of courses to choose from, good pricing and after enquiring the staff came back to me immediately.

What Course did you just complete?

I completed The Bootcamp course in 2014 and Aerobics course in 2017 (because you can’t get enough of a good thing)

What did you enjoy best about this course?

The Bootcamp course changed my life, I was a group fitness trainer already when I started the Bootcamp course, but it changed the way I train my clients, it was next level awesomeness. Later that year I did another Bootcamp course through another company and it was disappointing, it just couldn’t compare to Trifocus.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

The Aerobics course i did correspondence, I can’t complain, if I had questions it was answered, great student support, feels like the student support team are ‘friends in need’

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

Absolutely, over and over again. Fantastic accreditation levels, wide variety of courses to choose from, good support and payment options.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

The courses I did gave me an advantage over of all other trainers, it took my small training group to a successful business, giving me the opportunity to recruit 9 new trainers who all chose Trifocus Fitness Academy (Because it’s the best)

Janco Kotze Q&A Testimonial

Janco Kotze Trifocus Graduate

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

It states on the internet that Trifocus Fitness Academy is the leading Fitness Institution in South Africa and out of all the positive comments made my graduates,I could make a proper decision.

What Course did you just complete?

The Comprehensive Nutrition course.

What did you enjoy best about this course?

I enjoyed gaining knowledge of nutrition and the different types of nutritional programs to achieve certain goals.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

I liked the online learning way alot,it gave me access anywhere to continue with my studies as well as I could continue with my studies anytime I want to,I don’t have to attend classes on a certain time,which made it a lot more easier.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

Yes I would,my experience with Trifocus Fitness Academy was great,the service,the learning material,study method and package were very good.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

It taught me how to follow a healthy diet to achieve my goals as well as which nutritions are needed to do which function in the body.It also taught me about dangers of illegal substances such as Winstrol and Dinabol.I also learned a lot about sport supplementation like creatine and whey protein and the uses of it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy Registration

The post What Fitness Career Path Is Right For You appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/right-fitness-career-path/feed/ 0
What Not To Do When Performing Abdominal Exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-not-to-do-when-performing-abdominal-exercises/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-not-to-do-when-performing-abdominal-exercises/#respond Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-not-to-do-when-performing-abdominal-exercises/ Abdominal exercises are integral for building your body’s core strength. These are an essential part of your workout routine if you want to stay in shape and feel good. Though, as important as routines that target your abdominal muscles are, very few people actually do them correctly. So, to help you get the most in...

The post What Not To Do When Performing Abdominal Exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Abdominal exercises are integral for building your body’s core strength. These are an essential part of your workout routine if you want to stay in shape and feel good. Though, as important as routines that target your abdominal muscles are, very few people actually do them correctly. So, to help you get the most in terms of positive results from your ab workouts, here are a few tips to ensure that you are doing them properly.

Don’t start with abdominal exercises

Your abdominal muscles form part of your core, which is necessary for stabilising your movements. This is especially true when you put your body under strain. By starting your workout with ab exercises, you are essentially lessening the effectiveness of the rest of your workout routine. So, while you should certainly include ab exercises in your training programme, opt to keep them for the last bit of your session.

You need to work with your diet

Belly fat is not easily defeated. While extensive abdominal exercises might build your core muscles, they alone won’t lead you towards that epic six-pack you’ve always dreamed of. Belly fat atop your abdominal muscles needs to be shaved with healthy eating. When combining a strict diet with a stringent abdominal workout routine, you will see the best results.

abdominal exercises motivation

Don’t train them every day

Like any other muscle in your body, your abs need time to recover and repair after a training session. This means you should be giving them at least one day off after a workout. If you wake up the next morning after an abdominal workout and you still feel like you could do sit-ups all day, then quite frankly you need a more difficult routine and not just more of it.

Always focus on form

With any strenuous exercise, the temptation is there to rush through it without much regard for form and finesse. By doing this, you are counteracting the effectiveness of your ab workouts. Rather take your time and do shorter sets. Take care to do each movement slowly and purposefully. By doing this you will not only see better results but will drastically limit the chance of injuring yourself.

Vary your abdominal exercises

There are scores of exercises that you can do for your abs, each one of them targeting a different area of this muscle group. If you stick to just sit-ups or crunches, you are not fully working each and every part of your core. Be sure to vary your routines as much as possible. Use different angles and exercises to target the various areas of your abdominals equally.

For example, the plank with single leg raise is a great exercise to target your abdominals:

  • Start this exercise in a prone push up position. Your body weight must be supported on your toes and forearms.
  • Bend your arms at 90 degrees. Please them directly under the shoulders.
  • Keep your body straight for the duration of the exercise.
  • Contract your abdominals and relax your upper back.
  • In this position, raise one leg at a time by contracting the glutes.
  • Keep the abdominals contracted throughout the movement.
  • Relax the upper back and drop into the plank.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like more information, news or tips on staying fit, or would like to learn more about enrolling in an internationally accredited health and fitness college to become a professional fitness trainer, be sure to take a look at  Trifocus Fitness Academy today.

pt button

 

The post What Not To Do When Performing Abdominal Exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-not-to-do-when-performing-abdominal-exercises/feed/ 0
We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Cheryl Wevell https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-graduate-cheryl-wevell/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-graduate-cheryl-wevell/#respond Fri, 20 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/trifocus-graduate-cheryl-wevell/ Cheryl Wevell Q&A Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college? I chose Trifocus because the layout and study methods are easy to follow. Student queries are answered quickly and I’ve built up a relationship with my online assessor. The videos are short and to the point, which make them easy to follow....

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Cheryl Wevell appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Cheryl Wevell Q&A

Cheryl Wevell

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

I chose Trifocus because the layout and study methods are easy to follow. Student queries are answered quickly and I’ve built up a relationship with my online assessor. The videos are short and to the point, which make them easy to follow. Material is easy to understand as well.

What Course did you just complete?

I’ve just completed a couple of course Actually, all running concurrently. But, my latest certificate was for Standing Yoga

What did you enjoy best about this course?

The videos for sure. They were so expressive and understandable. The instructor was brilliant.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

I enjoyed the fact that it was easy to tack progress. It’s easy to see how far you’ve come and how close you are to the finish. I also absolutely enjoy the videos.

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

Yes I would. Apart from the fact that the courses are totally affordable, they are easy to follow and full of easy to follow and understand  information.

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

Since I’ve qualified I’ve actually started working as a Group Fitness Instructor. I’m more aware of my exercise choices and how to put a session together properly. I love my healthier life.

Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

 

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Cheryl Wevell appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-graduate-cheryl-wevell/feed/ 0
Use Your Mind To Recover Faster From a Sports Injury https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/use-your-mind-to-recover-faster-from-a-sports-injury/ Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/use-your-mind-to-recover-faster-from-a-sports-injury/ Whether you’re a serious athlete or simply a happy-go-lucky running enthusiast, chances are strong that you will sustain a sports injury at some point in your life. The simple truth is that getting hurt sucks and it can seriously derail your self-confidence and your motivation to carry on. The good news is that you can...

The post Use Your Mind To Recover Faster From a Sports Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Whether you’re a serious athlete or simply a happy-go-lucky running enthusiast, chances are strong that you will sustain a sports injury at some point in your life. The simple truth is that getting hurt sucks and it can seriously derail your self-confidence and your motivation to carry on. The good news is that you can train your brain to deal with an injury the same way you would train your body to deal with physical activity. Here are three ways you can use your mind to recover faster from a sports injury.

Mind power to recover from a sports injury

Don’t be consumed by it

Depending on your injury, getting hurt can be a very painful experience. Aside from the obvious physical pain you are probably experiencing, there is a mental pain that is often overlooked. You are grieving the loss of your normal ability and you will have to deal with this loss; which can involve feelings of depression, anger and frustration. The important thing is to accept that these feelings are normal.

However, there comes a point where you need to stop focusing on how much your injury sucks and start focusing on the way forward. This means pushing away thoughts of,” why me?” and turning them into thoughts of “what can I do to get healthy?” If you don’t, you could find yourself withdrawing from life which will only slow your recovery.

sports injury

Use mental imagery

In sports psychology, the benefits of mental imagery or visualisation are often emphasised because imagery is not just something that happens in your head. Mental imagery has been shown to connect your mind and body and it can even activate your muscles in the same way as in sport.

Mental imagery is when you imagine yourself performing an activity using all of the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. You imagine yourself performing successfully and feeling satisfied with your effort. Mental imagery or visualisation can also be used to recall a past performance (such as beating a competitor) or to overcome negative thoughts by focusing on positive outcomes.

While you recover, imagine yourself improving in particular areas and continuing to practise. This will not only speed up the recovery process, but it will keep you motivated and inspired to get back into your sport as soon as possible. It will also keep your self-esteem and confidence levels up as you visualise yourself succeeding and winning.

Focus on another passion

Another way to recover faster from a sports injury is to focus your energy on something else. It makes sense that while you aren’t able to do what you normally do (whether you’re a professional athlete or not), you can spend your time and energy on another skill. Is there anything you’d like to learn more about? Have you wanted to learn another language but haven’t had the time? Well, now is the perfect opportunity. Find something you care about that you can throw all your energy into.

It will take your mind off your injury and it can increase your confidence as you excel at learning another skill. If your injury is less serious, you could even try your hand at another sport. As long as it won’t affect your path to recovery. For example, if you are a runner, swimming and cycling can serve as excellent cross-training workouts to build your strength.

Not being able to do what you love is difficult. However, it is better to take the time to recover properly than to run the risk of never taking part again. Use these three mental tricks to help you recover from your sports injury. You will find that you are back in the pool, on the track or on the field in no time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Do you have an interest in mental skills training? Could you see yourself working with a professional sports team to overcome mental obstacles and improve their performance?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions, a Sports Psychology course could be just what you are looking for. Trifocus Fitness Academy is a leader in health and fitness education, offering an extensive array of health and fitness qualifications at competitive prices. To find out more about our sports psychology course or another internationally accredited fitness course, speak to one of our qualified consultants at 0861 444 765.

Sports Psychology - Trifocus Fitness Academy

 

The post Use Your Mind To Recover Faster From a Sports Injury appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Is Core Training Really That Important? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-training-importance/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-training-importance/#respond Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/core-training-importance/ So many people are struggling with their physical health these days. If it is not constant lower back pain, it is an injury, a pulled muscle or even bad posture. These are all issues people are dealing with more and more in today’s day and age. This is partly as people do not look after their physical...

The post Is Core Training Really That Important? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
So many people are struggling with their physical health these days. If it is not constant lower back pain, it is an injury, a pulled muscle or even bad posture. These are all issues people are dealing with more and more in today’s day and age. This is partly as people do not look after their physical health. Somehow, somewhere along the lines, we have forgotten how to take care of our bodies and, more importantly, why we should take care of our bodies. Especially our core training.

Why Core Training Is Vital

One of the biggest issues and causes of injury and physical unhealthiness these days is a weak core. It is one of the most important parts of the body and it is crucial that it is kept strong. Unfortunately, it is the most neglected of all muscles in the body.

What Makes Up the Core?

The core consist of more than just your abdominal area. It is a series of complex muscles that all work together and play important role in the body’s everyday functioning. (Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification – one of the premier fitness courses on the market – which will give you an in-depth look at both anatomy and physiology)

These muscles include the:

  • Transversus abdominis,
  • Multifidus,
  • Internal and external obliques,
  • Rectus abdominis,
  • Erector spinae, and

The minor core muscles include the:

  • Latissimus dorsi,
  • Gluteus maximus, and
  • Trapezius.

The Core Acts As A Stabiliser In The Body

It is not a prime mover. This means that it is directly or indirectly involved in every single move we make from the simplest of tasks like standing up, sitting, walking and balancing to the more complex movements like deadlifts, running and swimming. Watch the video below for a detailed demonstration on how to perform deadlifts:

It Is Extremely Important To Keep Your Core Muscles Strong

This is because this section of your body affects your daily movements. Your core affects your:

  • Posture,
  • Balance,
  • Stability,
  • Overall physical health.

A Strong Core Also Prevents Injury

It is easy to get injured – whether on the sporting field or while performing a simple, everyday task like picking up a heavy box – if your core muscles are weak. If your core is weak, you will be more susceptible to injury. In addition to this, a strong core will keep your internal organs and central nervous system protected. It will improve your posture.

So, Is Core Training Really That Important?

Yes, most definitely! You should be exercising your core directly and indirectly through isolated and compound movements:

  • Isolated exercises work one muscle, while
  • Compound exercises work various muscles at the same time.

Although exercises like sit-ups and planks will help strengthen the core, compound moves like deadlifts and squats indirectly target and strengthen the core.

core training

Exercises That Target Your Core

Personal trainer Alex Stewart recommends a number of exercises to tone up various parts of your core.

To tone up the rectus abdominis, Alex recommends the straight leg crunch as part of your core training. Here are the steps to do this properly:

  • Lie supine on the floor with your legs extended 90 degrees towards the ceiling.
  • Place your hands in a cupped position behind the nape of your neck.
  • Keep your elbows flexed and extended outwards.
  • Curl up as high as possible bringing the back and shoulders off the floor breaking at the sternum.
  • Hold the position for a second before lowering down to your starting position.
  • Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results.
  • To make the exercise more challenging, hold a weight plate on your chest.
  • Monitor your spine and head positioning.
  • Cue your abdominals.
  • Spot your mid-back or under your neck.
  • Keep your lower back firmly pressed against the mat

A fabulous exercise that targets your serratus is the cable crunch:

  • Kneel in front of a high pulley cable machine with a rope attached to the lower cable.
  • Hold the ropes and bring your hands down to the top of your head or shoulders where they will remain fixed throughout the exercise.
  • Your spine will be curved into a “C” shape.
  • Curl your torso down towards your knees.
  • Hold this position for a second before bringing your body back to your starting position.
  • Perform as many reps as necessary for the desired results.
  • Monitor your spine and head positioning.
  • Cue your abdominals.
  • Spot mid-back or under your back.
  • Control the rope as you return to your starting position.

It is extremely important to your physical health to keep your core strong by exercising it on a regular basis. A weak core can lead to so many physical health problems like bad posture and lower back pain. And you wouldn’t want to walk around with the consequences of that.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Become A Certified Pilates Instructor - Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post Is Core Training Really That Important? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-training-importance/feed/ 0
The Psychological Traits Behind Managing and Coaching People https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-psychological-traits-behind-managing-and-coaching-people/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-psychological-traits-behind-managing-and-coaching-people/#respond Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-psychological-traits-behind-managing-and-coaching-people/ What separates the greatest people – who undertake managing and coaching  – from the rest? How do they consistently get the best out of their staff or clients, with seemingly little effort? It’s not just their good looks, their charm or their smarts. It’s in the way their minds work; the way they think, and how...

The post The Psychological Traits Behind Managing and Coaching People appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What separates the greatest people – who undertake managing and coaching  – from the rest? How do they consistently get the best out of their staff or clients, with seemingly little effort?

It’s not just their good looks, their charm or their smarts. It’s in the way their minds work; the way they think, and how they see the world.

Take a look at the seven psychological traits that make people – who undertake managing and coaching – the best.

Traits of Good Life Coaches

An irresistibly good attitude

A good coach is possibly one of the most positive types of people. They are also balanced, friendly, professional and they’re always game for a challenge.

Even when they have to complete the tasks they dislike, they do it with grace. They’re pragmatic and reliable.

They’re super motivators

The best, who undertake managing and coaching know how to motivate you – the individual – to get through some mountainous work task (or a daunting training schedule). Essentially, they help you master your own fears and uncertainties, and they guide you through it all.

They figure out what makes you tick – be it fame and glory, or a bonus.

They call a spade, a spade

Good coaches are not afraid to try new ways to interact with people. They are honest and know for their direct approach and transparency. They don’t play games, and they don’t use metaphors. It means they get what they want. They don’t lie and you always know what they expect of you and where you stand with them.

Mature

Maturity and age aren’t the same thing. Age does bring wisdom, but maturity means knowing what to do with that wisdom.

A mature person takes responsibility for himself, his actions and his thoughts. He is honest with himself, and knows what he’s capable of.

Good coaches are sincere and really care about their clients’ well being. They always want to assist their clients wherever possible and are happy to go above and beyond expectations.

Open-minded and flexible

If you’re not prepared to think outside of your own paradigms, you won’t become the type of coach/manager we’re talking about. To really ascend to superstar status, you need to be adaptable – having an open mind will help you get there.

All about accountability

In the workplace (or at the gym), as in life, we all have certain responsibilities and obligations. Understanding what they are is key. Likewise, knowing how to admit when we’ve failed to accomplish these, and how we’re going to fix it.

Good coaches can be trusted to keep everything that is discussed during a session confidential, no matter what. A great person who undertakes managing and coaching knows this. And he’s a stickler for it.

Walk the talk

Great coaches walk the talk and live by their own rules. Clients who get to see a coach’s principles and beliefs in real life becomes an inspiration for them.

Excellent leaders aren’t afraid to do the grunt-work, if it’s needed. They understand that sometimes, the best way to get their staff/clients to feel motivated is if they lead by doing.

Develop talent when they find it

Good coaches are extremely observant and can easily read between the lines. A truly great manager/coach will see talent and instead of being threatened (or choosing to downplay it) he’ll do everything he can to develop that talent.

Focused and Dedicated

Great coaches are not easily distracted and can manage to focus only on their clients’ needs during a session. They understand that it takes time to make big changes and see results. A good coach will work alongside their client to ensure that he achieves his goals.

Be authentic

It is important for a coach to be authentic and transparent. A good coach does not pretend to be what he is not and is there to guide their clients to become a better version of themselves.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you already have all these traits, then you should be a coach or a manager yourself! Turn your talents into a rewarding, professional career. Check out the impressive Life Coaching Certification at Trifocus Fitness Academy, today.

Become A Life Coach - Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post The Psychological Traits Behind Managing and Coaching People appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-psychological-traits-behind-managing-and-coaching-people/feed/ 0
Five Brilliant Ways To Motivate Athletes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/five-brilliant-ways-to-motivate-athletes/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/five-brilliant-ways-to-motivate-athletes/#respond Mon, 26 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/five-brilliant-ways-to-motivate-athletes/ Expert trainers and coaches are excellent motivators. They consistently get their athletes to perform better, and always with passion. What’s their strategy? They don’t use fear or incentives to motivate athletes. Yes these methods do work but only for a short time. The athlete who’s afraid spends his time running away from the fear (and eventually...

The post Five Brilliant Ways To Motivate Athletes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Expert trainers and coaches are excellent motivators. They consistently get their athletes to perform better, and always with passion. What’s their strategy? They don’t use fear or incentives to motivate athletes. Yes these methods do work but only for a short time. The athlete who’s afraid spends his time running away from the fear (and eventually runs away from the coach who created it).

And the incentives, once they’re obtained, lose their appeal. And the coach has to find a bigger incentive to re-motivate the athlete.

Expert coaches instil their athletes with a sense of purpose. This is what becomes the driver for excellence and passion. And it grows a sense of achievement and fulfilment in the athlete. This means the win becomes its own reward.

Take a look at the five powerful ways to achieve this.

How to motivate athletes

1. Get their buy-in and commitment

The easiest way to achieve this is to create healthy discussion around the athlete’s goals and also how you plan to reach them together. Simply giving the athlete an instruction or a training programme, without explaining how and why it will benefit him, is like leaving him in the dark.

If the athlete understands your game plan and supports it by offering his suggestions and feedback, it means his heart is in it. And then you don’t need to wave any carrots in front of his nose!

2. Create the right environment

The right training environment for an athlete is important. There should be a focus on quality and excellence, on challenge, as well as recognition for performance and effort.

So set high standards for your athletes (and yourself). Make sure you give your athlete plenty of feedback. Constructive criticism is important. But so is a word of praise or positive feedback. Experts recommend that – when giving constructive criticism – you use the Sandwich Method where your critique is prefaced (and ends off with) positive feedback.

Of course, trust is an important ingredient in his environment. You should have a caring and trusting relationship with your athlete. He needs to know that you’re committed to their success and performance.

3. Be an amazing teacher

Your athlete can have all the heart in the world but if his technique, form and his mindset aren’t right, he’ll never win. That’s where you come in: Teach him the best technique and the best form. Show him how to think about his training, the challenges of his sport and how to visualise his success. Knowledge is power, after all.

4. Measure performance regularly

Progress is a fabulous motivator. If you’re measuring performance regularly, and tracking progress, you’ll be able to reward and celebrate the little victories or improvements along the way. And that’s very motivating.

5. Remember the fun

Professional athletes want and need to take their training seriously. But we’re programmed to learn something new more easily, if it’s fun. So make sure your athlete is having a little fun in his training programme just to keep him engaged and happy.

Put these tips into practice, and you’ll see the improvement and passion in your athletes!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you’re interested in becoming a sports coach, then consider signing up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Coaching Science Certification. It’ll give you the tools, knowledge and qualification you need to make a career in sports.

Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post Five Brilliant Ways To Motivate Athletes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/five-brilliant-ways-to-motivate-athletes/feed/ 0
5 Traits Of The World’s Top Personal Trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-traits-of-the-worlds-top-personal-trainers/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-traits-of-the-worlds-top-personal-trainers/#respond Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/5-traits-of-the-worlds-top-personal-trainers/ What is it that makes personal trainers stand out? What makes one personal trainer better at his job? There are, in fact, five qualities that the world’s top personal trainers have in common. Take a look. Best Personal Trainer qualities 1. They’re properly qualified (and never stop learning) Great personal trainers are experts in their fields and...

The post 5 Traits Of The World’s Top Personal Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
What is it that makes personal trainers stand out? What makes one personal trainer better at his job? There are, in fact, five qualities that the world’s top personal trainers have in common. Take a look.

Best Personal Trainer qualities

1. They’re properly qualified (and never stop learning)

Great personal trainers are experts in their fields and have the qualifications to prove it. The best option is a holistic fitness certification that covers biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, safety and risk management, as well as the basics of fitness instruction.

But the world’s best personal trainers don’t just stop studying when they receive their certifications. They keep studying, always learning more about the latest and best methods.

2. They get results

This is, arguably, the simplest way to measure the value of a personal trainer: His results. His clients report real weight loss, or measurable improvements in fitness and strength.

3. They’re motivated motivators

Let’s be honest – nobody likes getting up at 4:30am to work out… But the world’s best personal trainers understand this. And they’re master motivators, able to inspire their clients to not only get up at that hour, but to meet their exercise targets effectively. As Lindsay Vastola, certified fitness expert, says:

“Your body achieves only what your mind believes!”

4. They’ve got a good head for business

Most personal trainers are passionate about what they do. But the best trainers take their passion seriously. They focus on running their training as a successful, professional business. If they lack the know-how or the skills to manage any aspect of the business, they either get educated (i.e. take courses) or they hire someone who’ll ace it on their behalf.

5. They live by the principles they teach

They say you shouldn’t trust a skinny chef. Or a fat and unfit personal trainer who snacks on French fries.

A personal trainer who doesn’t apply his training principles and practices to himself has failed to walk the talk. This means he lacks credibility and isn’t positioned to lead his clients on the path to their best selves.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re not yet a personal trainer but have always dreamed of becoming one, check out the Comprehensive Personal Training qualifications on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy. It gives you all the tools and skills you need to become a professional trainer.

pt button

The post 5 Traits Of The World’s Top Personal Trainers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-traits-of-the-worlds-top-personal-trainers/feed/ 0
The Core Powerhouse Explained https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-powerhouse-explained/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-powerhouse-explained/#respond Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/core-powerhouse-explained/ If you have read fitness and health related articles, or chatted to fitness influencers and personal trainers, you would have heard the word core quite a bit. Personal trainers especially love to talk about this and the importance of doing exercises that involve, support and strengthen it. But what exactly is it all about? What function...

The post The Core Powerhouse Explained appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you have read fitness and health related articles, or chatted to fitness influencers and personal trainers, you would have heard the word core quite a bit. Personal trainers especially love to talk about this and the importance of doing exercises that involve, support and strengthen it. But what exactly is it all about? What function does it serve and why is it important?

What is your core?

Most people believe the core is just your abdominal muscles

Your mid-section is not made up of  just one muscle. It consists of – essentially – almost every muscle except your arms and your legs. It is comprised of a few major and minor muscles that include your:

  • Pelvic floor muscles
  • Transversus abdominis
  •  Multifidus
  • Internal and external obliques
  • Rectus abdominis
  • Erector spinae
  • Latissimus dorsi
  • Gluteus maximus
  • Trapezius

Your core is used in almost every move you make

It is where your power to perform any kind of movement, no matter how simple or difficult.

It is the link between your upper and lower body and therefore it needs to be strong. Personal trainers focus so much on strengthening and supporting the core while training their clients because it is the centre of the body – it affects every other part of your body and how well you are able to use these various parts to maximum efficiency.

This set of muscles is the stabiliser of your body that either transfers force from one extremity to another or initiates movement itself. There are five components of stability for your mid-section:

  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Motor control
  • Function

Regularly strengthen your abdominals through an effective exercise programme

This is because it is directly responsible for a few seemingly basic but important functions. These include:

  • Performing everyday tasks. From intricate activities like playing sports and lifting heavy objects, to the simpler things like simply walking, standing up straight or tying your shoes, without strong abdominals play an intricate part.
  •  A healthy back: A weak mid-section can lead to constant back pain.
  • An injury-free body: A set of abdominals prevent injury while performing any kind of movement, from running to lifting heavy weights.
  • Playing sports: Your core strength directly affects how you move.
  • Balance and stability: Your abdominals are your body’s stabiliser and keep you balanced while you move.
  • Good posture: If the muscles in your mid-section are strong, you will have good posture.
  • Protects your internal organs: There is no bone protecting your organs in your trunk, except your ribs and spine which means that your core muscles protect these delicate muscles.

Your abdominals need to be strengthened with exercise on a regular basis. Many people make the mistake of training it like they would train a certain muscle: by isolating it. However, doing a lot of ab work alone will not strengthen your core. To accomplish this you need to perform a variety of compound movements that target every muscle in your core, not just your abs.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

When you sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Certification, you’ll learn the exercises that you can teach your clients to help them shape up their core. That’s just the start!

whole-body pilates

The post The Core Powerhouse Explained appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/core-powerhouse-explained/feed/ 0
Why You Should Train For Muscle Endurance and Strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-should-train-for-muscle-endurance-and-strength/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-should-train-for-muscle-endurance-and-strength/#respond Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-you-should-train-for-muscle-endurance-and-strength/ People exercise for different reasons and to reach different goals. Some people exercise to increase their performance as professional sports athletes, to lose weight, gain weight, gain muscle, increase cardiovascular fitness or to look good. For every goal, there is a different way to exercise – such as endurance or strength training. However, that doesn’t mean...

The post Why You Should Train For Muscle Endurance and Strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
People exercise for different reasons and to reach different goals. Some people exercise to increase their performance as professional sports athletes, to lose weight, gain weight, gain muscle, increase cardiovascular fitness or to look good. For every goal, there is a different way to exercise – such as endurance or strength training. However, that doesn’t mean that there is only one way to exercise for your goal. Variety in your training regime can be incredibly beneficial and will develop and enhance your performance, aesthetics and health. Training in different methods will also make you a better, well-rounded athlete.

The importance of variety when training

Include programmes that enhance and develop your muscular strength

Muscle strength plays a vital role in your daily life as well as your progress and performance in the gym, your professional sporting career, and your weight-loss efforts. That’s right! Training to build muscle strength will help you lose weight.

One of the most common causes of weak muscles is a sedentary lifestyle. When we don’t exercise, our muscles atrophy. This means that the size, along with the strength and endurance of the muscle, reduces because of inactivity and the lack of activity. This leads to muscle weakness, which not only has a direct impact on our day-to-day life but can cause further issues as well.

You need strong muscles to perform daily activities

These include walking, running, lifting heavy objects, picking up your little one or playing with your kids. In addition, your muscles need to be strong so that you can maintain good posture, move easily and have stronger tendons and ligaments. Strong muscles also decrease your risk of injury.

If you suffer from back pain, it can be alleviated by strengthening the muscles in your back and core. So, as you can see, having strong muscles makes life so much easier and is great for your general health.

A lack of muscle endurance can also lead to several difficulties

As with  muscle strength, muscle endurance makes life easier by preventing injuries, enabling you to perform better in everyday tasks and hobbies, and keeping your body’s performance healthy. In addition to this, a lack of muscle endurance can lead to you having to take more frequent breaks during your exercise routine. Low muscle endurance will also contribute to reducing your exercise intensity and frequency, which will then negatively impact your muscle strength.

Exercising for muscle strength and endurance is a must. If you haven’t yet, you should add it to your exercise regime. Variety will get you closer to your goal. Whether it be increasing your explosive power, losing weight or looking a certain way.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Knowing what type of exercise to recommend to a personal training client is the cornerstone of personal training qualifications. At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we whole-heartedly believe this which is why this is an integral part of our Personal Training Certification.

pt button

The post Why You Should Train For Muscle Endurance and Strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-should-train-for-muscle-endurance-and-strength/feed/ 0
How to Develop your Clients’ Mental Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/develop-clients-mental-fitness/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/develop-clients-mental-fitness/#respond Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/develop-clients-mental-fitness/ The post How to Develop your Clients’ Mental Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>

As a professional trainer, your clients will come to you with a variety of goals that they want to achieve, such as bulking up, losing weight or getting a perfectly sculpted set of washboard abs. However, getting there is not easy – nothing worth having is ever easy! This means that in order to achieve their goals, your clients will have to be steadfast and motivated. They will need to be mentally fit.

How do clients become mentally fit?

A life coach can develop a client’s stamina

A life coach is someone that a person will turn to, ask advice from and work things out with. When the client has a bit of a wobbly, feels he or she can’t do something, the life coach will be there, encouraging them, and prompting them to carry on going.

If you, as a personal trainer, have the skills of a life coach, and one of your clients waivers in their commitment to achieving their goals, you’ll be able to build their mental stamina up and get them where they need to be!

As we said above, achieving fitness goals takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Take, for example, developing the perfect six-pack.

What many people believe is that the faithful sit-up is the answer to developing shapely abdominal muscles. Yes, and no… Granted, sit-ups are great for developing and toning your abs but if you have a layer of fat over these muscles you won’t see any difference.

There are other abdominal exercises that you can structure into your clients’ routine such as:

  • The Kettlebell Russian Twist

  • Hanging Knee Raises

  • Rope Crunch

To get one step closer to a shapely mid-section in addition to your ab exercises, your personal training clients will also need to engage in a highly structured cardiovascular workout routine. According to the American College of Sports Medicine to stay fit you need to cardiovascular exercise three to five times a week in blocks of 30 minutes. However, if you want to lose weight you need to step this up.

Your clients will need to be disciplined and structured with their workout routine to see results. This means not skipping training sessions and working out as hard as they can. Excuses can’t become part of their vocabulary!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Does being a specialist trainer sound good to you? If you answered “yes!” why don’t you sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma or Life Coaching certification. Armed with one of these qualifications, you’ll be one of a handful of like-minded professionals out there!

pt button

 

The post How to Develop your Clients’ Mental Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/develop-clients-mental-fitness/feed/ 0
We Catch Up With Trifocus Ambassador, Tammy Audagnotti https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-ambassador-tammy-audagnotti/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-ambassador-tammy-audagnotti/#respond Wed, 07 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/trifocus-ambassador-tammy-audagnotti/ Tammy Audagnotti Q&A Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college? There was no question as to who my choice would be when it comes to fitness & health. Trifocus Fitness Academy was my College of choice for numerous reasons most oI which was based on the incredible feedback i received from past...

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Ambassador, Tammy Audagnotti appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Tammy Audagnotti Q&A

Tammy Audagnotti

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

There was no question as to who my choice would be when it comes to fitness & health. Trifocus Fitness Academy was my College of choice for numerous reasons most oI which was based on the incredible feedback i received from past Trifocus College Students.Each and every student I have spoken to highly recommended Trifocus Fitness Academy & what better way to make a choice than to hear it from the Students themselves.

What Course did you just complete?

With Trifocus Fitness Academy i have completed my Advanced Personal Training Diploma, Bootcamp Instructor Course & I am currently studying Yoga & Life Coaching to further my skills.

What did you enjoy best about this course?

I have thoroughly enjoyed every course i have completed but my favorite part about most of my courses is the wide variety of study choices are given to accompany your busy life style.

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

I loved the online course, it gave me the opportunity to complete the given course in my own time with no pressure. The content was clearly set out and very easy to follow

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

I searched for many months comparing pricing, recommendations & overall value for money.  Trifocus Fitness Academy was the obvious choice

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

I feel motivated to work towards my own personal Goal given i have the knowledge i once lacked. I’m confident to educate others and continue to expand my fitness education; living my passion with a smile on my face. I run a successful coaching company called MissFit Personal Training. We assist people via online training as well as one on one training . I wish to inspire everyone I cross paths with & to only grow in the near future as a Leader in the Health & Fitness Industry.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy

 

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Ambassador, Tammy Audagnotti appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/uncategorized/trifocus-ambassador-tammy-audagnotti/feed/ 0
We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Mandy Binney https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/general-articles/trifocus-graduate-mandy-binney/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/general-articles/trifocus-graduate-mandy-binney/#respond Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/trifocus-graduate-mandy-binney/ Mandy Binney Q&A Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college? My Name is Mandy Carline Binney and I live and breathe fitness. You can ask any member of my family or any one of my friends how dedicated, passionate, committed and motivated I am. It all started about 6 years ago when...

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Mandy Binney appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Mandy Binney Q&A

Mandy Binney

Why did you choose Trifocus Fitness Academy for your college?

My Name is Mandy Carline Binney and I live and breathe fitness. You can ask any member of my family or any one of my friends how dedicated, passionate, committed and motivated I am. It all started about 6 years ago when I decided to change my lifestyle. I lost both parents due to ill health and lack of healthy habits at ages 64 and 61. Then I decided, I wanted to live a longer, healthier lifestyle so I joined Virgin Active. I was never a Sporty Person, an Athlete of any sort, I was overweight and had a low self esteem. When I joined Virgin Active I was an overweight, 58.8kg, and a size 16.

This is my Fitness Journey.

Introduction

I started by just walking, cycling and rowing as that was all I was capable of doing without passing out. Eventually my fitness levels started increasing and I started with the circuit. Wow, what a workout, even still today. After that I incorporated the weights this was about a year later. I then decided I needed a Personal Trainer, as I could not do this on my own and I did not want to hurt myself, knowing the right techniques.

I then approached Torros Basson, one of the best Trainers at Menlyn. How did I know this you wonder, I watched all of them in that first year, and their clients. Torros had a client who was overweight and after a few months he had lost so much and was well toned. Not only did I see improvements in his clients, Torros worked just as hard at maintaining his fitness. I decided then, that, that was the Trainer I wanted – someone who not only gets results but upholds the image of fitness by executing it himself. Torros would help me with programs – he would train me for 3 days then I would be on my own, go back to him every 8 or so weeks for a new program.

I continued with Torros for about just over a year, the introduction to the weights was awesome, but I wanted more. So I decided to join a Running Club – Love Running. My endurance and stamina grew by the day, I eventually got to run my first 10km. The more I did the more I wanted to do, and this was when I decided I wanted to be a Personal Trainer. I had gone from a size 16 to an 8/10 basically half the person I was, dropped weight from 58,8kg – 48kg. I am currently now 54kg but still a size 8/10. Weight is not an issue for me as I have toned.

Setbacks

We all know that there are setbacks in the Fitness World, I was diagnosed with a stress fracture, which eventually after many x-rays, scans turned out to be nothing, this put me off training of legs for 6 months, I had lost so much time, this pushed me back to the start, I have still not gotten back to where I was before, but every day I try a little bit harder to get there.

Reasons why I became a Personal Trainer

Why is always the question… My main reason for wanting to be a Personal Trainer is to show people that your body can change. You can achieve a better lifestyle, look better with the right exercise and correct nutrition. Everybody’s body is different and to stop looking at magazines and supermodels, because you won’t necessarily ever look like them. You should be the best version of yourself, with hard work, patience and focus, push through. Nothing in life comes easy, you need to work for it.

The results are rewarding. I tell my friends to take the scale and throw it in the bin; I’d rather be heavy and toned than skinny and saggy. Weight has nothing to do with what you look like, you can weigh the same, but lose cm and body fat, and look amazing. I want to empower woman to not be scared of the weights section. The boys are intimidating yes, but if you stand your ground and work hard, you earn the respect you deserve. It takes a while, but soon they will start moving out of your way and stop staring, making you feel uncomfortable. Weights burn so much more, and tone your body; they are 10 times better than just doing the cardio.

I would also like to get the elderly more involved in exercise, even if it is simple little exercises. Even if it is just to increase flexibility so that daily tasks like tying their shoelaces will not be a problem. It will assist them in everyday life, like taking a walk without having to stop for being out of breath. Fitness will help them to be more alive and happy with life. Exercise releases endorphins and you stress less and tend to be a happier person.

I know the fight, he struggle, setbacks and failure, but I also know the success… I want to enrich the minds of others with the knowledge that I have, and the stories of blood, sweat and tears. Being able to associate and let them know that I understand their pain, as I was once in their shoes, is what makes it so great. I want them to be able to look in the mirror and love what they see. I am now more confident than I have ever have been and that is all thanks to fitness.

My Qualifications

  • Certificate in Personal Training through Trifocus Fitness Academy
  • CPR Course through EMT
  • Registered Exercise Professional with the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA)

My Future

My ultimate goal and what matters to me most is changing the lives of others. I want to show them the capabilities of their bodies. Motivating healthier lifestyles, supporting and motivating people who need it most. Being the Best Trainer I can be, leading by example and showing the world, that ordinary can become extraordinary. I am not in this Industry to see how much money there is to be made. I studied so that I can help others become the best versions of themselves by having the knowledge of safety and to always have their best interests at heart. For me it is all about for the transformations, the smiles, the confidence, the appreciation; none of these things can be bought only earned.

Feel Free to view how I motivate and impact lives.

Fitness Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandysfitnesspage

Instagram: titchie81za

What Course did you just complete?

I completed my Personal Training Certificate Last year. CPD courses: Fundamentals of Fitness Business, Pilates Ball and Athletic Nutrition.

What did you enjoy best about this course?

Personal Training : My case Study, being able to train someone. My CPD’s the wealth of knowledge I have gained, enables me to be a better Trainer and providing my clients with the best of me. Trifocus has a learning platform that keeps you interested and coming back for more!

How did you like the online learning material what parts of the online experience did you enjoy the most? (if the question is applicable)

I liked the videos. Sometimes with studying a book can be boring. Even when there are quizzes, the online platform keeps you interested and your hand does not get tired of writing. You stay focused and keep clicking away, eager to know what’s coming next and don’t want to leave your PC because so much more awaits you!

Would you recommend Trifocus to your colleagues and why?

Most Definitely, REPPSA gives us other CPD endorsed colleges, but I came back to Trifocus for my CPD’s. The consultants are great, the Assessors are friendly and make you feel comfortable. Trifocus helps, their courses don’t intimidate their students with knowledge they help you understand it first. Tri-Focus, the name says it all, 3 Focus Points, 1. Passion to be a Fitness Professional, 2. Knowledge, gain the knowledge and you can’t go wrong, 3. Work Ethic, work hard to be the best version of yourself and lastly Focus, Focus these 3 things and you won’t go Wrong!!!

How has becoming qualified with Trifocus improved your Life Style and Wellness out look?

It has helped me to understand that helping someone achieve their goals is better than watching them fail. For me it’s about the smile that the results bring to my clients. The self satisfaction that nobody can buy. When hard work pays off, that is when we Appreciate it most. There are no quick fixes to this lifestyle and when you realise that with the right guidance and knowledge, you have all the power to be the best version of yourself!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post We Catch Up With Trifocus Graduate, Mandy Binney appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/general-articles/trifocus-graduate-mandy-binney/feed/ 0
Nutritionists say Why you Should put the Skim Milk Down https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritionists-say-skim-milk/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritionists-say-skim-milk/#respond Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutritionists-say-skim-milk/ Do you order “skinny” cappuccinos and congratulate yourself on your healthy choice? Do you believe that skim milk is the better milk option, that it’ll help to make you skinny and healthier? Nutritionists say that skim milk (and even 2% milk) isn’t as good for you as regular full cream milk. Why not to opt...

The post Nutritionists say Why you Should put the Skim Milk Down appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you order “skinny” cappuccinos and congratulate yourself on your healthy choice? Do you believe that skim milk is the better milk option, that it’ll help to make you skinny and healthier? Nutritionists say that skim milk (and even 2% milk) isn’t as good for you as regular full cream milk.

Why not to opt for skim milk

Skim milk is the nasty byproduct of dairy production

It’s what was left over after the cream was skimmed from the milk. For a long time, it was considered useless. It was only after it became marketed as the “healthier, fat-free option” that skim milk became a commercially viable product.

So put the skim milk down, and read on to find out why you should switch to full cream milk today.

Nutritionists say that the fat in full cream milk isn’t the devil

For years, we were taught that saturated fat and cholesterol are bad for you, that they cause heart disease and contribute to obesity. Turns out these aren’t as bad for us as we were told. And poly- and monounsaturated fats (think of those found in avos, nuts and fish) are amazingly good for you!

Medical experts at Harvard Medical School confirm this:

“For long-term health, some fats are better than others. Good fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Bad ones include industrial-made trans fats. Saturated fats fall somewhere in the middle.”

Skim and low fat  milk are higher in hidden sugars

A cup of low-fat milk has the same amount of sugar in it as a bar of chocolate (according to scientific studies). And since skim milk, in its raw form, is really unappetising, manufacturers add sugary ingredients to it to make it taste better.

What’s more, some manufacturers will add dehydrated milk solids to the skim milk, to give it the creamy white colour that we expect milk to have. These milk solids are so highly processed, the cholesterols in them turn into toxic substances that will harm your body in the long run.

Nutritionists are proud to say that full cream milk is packed with nutrients and vitamins

Full cream milk is rich in calcium as well as vitamins D, A, E and K.
These are not found in skim milk. Some are concentrated in the butterfat of the milk, which is removed when skim milk is made. Others are fat soluble, so they are in the skim milk, but you don’t absorb them because the skim milk has no fat in it.

It’s clear that skim milk is simply a highly-processed food, one that offers you little nutritional benefit, Full cream milk – and especially that derived from grass-fed cows that are hormone and antibiotic free – is your best option.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

And if you’re completely in awe of the power of good nutrition, then consider a career as a nutritionist. Trifocus Fitness Academy will get you on the right track, with its Specialised Nutrition Certification.

Study A Specialised Nutrition Course - Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post Nutritionists say Why you Should put the Skim Milk Down appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/nutritionists-say-skim-milk/feed/ 0
What You Need To Know About Calcium https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-you-need-to-know-calcium/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-you-need-to-know-calcium/#respond Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-you-need-to-know-calcium/ Calcium is a mineral that is well known for its role in building strong bones and teeth. If you don’t have sufficient in your diet, you run the risk of your body taking what it needs from your bones – putting you at risk for diseases such as osteoporosis that will ultimately cause you to...

The post What You Need To Know About Calcium appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Calcium is a mineral that is well known for its role in building strong bones and teeth. If you don’t have sufficient in your diet, you run the risk of your body taking what it needs from your bones – putting you at risk for diseases such as osteoporosis that will ultimately cause you to have brittle bones and put you at an increased risk of fractures.

To ensure that you don’t fall victim to osteoporosis, it’s necessary to consume sufficient calcium – on a daily basis – and perform weight-bearing exercises. So how much should you be taking in, on a daily basis, and where can you get this?

Calcium sources and importance

Daily recommended calcium intake based on age

The Office of Dietary Supplements, at the National Institutes of Health, lists the following recommended doses:

Age in years Gender Dosage
1 – 3 Men/Women 700 mg/day
4 – 8 Men/Women 1 000 mg/day
9 – 18 Men/Women 1 300 mg/day
19 – 50 Men/Women 1 000 mg/day
50 – 70 Men/Women 1 000 mg/day
< 70 Men/Women 1 200mg/day

 

What are the best sources?

A common misconception is that milk is the best source of calcium. Although dairy products are still one of the top sources of calcium out there, the University of Maryland Medical Centre gives other examples of foods which are rich in this mineral. Their list includes:

  • Green leafy vegetables, e.g. broccoli, cabbage and turnips,
  • Salmon and sardines, which are canned with their soft bones,
  • Almonds,
  • Brazil nuts,
  • Sunflower seeds,
  • Tahini, and
  • Dried beans.

There are a number of calcium supplements on the market but be careful of only relying on these for your daily intake of calcium. A rule of thumb is to take these supplements but also to have a good intake of calcium-rich foods in your diet.

Vitamin D is essential for your body to absorb calcium

For the calcium you consume to be absorbed into your body, you need to have the right amount of vitamin D in your body. Experts at Rochester University say that you need to take in at least 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, which you can get from fortified foods, supplements or 30 minutes in the sun daily.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Certification, you’ll learn more about the benefits of calcium as well as other aspects of nutrition.

Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post What You Need To Know About Calcium appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-you-need-to-know-calcium/feed/ 0
Basic Pilates Mat Exercise – Pelvic lift https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pelvic-lift-basic-pilates-mat-exercises/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pelvic-lift-basic-pilates-mat-exercises/#respond Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pelvic-lift-basic-pilates-mat-exercises/ When you start off a Pilates routine, there are certain fundamental exercises that you need to start off with doing before you get into the more complex work as these prep your body for what it needs to do. The Pelvic Lift – which is one such exercise – is performed on the mat and...

The post Basic Pilates Mat Exercise – Pelvic lift appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you start off a Pilates routine, there are certain fundamental exercises that you need to start off with doing before you get into the more complex work as these prep your body for what it needs to do. The Pelvic Lift – which is one such exercise – is performed on the mat and is a great way to start off your Pilates routine. Here’s why.

Benefits of the Pelvic Lift

Your core isn’t just your six-pack. It is the inner part of your body that provides the strength it needs for the other muscles in your body to function.

Having a strong core is particularly important for athletes – especially runners.  Says Julie Wiebe, a physical therapist who specialises in working with athletes:

“The inability to use the deep core muscles is a contributing factor to running injuries. Runners need a better strategy to create stability that supports the demands of running.”

The Pelvic Lift plays a significant role in strengthening your inner core as well as spinal mobilisation and hamstring control. This exercise also is great for alleviating lower back pain. In fact, obstetricians recommend the Pelvic Lift to pregnant women.

How do you perform the Pelvic Lift?

Lie on your back on a mat. Your knees must be bent and your feet will be facing forward. Rest your hands gently at your sides with the palms resting on the mat.

Inhale to prepare and bring your naval to your spine.  What this means is that you will tighten your pelvic floor muscles as well as your lower abdominals.

As you exhale, slowly lift your torso off the mat starting with your glutes. As you do so, engage your hamstrings and squeeze your glutes once your entire spine has been lifted off the mat.

Inhale and slowly lower yourself again, making sure that you replace each vertebra on the mat, one by one.

Watch this video for a demonstration of how to do the Pelvic Lift:

Which muscles are worked?

This exercise works the following muscles:

  • Hamstring group
  • Glute muscles
  • Back stabilisers
  • Abdominals

Points to look out for

As a Pilates instructor, you’re going to need to watch your client like a hawk because if they do the exercise incorrectly they run the risk of injuring themselves badly. So during the Pelvic Lift, make sure that your client doesn’t hyperextend their lumbar spine. If they feel any pain, you can put a small rolled-up towel under their lumbar spine region.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Certification will make you into the best Pilates instructor our there as – on this course – you’ll learn everything you need to know about Pilates – from ball and mat work, to how to use a reformer – and everything in between!

Become A Certified Pilates Instructor - Trifocus Fitness Academy

The post Basic Pilates Mat Exercise – Pelvic lift appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pelvic-lift-basic-pilates-mat-exercises/feed/ 0
Weight-Bearing and Resistance Exercises to help Prevent Osteoporosis https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/resistance-exercises-osteoporosis/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/resistance-exercises-osteoporosis/#respond Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/resistance-exercises-osteoporosis/ Osteoporosis is a disease that targets your bones, causing them to become brittle and fracture easily. One of the ways that you can prevent its onslaught is by taking in enough calcium in your diet, either through the food that you eat or via supplements. Another very good way of preventing osteoporosis is through exercise...

The post Weight-Bearing and Resistance Exercises to help Prevent Osteoporosis appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Osteoporosis is a disease that targets your bones, causing them to become brittle and fracture easily. One of the ways that you can prevent its onslaught is by taking in enough calcium in your diet, either through the food that you eat or via supplements. Another very good way of preventing osteoporosis is through exercise – either weight-bearing or resistance exercises. Read on to find out more.

How exercise can prevent osteoporosis

What are weight-bearing exercises?

Weight-bearing exercises are activities during which you are supported by your body weight. Examples are running, walking and climbing stairs. It is recommended that, to obtain the best results, you run or walk between 5 and 8 km per week.

What are resistance exercises?

Resistance exercises are activities during which you work against the force of something other than your body weight, for example a free weight or the force exerted by water. To obtain the best results, it’s recommended you perform resistance exercises between two and three times a week.

Experts at Tufts University and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the Growing Stronger exercise programme to assist people in building their strength. Specifically, these exercises will, for example:

  • Build strength,
  • Maintain bone density,
  • Improve balance, coordination and mobility, and
  • Reduce the risk of falling.

This exercise programme consists of five stages:

  • Warm-up,
  • One,
  • Two,
  • Three, and
  • Cool down.

Warm-up

It’s recommended that for the warm-up, you either walk on a treadmill or outside for five – 10 minutes. The purpose of the warm-up is to direct blood flow to your muscles and prepare your body for the workout. If your muscles are loose and warm, they will respond better to resistance training.

Stage 1

Stage 1 of the programme consists of four different exercises, one of these being squats. It is recommended that you master the exercises in this stage before you start to add in the exercises described in stages 2 and 3.

Stage 2

Exercises in stage 2 of the Growing Stronger programme consist of:

  • Bicep curl,
  • Step-ups,
  • Overhead press, and
  • Hip abduction.

Stage 3

There are also four exercises in stage 3:

  • Knee extension,
  • Knee curl,
  • Pelvic tilt, and
  • Floor back extension.

Cool down

The cool down consists of a number of stretches, e.g. of your calves and neck. While performing the stretches, make sure that you breathe through the stretch and concentrate on relaxing.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in learning more about fitness? We offer the accredited 137 credit National Certificate in Fitness.

pt button

The post Weight-Bearing and Resistance Exercises to help Prevent Osteoporosis appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/resistance-exercises-osteoporosis/feed/ 0
The Differences Between a Sports Coach and a Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-differences-between-a-sports-coach-and-a-personal-trainer/ Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-differences-between-a-sports-coach-and-a-personal-trainer/ There are hundreds of different professions in the sporting field. Sports coach, sports manager, sports conditioning specialist – the list is endless. Although sports coaches help their teams get fit, this type of coach is not a personal trainer. Every one of these professionals serves a different purpose and goal. From the sports coach standing next...

The post The Differences Between a Sports Coach and a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are hundreds of different professions in the sporting field. Sports coach, sports manager, sports conditioning specialist – the list is endless. Although sports coaches help their teams get fit, this type of coach is not a personal trainer. Every one of these professionals serves a different purpose and goal. From the sports coach standing next to the field, helping the players get ready physically and mentally, to the sports manager who organises everything that the team needs to be successful. Two of the most popular and sought-after professions in the health and fitness industry are sports coaches and personal trainers.

Here are some key important differences between Sports Coaching and Personal Training

Personal Trainers Focus On One-On-One Training Sessions

They take various clients a day and can see up to ten different people on a daily basis. Each client has their own goals: training for weight loss, increasing muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, competition prep, or just overall health maintenance.

Personal trainers specialise in specific areas such as strength training, cardiovascular training, high-intensity interval training, and plyometrics. They use these different kinds of training to help their clients reach their goals.

The Personal Trainer And Motivation

Another very important responsibility that a personal trainer has is to motivate their clients to keep working hard to reach their goals. Personal trainers need to be infectiously positive, energetic, motivating, inspiring, encouraging, and patient. They need to know what to say and do to push their clients past their limits. As health and fitness writer, Jessica Bell, says: “Working with a trainer that matches your personality and inspires you can create a driving force toward your fitness goals.”

What is Sports Coaching?

Sports coaches teach individuals or teams how to improve the skills that they need to succeed in their chosen sport and instruct on specifics of technique and strategy. They also supervise and facilitate training sessions, plan individual programs, oversee competitions or games and analyse their team or individual client’s performance.

The Role of a Sports Coach

A sports coach’s role will often change according to the needs of their athletes, their main role being skills development, but at a higher level, their role is likely to be about the development of strategies for their athletes to enhance the skills they already have. It is also the role of the sports coach to create a place where their athletes can grow in their chosen field of sport.

Sports Coaches Need to be Specifically Qualified in one Kind of Sport

This is in contrast with personal trainers who focus on general health and wellness. In many cases, sports coaches also act as role models for their athletes and it is therefore important that they live the way their athletes should live.

There is a lot of mental coaching going on between a sports coach and their athletes, just the same as there is between the client and his or her personal trainer. In some cases the coach will become a very close friend to the athlete, advising them on big decisions in their professional sporting and personal lives.

Sports coaches need to have sound knowledge of the respective sports of their athletes. They need to educate and motivate their athletes, know how to motivate them mentally, and get the best out of them at all times.

The distinct difference between a personal trainer and a sports coach is that personal trainers are there to help the general public reach their respective fitness goals, while sports coaches usually work with professional athletes on a more personal level.

sibusiso kotelo

What is Personal Training?

Personal trainers will train up to ten different clients on a daily basis. Each client has their own goals: training for weight loss, increasing muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, competition preparation, or just overall health maintenance.

Personal trainers specialise in specific areas such as strength training, cardiovascular training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and plyometrics. They use these different kinds of training to help their clients reach their goals.

The Role of a Personal Trainer

A personal trainer’s role is to help his or her clients achieve their health and fitness goals – the main aim is to reach a personal target and maintain it. 

Another very important role of the personal trainer is to motivate their clients to keep working hard to reach their goals. Personal trainers need to be extremely positive, energetic, motivating, inspiring, encouraging and patient. They need to know what to say and do to push their clients past their limits.

Personal Trainers are Sometimes Seen as Unofficial Therapists

This is because some clients share a lot of their anxiety and stresses from their personal life. In some cases, personal trainers will also advise their clients regarding their eating habits.

Personal trainers run on tight schedules and often have their days filled with clients from early morning till late at night. They are also a business on their own as they control how many clients they see and train every day. Essentially they are a personal brand and they need to market themselves as such.

Sports coaches Are Similar to Personal Trainers

However, there are some key differences:

  • Sports coaches usually work with professional athletes. This means they have a smaller client base.
  • Personal trainers see many clients on a daily basis.
  • Sports coaches see two or three athletes, if that many, every day. They work very closely with their athletes to help them reach their full potential.

Sports coaches are responsible for training athletes in specific sporting fields, like soccer, rugby, swimming – whatever the sport may be. They help athletes reach their full potential within their sport by analysing their performance, making changes to their training regimes, instructing them in relevant skills, and encouraging them every step of the way.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

However, the fact still remains that there is a close link between a personal trainer and a sports coach as they are both concerned with others’ health and fitness. To be the best out there means that you need to have a Trifocus Fitness Academy accredited Sports Coaching Science Certification or Personal Training Certification course under your belt.

The post The Differences Between a Sports Coach and a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
5 Protein-Packed Slimming Foods https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-protein-packed-slimming-foods/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-protein-packed-slimming-foods/#respond Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/5-protein-packed-slimming-foods/ Nutritionists all know that protein is an essential macronutrient – more so for those who are active and athletic. After all, it is the macronutrient building block that our bodies need to build muscles, among other things. Plus, if you’re practising good nutrition principles to prevent weight gain (or lose weight) then you know that protein...

The post 5 Protein-Packed Slimming Foods appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Nutritionists all know that protein is an essential macronutrient – more so for those who are active and athletic. After all, it is the macronutrient building block that our bodies need to build muscles, among other things. Plus, if you’re practising good nutrition principles to prevent weight gain (or lose weight) then you know that protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer – goodbye, sudden cravings for junky snacks! And if you’re a bodybuilder, or your sport of choice is all about lifting heavy weights, then you need protein to help repair the inevitable muscle damage.

The only problem is that some of these macronutrients are high in saturated fats and bad cholesterol. So you have to make sure that your diet consists of a variety of different protein sources – and preferably, those that are good for you.

Here are 5 protein-rich foods that you should be adding to your shopping list

  1. Salmon

Packed with protein and high in Omega-3 fats, salmon is possibly one of the best fish you can eat. Omega-3s are excellent in assisting with weight loss, by reducing insulin resistance and speeding up fat oxidation.

Shopping Tips

Wild salmon contains 20% more protein and less fat which makes it a better option.

Recipe Ideas

Bake, steam or grill salmon and serve with a lemon and herb sauce, and a salad for a healthy lunch or dinner. Or, for a tasty breakfast add salmon to scrambled eggs.

  1. Turkey

Turkey contains the amino acid, leucine, which assists in blood sugar levels and the function of insulin. You are less likely to binge eat during the day if your blood sugar levels are steady.

Shopping Tips

Lean, boneless and skinless white meat contains more protein, less fat and is lower in calories. Take note that when buying turkey meat from the deli it may be higher in sodium, which could lead to water retention.

Recipe Ideas

Make a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato on wholewheat bread for lunch, or grill turkey breasts and serve with steamed sweet potato and a crunchy salad for a healthy dinner.

  1. Cottage Cheese

One of the best dairy products for improved health, cottage cheese contains approximately 67mg of calcium, which can help maintain muscle mass and your metabolism, helping you to burn calories more efficiently throughout the day.

Shopping Tips

Buy cottage cheese with 0% or 1% fat.

Recipe Ideas

For a mid-morning or afternoon snack, serve cottage cheese with sliced tomato on crackers. You can also use cottage cheese instead of butter or mayo.

  1. Tuna

Canned tuna is a good source of protein and one can contains approximately 60 calories, which makes it a good meal option. It is also a good source of vitamins B3, B6 and B12.

Shopping Tips

Buy tuna that is canned in water instead of oil, which can turn an otherwise healthy source of protein into protein loaded with fat and calories.

Recipe Ideas

Mix tuna with Greek yoghurt and put into wholewheat pita bread with chopped lettuce, tomato and cucumber, for a quick and easy, healthy meal. Or, mix tuna with low fat mayo and use as a spread on crackers as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.

  1. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a healthy source of protein and is rich in monounsaturated fats, Two tablespoons of peanut butter contains approximately 180 calories, which can assist in weight loss.

Shopping Tips

Buy natural peanut butter with no salt and other additives. 

Recipe Ideas

Make a peanut butter and banana smoothie for breakfast, or a simple peanut butter on wholewheat bread sandwich for lunch!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If nutrition is your passion – and something you’d like to make a career out of – then take a look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Certification.

 

The post 5 Protein-Packed Slimming Foods appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-protein-packed-slimming-foods/feed/ 0
5 Fat Burning Training Techniques https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-fat-burning-training-techniques/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-fat-burning-training-techniques/#respond Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/5-fat-burning-training-techniques/ If you are serious about fat burning, first make time in your daily schedule for proper nutrition, which is even more important than your workout. People often tend to try and lose weight by only doing intense metabolic resistance training and high intensity interval training (HIIT). The key is to switch consistently between different strategies....

The post 5 Fat Burning Training Techniques appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are serious about fat burning, first make time in your daily schedule for proper nutrition, which is even more important than your workout. People often tend to try and lose weight by only doing intense metabolic resistance training and high intensity interval training (HIIT). The key is to switch consistently between different strategies. No matter what your goals are, the effectiveness of any training programme starts with choosing the correct exercises.

Here Are Some Training Methods

Interval Training

This is the first training method fitness fanatics turn to for weight loss. Interval training means a fast pace for a short interval, then rest, then fast again. You need to take it down a level or two before going back up to a higher intensity.

Weight Training

Resistance training has been known to increase your resting metabolic rate. This means that your body still burns calories even when you are not exercising.

Boot Camp

This form of exercise combines two of the most effective types of training, which is interval and resistance. Some of the exercises are cardio, while others are more focused on strength.

Running

If weight loss is your goal by running then you will have to find a hill or two for sprints, or increased the incline on the treadmill. Running up hills will work your legs even more, which results in more energy used.

Swimming

If you are not into any of the above training methods, then swimming a few laps might be for you. This form of exercise is low impact that works all your bigger muscle groups, which is excellent if you want to lose weight.

Rotate Between Different Strategies

With fat-loss programmes, switch as needed to different strategies such as the following:

  • Metabolic resistance training: Use moderate weights for moderate reps while alternating upper/lower-body exercises or doing whole body circuits.
  • Strength training: Use more traditional strength training methods to allow you to lift more weight when you return to metabolic resistance training.
  • Bodybuilding: Focus on building lean muscle to raise your metabolic rate and doing brisk walking to burn a few extra calories.
  • Strength plus conditioning: Focus on getting stronger in the weight room and doing challenging forms of conditioning to boost EPOC (that after-burn effect).
  • Allow sufficient time between different stressors: When designing a weekly plan for your training, consider how the different styles affect different systems (nervous system stressors, joint stressors, spinal compression, and metabolic stressors) that affect recovery.
  • Get outside: We are made to be outdoors, but running sprints at the track, finding a hill and doing sprints, can help burn fat. You can also try outdoor activities and sports that will help you have fun, reduce stress and burn the extra calories.
  • Focus on the target areas: When you target certain areas with continuous, high-rep training and followed by a 30-minute cardio session, you can mobilise more fat from that area.
  • Do cardio bursts: One great way to get the fat burning faster is to add intense bouts of cardio throughout your workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you have a passion for exercise and teaching people how to train their bodies correctly? Why not sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma? You’ll get the most in-depth personal training education out there.

pt button

 

The post 5 Fat Burning Training Techniques appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-fat-burning-training-techniques/feed/ 0
Cardio Exercises that Burn the Most Calories https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/cardio-exercises-that-burn-the-most-calories/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/cardio-exercises-that-burn-the-most-calories/#respond Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/cardio-exercises-that-burn-the-most-calories/ Cardio exercise is important in managing your health and weight, but you don’t always have the time to fit in a workout. However, you don’t need to spend hours on the treadmill – all you need to do is choose the correct calorie-burning cardio exercise that suits you. But before you start tapping away at...

The post Cardio Exercises that Burn the Most Calories appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Cardio exercise is important in managing your health and weight, but you don’t always have the time to fit in a workout. However, you don’t need to spend hours on the treadmill – all you need to do is choose the correct calorie-burning cardio exercise that suits you.

But before you start tapping away at your calculator to work out how best to spend your time at the gym, first weigh yourself. A person weighing 73kg doing high-impact cardio exercise will burn approximately 533 calories an hour, while a person weighing 109kg doing the same activity, will burn approximately 796 calories.

Take a look at our Top 5 calorie-burning cardio exercises

Indoor Cycling

Indoor cycling is one of the most effective forms of cardio exercise, with an average burn of 952 calories an hour at the intensity of 200 Watts or more. If the stationary bike does not display Watts, all you need to do is listen to the Indoor Cycling Instructor when they say turn up the resistance!

Rowing

Rowing is also an effective form of cardio, with an average 800 an hour calorie burn. The benefit of rowing is that it gives your lower body an effective workout. Once again, 200 Watts or more is the average intensity. 

Jumping Rope

By skipping at a moderate pace you can burn approximately 800 calories an hour – take note this is an average of 125 skips per minute, depending on your body weight.

Swimming 

Swimming provides you with an overall body workout and it ranks as one of the most effective calorie-burning exercises. By swimming at a moderate pace you can burn around 500 calories an hour.

Cycling Outdoors 

Cycling is an excellent form of cardio exercise because it gets your heart rate up. By cycling outdoors you can burn approximately 600 calories an hour (depending on body weight). By including some hilly terrain you can burn even more.

How Do I Get the Best out of My Cardio Workout?

To get the best out of your cardio workout it is recommended to follow the following tips:

Don’t Pound Away on the Treadmill For Hours

When you perform an exercise repeatedly, your body adapts to it and – very soon – you won’t see the benefits you’re supposed to be getting from that particular workout.

So, instead of spending an hour on the treadmill why not mix up your training and spend between 10 and 15 minutes training on other cardiovascular machines such as the step machine or stationary bicycle. These are guaranteed to be calorie-burning exercises.

Do the Exercise Right

Checking your form when you do your cardio will not only prevent injury but will also make sure that you get the most of your workout. For example, in a indoor cycling class if your handle-bars aren’t adjusted correctly – in other words they are too high or too low – you run the risk of developing neck, shoulder or hand pain.

Workout on an Empty Stomach

If you really want to burn fat, and make all your workouts calorie-burning exercises, you need to burn what’s in your glycogen stores. This means that you’ll need to do your cardio on an empty stomach. Alternatively, just after you’ve done your weight training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

This is just a glimpse of what the world of personal training can help you – and others – with! In Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, you’ll learn more about how to maximise workouts – and that’s just the beginning.

pt button

The post Cardio Exercises that Burn the Most Calories appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/cardio-exercises-that-burn-the-most-calories/feed/ 0
How to Motivate Yourself to Run https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-run/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-run/#respond Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-run/ Do you ever look at distance runners with envy? Wish you too could run? Running is a great way to assist you with your fitness goals and relieve stress, but there might be occasions where you are not motivated. Reasons for this might include tiredness, lack of nutrition or a hectic schedule. But how do...

The post How to Motivate Yourself to Run appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you ever look at distance runners with envy? Wish you too could run? Running is a great way to assist you with your fitness goals and relieve stress, but there might be occasions where you are not motivated. Reasons for this might include tiredness, lack of nutrition or a hectic schedule. But how do you motivate yourself?

Here are Some Motivational Tips

Enter a 10km Race or Fun Run

By entering a race (even a non-competitive one), you’re making a commitment. This will help keep you motivated and on track. Plus, it gives you a timeline for your training – you can’t take it too easy if you know you only have a month until race day.

Get Into a Routine

Diarise your run. Stick to a routine – you might not follow it at first but the more you push yourself, the more it becomes a habit.

Invest in a Good Pair of Running Shoes

If you’ve never run before, then you’ve never experienced the pain of runners’ injuries (shin splints and torn ligaments). You can prevent these sorts of injuries by wearing shoes designed specifically for running and that will offer you protection and comfort. However, buying the right pair of running shoes is critical. After all, no two runners’ feet strike the ground and move through the running gait, in the same way.

Find a Training Programme that Suits You

You may be a raw beginner, with zero running experience. Perhaps you’re comfortable with a 5km run and looking for a new challenge. Possibly you have the time to run and train every day, or maybe you can only train four times a week. These are just a few of the considerations that will help you to choose the right kind of programme, or why not allow a Personal Trainer to assist you with setting up a training programme?

Join a Running Club

Interaction with like-minded people is a great motivator. Joining a running club is a great way for you to get your training done! Surrounding yourself with runners means you’re more likely to stay motivated and meet your goals. Plus, you’ll get advice and support from more seasoned runners. 

Get Up and Run!

Get up and put on your running shoes. Don’t make excuses! Just run! Don’t allow yourself to think of alternative exercises. Decide you are going to run and commit to it.

Drop a Kilo or Two

Running is a high-impact sport and losing one or two kilos means you don’t have to work as hard, physically, to run longer distances more easily. Plus, it reduces the impact stress on joints.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re already pretty good at running, but you’d like to help more people find joy in running, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Trainer Certification.

pt button

The post How to Motivate Yourself to Run appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-run/feed/ 0
Why Are Fitness Fanatics Opting for Boxing? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-fanatics-boxing/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-fanatics-boxing/#respond Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-fanatics-boxing/ According to the latest fitness trends, boxing is expected to make a huge comeback in 2018, with fitness fanatics opting for this phenomenal form of exercise, but why? “Boxing has grown tremendously over the last few years as a serious vehicle for the average person to get fit,” says Colin Nathan, South African Boxing Trainer...

The post Why Are Fitness Fanatics Opting for Boxing? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
According to the latest fitness trends, boxing is expected to make a huge comeback in 2018, with fitness fanatics opting for this phenomenal form of exercise, but why? “Boxing has grown tremendously over the last few years as a serious vehicle for the average person to get fit,” says Colin Nathan, South African Boxing Trainer and Manager, and Owner of Hot Box Gym in Johannesburg.

“You see Personal Trainers at big commercial gyms putting wraps and gloves on their clients, doing boxing drills and punch combinations. So I think any form of fitness training that isn’t the conventional treadmill running or lifting dumbbells will do well, and that goes for boxing too,” says Nathan.

Here are Some of the Benefits of Boxing

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health

Cardio exercise will protect you from heart disease and maintain your weight. It doesn’t have to involve exercises such as running on a treadmill.

The point of cardio exercise is to put a controlled amount of stress on your heart and lungs so that they are exercised enough to make adaptions to support a higher level of physical activity.

The important thing to do is to keep your heart rate up during your workout and Boxing will definitely keep it up there.

Improved Total-Body Strength

Punching a bag requires a surprising amount of strength – the Pros make it look like a bag weighs almost nothing! They say that the power in a punch comes from your arms only, but in fact it comes from the ground up from your legs, through your core, and then into your arms.

Boxing is a great way to tone your muscles while burning calories and fat, as well as improving your mobility. Most boxing gyms also incorporate other strength and conditioning exercises into their programme, such as skipping rope.

Better Hand-Eye Coordination & New Skills 

Hand-eye coordination is really important to maintain total health and it plays an important role in a person’s motor skills. People who have good coordination will often have faster reflexes which will help when you are older because your coordination starts to slip. This could lead to falls.

Boxing will help with hand-eye coordination. When you are punching a speed bag or sparring with a partner, you need to be able to see the target and hit it while it is moving around. Practice makes perfect and your coordination will improve pretty quickly.

You will also find that your concentration improves. Part of the addition is new and improved skills – becoming faster and stronger every day.

Relieves Stress 

Most forms or moderate and intense workouts will decrease stress. No matter how you are feeling, once you start hitting that bag, your brain increases production of endorphins (the feel-good hormone), which then boosts your mood. Punching also relieves tension in the muscles.

Once you have realised the health benefits of boxing, you may want to share your knowledge with other people so they can also be happier, enjoy better health and have an improved overall body condition.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you love a great cardio workout? Do you ever picture yourself in a boxing ring? Well, now it is your chance to action your boxing dream and become an accredited boxing coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Boxing Instructor Course is a dynamic programme that assists in developing your ability to deliver effective boxing drills to athletes. In addition you will learn the art of different boxing drills, wrapping your clients hands before practice, and gaining a fundamental knowledge of boxing.

Boxing Instructor Course

 

The post Why Are Fitness Fanatics Opting for Boxing? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-fanatics-boxing/feed/ 0
How do You Get Your Children to Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/get-children-to-exercise/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/get-children-to-exercise/#respond Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/get-children-to-exercise/ It is a simple fact that some children just aren’t into sports but that doesn’t mean they have to be glued to the TV 24/7. Getting your children to exercise can be as simple as going for a walk in the park. Children should exercise for many reasons, but some things to remember are to...

The post How do You Get Your Children to Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It is a simple fact that some children just aren’t into sports but that doesn’t mean they have to be glued to the TV 24/7. Getting your children to exercise can be as simple as going for a walk in the park. Children should exercise for many reasons, but some things to remember are to choose age-related activities, to provide opportunities to be active, and lastly, to make exercising fun.

When your children are not having fun while exercising, it is time to explore different options. Not all children enjoy team sports such as soccer, rugby or netball. Consider that perhaps they could be interested in activities such as cycling, running, swimming or dancing.

Ask them what they would enjoy instead of you trying to get them to do the activities you want them to do.

Advice to Get Children to Exercise and Adopt Healthy Habits

Leading by Example

Show your kids how to be active, which means you – yourself – can’t sit in front of the TV for hours every day. Your children will not respect the limits you place on certain things if you are doing those things.

You need to be a role model for your kids by incorporating physical activities into your daily life. Walk to the shops instead of driving, use the stairs instead of the lift and make sure your kids know how much you enjoy doing these things.

Exercise as a family – this is a good way to motivate each other, thereby increasing overall health.

Limit Screen Time

A healthy amount of time spent watching TV is around one to two hours a day, which includes gaming and surfing the web. Encourage your children to do activities to replace this 2 hours of screen watching. Get them to play a game of tag or hide and seek, or even get them to walk the dog.

You can help get your kids to be more active by not allowing TVs to be in their bedrooms. You can also limit the time they spend on their smartphones, and enforce this rule. Unfortunately, by the time children finish school, they would have spent more time on their smartphones than in school.

A Proper Diet

Ensure that your children follow a healthy diet filled with all the vitamins and minerals needed for the energy to exercise, and for general health purposes. A diet of processed foods and sweets can lead to obesity and various other health issues.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to learn more about children’s fitness? At Trifocus Fitness Academy, on our Exercise And Children Course, you’ll be able to design and instruct exercise programmes for children while taking into consideration the particular risks and benefits associated with this kind of training.

The post How do You Get Your Children to Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/get-children-to-exercise/feed/ 0
The Benefits of a Career in the Fitness Industry https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-career-fitness-industry/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-career-fitness-industry/#respond Wed, 10 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/benefits-career-fitness-industry/ With people becoming more aware of their health and fitness, and wanting to lead better lifestyles, the fitness industry has become an extremely popular sector to work in for various reasons. According to the Statista’s Africa & Middle East Health & Fitness Club industry 2016 survey, South Africa was the highest in revenue of US$ 931.33...

The post The Benefits of a Career in the Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
With people becoming more aware of their health and fitness, and wanting to lead better lifestyles, the fitness industry has become an extremely popular sector to work in for various reasons. According to the Statista’s Africa & Middle East Health & Fitness Club industry 2016 survey, South Africa was the highest in revenue of US$ 931.33 million. Therefore, the demand for personal trainers and fitness instructors has grown. You can start a career in fitness at any age, obviously with a certain level of fitness. Apart from being fun, it can be extremely rewarding and offers many job opportunities. Find out more about the benefits of a career in the fitness industry.

Why you should become a fitness professional

Helping others

A career in the fitness industry is about helping others. Whether their goals are to lose weight or recover from an injury, or just to improve their general health, you can help them achieve this.

If you enjoy assisting others, and you are passionate about health and fitness then the fitness industry is right for you.

Helping others also helps you to motivate yourself to reach your own health and fitness goals, as well as keeping you up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

Perks

There are various perks to a job in the fitness industry, such as free gym memberships or discounted rates on supplements and clothing. Another perk is having access to facilities and training equipment. 

Working environment & flexibility 

A career in the fitness industry offers the freedom to work according to your own schedule, anywhere and at any time. It is also far less stressful than a regular 9 to 5 job because it offers a health conscious environment and helps you to achieve a happy work life balance.

And you get to wear workout clothing the entire day!

Opportunities  

Once you receive a certified fitness qualification it doesn’t stop there. Armed with an accredited certification as a personal trainer – like the Personal Training Certification or the Personal Training Diploma offered by Trifocus Fitness Academy – you can work anywhere! Popular choices include:

  • Commercial health clubs,
  • Private gyms,
  • Cruise liners, and
  • Travelling to clients’ homes.

What you will learn from our Personal Training Certification or Personal Training Diploma

  • Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to exercise
  • Apply anatomical and physiological tenets to physical movement
  • Dissect sport and exercise physiology
  • Understand the fundamentals of nutrition
  • Learn about the different health assessment techniques and how to apply these
  • Become aware of – and know how to use – motivation techniques for your personal training clients
  • Apply holistic wellness concepts to your clients’ wellness
  • Learn how to deal with personal training clients who have special needs
  • Design exercise programmes that are tailor-made for each client
  • Get to know the principles of how to run your own business in the fitness industry
  • Learn what it takes to run a fitness facility according to health and safety standards
  • Learn how to maintain fitness equipment

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

pt button

The post The Benefits of a Career in the Fitness Industry appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-career-fitness-industry/feed/ 0
What is Pilates? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-pilates/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-pilates/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-is-pilates/ Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, this workout method which he called ‘Contrology’ has grown to enjoy world-wide popularity. This is because it provides a full-body workout that targets, tones and strengthens muscles, develops balance, and even has notable benefits for concentration and stress management. This workout is most popular in Western...

The post What is Pilates? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, this workout method which he called ‘Contrology’ has grown to enjoy world-wide popularity. This is because it provides a full-body workout that targets, tones and strengthens muscles, develops balance, and even has notable benefits for concentration and stress management. This workout is most popular in Western societies, with the number of instructors in the US sitting at well over 20 000 strong. If you have been taking an interest in this unique form of exercise, here is a little more about its benefits, how it is done, and even how you can become an instructor.

What are the Benefits of Pilates?

Pilates holds a number of benefits for both the body and the mind. Frequently practicing this discipline will ensure that you maintain better posture, will give you a sound sense of bodily and spatial awareness, and will help you burn fat, target and strengthen muscles; all while developing a strong connection between your body and mind. Pilates is also excellent for improving flexibility, strengthening the core muscle group, and will increase muscular control in your back and limbs.

What Equipment Do you Need?

When joining a group class, fitness facilities that instruct Pilates generally supply everything you need. Mats (that are slightly thicker than those used for Yoga) and various contraptions, bands and Half-balls may be used as well; though if you are not an instructor, you won’t have to worry about that. Just bring some water, form-fitting clothes. When working-out, tie up your hair and remove jewellery, accessories and make-up to ensure that you don’t experience any discomfort while working out.

How Can You Become a Pilates Instructor?

If you want to take your Pilates experience a little further by making it your career, then you may be interested in finding out how to become an instructor. One of the best ways is to immerse yourself in classes to get as much experience and practice as you can, while enrolling for a comprehensive Pilates certification course, which will teach you everything you need to know about running your own Pilates classes. When looking for a course, be sure to opt for one that holds accreditation from a governing institution that provides you with local and international accreditation, to expand your working opportunities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

If you would like to know more about how to become a professional Pilates instructor, contact one of our representatives from the Trifocus Fitness Academy or visit our website to learn more about the courses that we have on offer. Let us be the bridge to your fitness career, today.

 

The post What is Pilates? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-pilates/feed/ 0
Would your Fitness Business Benefit from using Kettlebells? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-benefit-using-kettlebells/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-benefit-using-kettlebells/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-business-benefit-using-kettlebells/ Kettlebells offer an effective complete-body workout at less than the price of expensive machines and equipment, and target core muscles in a way that barbells and dumbbells simply can’t. Is it any wonder that the popularity of exercises that make use of these items is growing ever popular? If you run a fitness business, this...

The post Would your Fitness Business Benefit from using Kettlebells? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Kettlebells offer an effective complete-body workout at less than the price of expensive machines and equipment, and target core muscles in a way that barbells and dumbbells simply can’t. Is it any wonder that the popularity of exercises that make use of these items is growing ever popular? If you run a fitness business, this presents an interesting opportunity for you to cut into a market where kettlebells form a central part of your designed routines. But before you rush out and buy sets of them for your facility, here are some of the top advantages to making use of them.

Include Kettlebells in your Fitness business

Add to an all-round repertoire

The fitness industry is getting more competitive each year, which means that you should be looking for a service that gives you an edge over your competitors. Why not offer kettlebell training as part of your programme to appeal to a wider target audience and to make your routines a little more enjoyable for your clients?

Build strength and cardio capacity

Kettlebell routines offer an excellent complete body workout that enables their practitioners to develop strength, stability, cardio and flexibility in one workout. This, incidentally makes it perfect for those who don’t have much time on their hands, which could help you attract clients with busy lifestyles. On the other-hand, the fact that they provide a complete body workout makes it an attractive form of exercise to many people.

Presents a less monotonous workout

Counting reps and sets gets old fast, especially when they are combined with monotonous exercise routines and movements. This type of exercise does nothing to boost motivation in your clients, and motivation is a large part of the job. Kettlebells on the other hand provide less repetitive routines, more complex movements and more varied sets. This means that you can hold the attention and drive of your clients with more interesting routines.

No space limitations

Kettlebells are remarkably portable, and their routines also require very little space to be done effectively. This means that they can be used just about anywhere, making them perfect for your facility no matter what type of setup you have. This also lets you take your workouts outside; and considering it is the start of summer, this could be a bonus that your clients come to appreciate.

Has a wide interested demographic

The exercise routines that make use of kettlebells are generally suited to most ages and body-types, which means that they will appeal to a wider audience if used as a tool to attract customers to your facility; broadening your potential client-base.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to learn more

If you would like to learn more by taking an online kettlebells course through an internationally accredited institution, feel free to contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for further details on our courses, and how to enrol in them.

 

pt button

 

The post Would your Fitness Business Benefit from using Kettlebells? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-benefit-using-kettlebells/feed/ 0
Why the Summer Months are the Best for Gym Instructors https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/summer-months-best-gym-instructors/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/summer-months-best-gym-instructors/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/summer-months-best-gym-instructors/ Those who have been in the fitness industry for a while can attest to the seasonal nature of the business. While you will find that you should have a steady stream of clients all year round; it is during summertime that the fitness industry generally booms. There are a number of reasons for this, ranging...

The post Why the Summer Months are the Best for Gym Instructors appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Those who have been in the fitness industry for a while can attest to the seasonal nature of the business. While you will find that you should have a steady stream of clients all year round; it is during summertime that the fitness industry generally booms. There are a number of reasons for this, ranging from people’s desire to get their bodies beach-ready, to simply taking in the energy that naturally comes alongside the warmer months. So, if you are running a fitness business, here are a few reasons why you can expect your clientele to grow.

Gym instructing in the Summer

Renewed ambition in clients

After the long trip through winter, many people start to excited about the prospect of getting active during the summer months. People are also starting to consider their figures and fitness levels for the coming holidays, and while the rugged few might have fought against the cold of winter, a great many more have used winter as an excuse to hibernate. So now is the time to take advantage of this change of heart by attracting this renewed ambition to your business.

Getting outdoors is enticing

This year’s winter might not have been as severe as some of those that we have had in the past, but as always, it was still cold enough to make exercise a tortuous activity for some. Now that the frost has melted, people are looking to get more active, especially as far as outside activities go. The summertime makes workouts far more enjoyable, which means that more people will be looking to do it than usual. Which means that you should be readying your fitness business to take on these clients.

Longer days with a better start

As a fitness instructor, you will find that your schedule will be more in demand, since summer generally brings more hours of daylight and warmth. Winter training can be brutal, especially for those with stringent work hours who have to do it either in the early mornings, or the late evenings. If your business caters for these hours, you can expect to see more traffic coming through your facility as the mornings and evenings get warmer.

So, get busy marketing

All of this means that now is the time to start offering summer time promotions and to do some marketing. It is time for you to attract this seasonal interest towards your business so that you can help it grow.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

If you would like to find out more about how to become a gym instructor and to run your own fitness facility, contact a representative from Trifocus Fitness Academy today.

We offer online gym instructor courses, as well as a range of others; including: specialised nutrition, mind-body wellness and exercise science courses with local and international accreditation. Visit our website for more information on how to enrol.

 

 

The post Why the Summer Months are the Best for Gym Instructors appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/summer-months-best-gym-instructors/feed/ 0
Why Men Should Try Yoga https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-men-should-try-yoga/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-men-should-try-yoga/#respond Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-men-should-try-yoga/ Yoga is stigmatised as something that only women do. When it began, yoga was predominantly practised by males. However, as it moved to the West, it soon started targeting the upper and middle class women who had the time and means to practise self-care. As a result, yoga businesses began speaking to women using female...

The post Why Men Should Try Yoga appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga is stigmatised as something that only women do. When it began, yoga was predominantly practised by males. However, as it moved to the West, it soon started targeting the upper and middle class women who had the time and means to practise self-care. As a result, yoga businesses began speaking to women using female models and female apparel. In the process, yoga became something that women did with other women. No self-respecting man would have been seen dead walking out of the gym with a yoga mat under his arm. While it’s true that yoga’s key strengths make it suitable for a woman’s physiology; it can be just as useful for men. Here are five excellent reasons why men should try yoga.

Reasons to do Yoga

  1. Provides a Better Range of Motion

Despite what you’ve heard, there’s more to yoga than bending and flexibility. Bodyweight movements improve functional strength and flexibility while supporting a dynamic range of motion. This boosts your neuromuscular efficiency so you’ll start seeing an improvement in your endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. More flexibility means you’re far less likely to sustain an injury during one of your exercise routines, and it will also help lessen the impact of post-workout stiffness. Stretching before a routine is good, but with continued yoga practice, you can build strength while increasing blood and oxygen circulation throughout your body. This means faster recovery times after stringent gym sessions and more noticeable results.

  1. Acts as a Stress-Reliever

One of the main reasons why men should try yoga is stress. We all have different ways of dealing with stress and what works for your friend may not work for you. However, going to a gym with loud music and or punching a punching bag can make you more aggressive or more tired. Yoga uses a number of relaxation techniques which can make you calmer over time with continued practise. You’ll probably also find that you can think more clearly in a quiet and tranquil studio than in a loud and testosterone-fuelled weights room. Take the time out of your crazy schedule to commit to your relaxed yoga class, where you can focus on your breathing. This alone will help to calm you down and relieve some anxiety. Aside from all the other benefits, unplugging from technology for an hour will do wonders for your state-of-mind.

  1. Builds Core Strength and Stabilisers

Yoga is well-known for its ability to target and strengthen the core group muscles essential for maintaining balance and stability. A strong core improves your performance and your results with pretty much every other exercise that you can possibly do, making it an important set of muscles. A strong core also allows you to raise the bar on your fitness goals because it will improve your overall technique as your body will be better equipped to maintain balance.

  1. Contributes to Increased Bodily Awareness

We know that it must be intimidating to be confronted with a room full of latex-clad women in pretzel-like poses. However, we encourage you to take the plunge. Most of the poses associated with yoga are far more demanding on the body than you would think, and in many ways, it targets areas that running, lifting and aerobics simply do not. This means that the more you practice yoga, the more aware of your body you become. This includes its abilities, limitations and sense of special awareness; which can be entirely beneficial for your other exercise routines.

  1. Yoga as Active Rest

If you’re a fairly serious athlete or you’re training for a particular event, you need rest days to recover from those days of rigorous training. You could potentially alternate which areas you target, or you could try a less severe workout on your rest days. Yoga, as a regular practice, can serve as the perfect activity for rest days. This is because, while it still builds strength and endurance, many of the poses work to increase mobility and circulation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for details

There are several more reasons why men should try yoga. If you’re interested in taking an online yoga course, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited health and fitness courses at affordable prices. To find out more about our yoga certification that will afford you a local and international instructor’s qualification, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

Yoga vs pilates

 

The post Why Men Should Try Yoga appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-men-should-try-yoga/feed/ 0
Take Your Aerobics Classes Outdoors This Summer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/take-your-aerobics-classes-outdoors-this-summer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/take-your-aerobics-classes-outdoors-this-summer/#respond Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/take-your-aerobics-classes-outdoors-this-summer/ December is fast approaching; so you’re probably keen to leave your warm winter-hideout, get some fresh air in your lungs, sun on your skin and movement in your body. If you’re an aerobics instructor, this is also the perfect time to extend your clientele by taking advantage of summer fever. There are plenty of benefits...

The post Take Your Aerobics Classes Outdoors This Summer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
December is fast approaching; so you’re probably keen to leave your warm winter-hideout, get some fresh air in your lungs, sun on your skin and movement in your body. If you’re an aerobics instructor, this is also the perfect time to extend your clientele by taking advantage of summer fever. There are plenty of benefits to working out outdoors so it shouldn’t be difficult to convince anyone. So, strap on your training shoes and sweatbands: let’s take your aerobics classes outdoors this summer.

Outdoor Aerobics

Where did all the summer bodies go?

For many of us, winter takes a toll on the waistline. Keeping warm is hungry work and being active in the cold is a less than pleasant experience. The temptation to overeat is worsened by the fact that we are covered in layers of clothing and our slack behaviour will go unnoticed until the inevitable panic, come September. People will soon start scrambling to recover their summer shapes; and you need to be there to help them along.

As December looms, a slew of fitness goals are made in various shapes and sizes; some of them reachable, while others may be a bit ambitious. Still, the time is nigh for you to take advantage of this enthusiasm and attract those who are imagining a year-end holiday on the beach. Marketing your aerobics classes needs to become a priority.

Exercising outdoors

As temperatures rise, so does your desire to get outdoors. Aerobics is an excellent way to get people together outside and working out in the fresh air. For example, you could hold sunrise and sunset classes as way of starting or winding down the day. Your clients will probably appreciate a change of scenery as the inside of a gym is no place to spend warm summer days. Remember though, temperatures climb at midday; so if a cool spot cannot be found outdoors, keep those midday sessions indoors.

With a little creativity, it’s easy to replicate most gym exercises outside. Holding your aerobics classes at a nearby park with jungle gyms allows you to do pull-ups, step-ups, push-ups and other body-weight exercises. Stairs and trails will give you a great warm-up without being cooped up in a gym. Take advantage of the summer weather and experience the following benefits of running your classes outdoors.

  1. It’s more challenging

Taking your aerobics classes outdoors means you are physically active in a challenging and changing environment. Terrain may be uneven which means the body has to work harder to sustain the same level of effort. Walking, hiking or running on rough and changing terrain also teaches the body how to adapt. Changing surfaces enhance the strength of your connective tissue, which can also help prevent injuries.

  1. You burn more calories

Another reason to take your aerobics classes outdoors is because you’ll burn more calories. Thanks to the wind factor outside, your body must work harder to overcome resistance. A warm-up running lap could be made quite a bit more intense with the right headwind.

  1. You can bring the family

If you and your clients are heading to the park for your next session, you can turn your exercise time into family time. Bringing the kids and letting them play outdoors while you exercise gets them away from TV, cell phones or iPads and out into the fresh air. Exercising with your kids also helps show them that physical activity is important and can be fun.

  1. It’s good for you

Research shows that exercising outdoors provides greater health benefits than sweating indoors. Why? For the simple reason that fresh air means more oxygen, which leads to increased energy and positive engagement. It also leads to reduced feelings of tension, anger and depression.

Summer is the perfect time to start marketing your aerobics classes. With all the benefits that outdoor exercises provide, your clients will need little convincing to join your ranks. The right mix of energy, location and interest will do wonders for promoting your business. Take advantage of the upcoming summer days and take your aerobics classes outdoors this December.

Contact Trifocus to enrol today

Are you interested in a career as an aerobics instructor? Can you see yourself leading aerobics classes and empowering others to get fit? If you’ve answered yes, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses in the health and fitness industry. To find out more about our aerobics course and how to get an aerobics certification, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

pt button

 

 

The post Take Your Aerobics Classes Outdoors This Summer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/take-your-aerobics-classes-outdoors-this-summer/feed/ 0
TOP TIPS FOR STARTING A BUSINESS IN FITNESS https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-tips-starting-a-business-in-fitness/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-tips-starting-a-business-in-fitness/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/top-tips-starting-a-business-in-fitness/ Starting a business isn’t for everyone. It requires dedication, commitment, planning and a lot of hard work. There is no shortcut to the top, and if you want your business to be sustainable, you will need to follow a carefully laid out plan. However, if it is a success, the advantages of having our own...

The post TOP TIPS FOR STARTING A BUSINESS IN FITNESS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Starting a business isn’t for everyone. It requires dedication, commitment, planning and a lot of hard work. There is no shortcut to the top, and if you want your business to be sustainable, you will need to follow a carefully laid out plan. However, if it is a success, the advantages of having our own business are substantial and you can reap all the benefits of being your own boss. The key is to do your homework so that you are properly prepared before you embark on this adventure. Here are some things you should consider before starting a business in fitness.

Guidelines to start a fitness business

What type of fitness business do you want to run?

The fitness industry is diverse with many facets. It goes without saying that you should enter an area that you are already interested in. Another aspect to consider is to enter a market where you recognise a need. To be a success, your business will need to marry your interests and abilities with what your target audience wants. For example, is there a fitness facility or gym in your area? Are people opting for bootcamp classes or CrossFit? Is there a Yoga studio near where you live? These factors will influence what you offer and where. This is where you’ll need to conduct plenty of market research. Each fitness market will require a different plan and a different set of objectives.

Above all, you need to be passionate about what you do. You will be spending a lot of time and energy on your new venture, building it into something successful. So it’s fairly crucial that you enjoy doing it.

Are you adequately trained?

Before starting a business in fitness, you’ll need to be trained in whichever fitness course you plan to offer. Proper training will give you a sound understanding of the human anatomy and the principles of exercise, nutrition and fitness. Contact a college or institution that offers locally and internationally accredited qualifications to give your course a bit more weight. If you can advertise that your qualification is accredited with REPSSA or CATHSSETA, it will do wonders for your reputation and credibility. REPSSA and CATHSSETA both provide a system of regulation that ensures that exercise professionals meet the health and fitness industry standards. These accreditations provide assurance and confidence to the public that you (as an exercise professional) are appropriately qualified.

Developing a business plan

When you’re thinking of starting a business, the main purpose of a business plan is that it helps you avoid throwing your time and money into a business that will not succeed. Put simply, a business plan is a written description of the future of your business. It describes what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. It also gives you the means to stay on track and not lose focus by giving you a plan that accounts for all areas of your business.

There are various ideas of what a business plan should include but essentially, it should cover all the aspects that will lead to the success of your business. These aspects are:

  1. Your basic business concept where you discuss the industry, your business structure, your service, and how you plan to make your business a success.
  2. Your strategy and the specific actions you will take to implement it. The goals you have for your business and how you will reach them.
  3. All the reasons why your services are superior to your competitors’.
  4. The marketing plan which describes who your customers will be, and how you will attract and retain enough customers to make a profit.
  5. Your financial needs based on your projected financial statements.

Your plan should account for growth, should clearly lay out your business goals and the means for achieving them, and it should account for all marketing activities. Although the plan should be followed as closely as possible, you should also allow room for adaptation when and where it is needed.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Are you considering starting a business in fitness? Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited health and fitness courses at affordable prices. We also offer an Entrepreneurship course, giving you all the tools you need to start your own successful business. To find out more about our health and fitness courses, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

pt button

The post TOP TIPS FOR STARTING A BUSINESS IN FITNESS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-tips-starting-a-business-in-fitness/feed/ 0
THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS CONDITIONING IN ATHLETES https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-sports-conditioning/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-sports-conditioning/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/benefits-of-sports-conditioning/ The world of sports can be gruelling, competitive and high pressured. This leads a sports team manager to look for training techniques that will significantly enhance the performance of their athletes. Even the most gifted athletes need to constantly work on technique, build strength and develop their speed and stamina. For many sports coaches, the...

The post THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS CONDITIONING IN ATHLETES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The world of sports can be gruelling, competitive and high pressured. This leads a sports team manager to look for training techniques that will significantly enhance the performance of their athletes. Even the most gifted athletes need to constantly work on technique, build strength and develop their speed and stamina. For many sports coaches, the best way to achieve results in these areas is to incorporate rigorous training through sports conditioning. So, if you are looking to become a sports coach, then here are the benefits of sports conditioning and how it can help you foster a winning team.

Top Benefits of Sports conditioning

There are several mental and physical benefits of a sports conditioning programme. The top benefits for athletes include:

  • Better performance
  • Increased self-confidence on and off of the field/track
  • Increased strength and resilience
  • Improved cognitive skills
  • Increased technique and power
  • Improved mental strength
  • Fewer injuries (and reduced severity)
  • Quicker and fuller recovery
  • Delayed fatigue
  • Improved performance with other sports
  • Higher quality of life and better health

 Preventing Injuries

Injuries in sports happen often enough. When they do, they can disrupt the dynamics of your team, hinder the progress of your athletes, or end their sporting careers altogether. Most sports are demanding to the point where an unfit body can easily succumb to an assortment of injuries in muscles, ligaments or bones; and your athletes need to be prepared for this. By incorporating sports conditioning programmes in your training, you will essentially limit the risk of your athletes incurring injuries when they perform. They must stay in good shape and build strength to protect them from hurting themselves.

benefits of sport conditioning

Improved Performance

One of the major benefits of sports conditioning is that it not only readies your athletes for gruelling training, but also perfects their technique. A high quality sports conditioning routine will work on agility, endurance, power, speed, strength, co-ordination, dexterity, and flexibility. Even the most naturally talented athletes will need to work on these areas. The best way to do this is with a sports conditioning programme.

Sports conditioning builds an athlete’s endurance, which is defined as the capacity to keep going with prolonged low-intensity physical activities and delay the onset of fatigue.  It is also the ability to endure short bursts of high intensity activity over a long period of time. To have muscular endurance means the muscles can exert a force repeatedly over a long period of time or have the strength to sustain the effort. Athletes perform better and for longer periods due to increased endurance, even when they are under immense pressure.

Better Strength; More Power; Faster Speeds

Building strength, stamina, speed and power is essential if your team of athletes has any hope of getting the high-ground over its competitors. Strength is defined as the maximum force that a muscle or a group of muscles can exert against some form of resistance. Speed is the time taken to co-ordinate a specific movement of joints, or the body as a whole. It is also the ability to accelerate and move quickly across short distances.

For many athletes, reaction speed and response time are essential for getting the upper hand in a competition. With some athletes, such as sprinters or short distance runners, explosive speed or power will mean the difference between a first and second position. For long distance runners, endurance is more important. This is for instances where the athlete must perform with repeated bouts of intense physical activity, with periods in between where complete recovery isn’t possible.

Conditioning programmes that target improvements in these areas will ensure that your athletes get fit, get faster, maintain their stamina for longer, and are capable of performing with more power due to increased strength. Working on sports conditioning during off-season training sessions will also ensure that your athletes are prepped and ready for the next season’s performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

If you would like to know more about the benefits of sports conditioning or how to become a sports coach, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses in the health and fitness industry. To find out more about our sports conditioning coach certification, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

 

The post THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS CONDITIONING IN ATHLETES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-sports-conditioning/feed/ 0
HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LIFE COACH https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-market-yourself-as-a-life-coach/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-market-yourself-as-a-life-coach/#respond Fri, 24 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-market-yourself-as-a-life-coach/ When it comes to marketing, every business must find a unique set of strategies that best suits the nature and needs of the respective industry. Running a life coaching business is no different. It is crucial to the success of your career to get your message out to the right audience, at the right time...

The post HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LIFE COACH appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to marketing, every business must find a unique set of strategies that best suits the nature and needs of the respective industry. Running a life coaching business is no different. It is crucial to the success of your career to get your message out to the right audience, at the right time and in the right place to attract them as clients. Marketing is an age-old practice that has been fuelled by research and plenty of advancements over the years. As a life coach, this is good news for you as there are many creative ways to get your name out. So where should you start, and which marketing strategies should you use? Here are some of the best ways to market yourself as a life coach and find your foothold for career success.

Reach the right audience as a life coach

  1. Create a brand for yourself

Operating on your own as a life coach means that you are marketing your business and yourself as one complete package. You are your life coaching business, and it is you. It won’t happen overnight and will require a consistent approach to tone, image and identity so that potential clients can come to know you. However, the time is nigh to get your face out there and prove that you are living proof of the benefits of your programme. In all of your marketing efforts, remember that you are a life coach, so be sure to adopt a positive and motivational tone while maintaining an approachable image.

  1. Network, network, network…

There are many industries that could benefit from the services of a life coach. The fitness industry, in particular, is made up of a series of tightly-woven relationships between trainers, suppliers, schools, gyms, sports-teams and a variety of other representatives. Making use of the community to get your brand circulating through building connections is not only a good idea, but an essential task for your success. Attend industry events armed with your business card and start introducing yourself and what you do. You’d be amazed how much business you can get by means of word-of-mouth.

  1. Share your expertise and find your voice

A huge part of building your brand involves creating and circulating content on the web. Blogging is an excellent way to share valuable content and informative articles to establish yourself as an authority in the industry.  The more content you produce, the more likely potential clients and followers are to find you, read your content and share it. If you write regularly, you will also find your voice more easily; which is the tone you will use throughout your communication with your audience.

  1. Provide valuable and rich content

Not every potential client will be willing to sit and read through every blog you post. This is why it’s a great idea to include videos, images and other formats of content to convey your expertise. People love free stuff, so if you have a free eBook, offer it to readers in exchange for their email addresses. Use infographics to convey a particular point instead of a 700-word article. Attention spans are getting shorter, so the sooner you can get your message across, the better.

  1. Build a following on social media

Get into direct contact with your potential and existing customers with a strong social media presence. Ensure that your website is in top condition and search engine optimised so that every time you post or share something, you increase your chances of being found online. Then find out whether your customers are on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp or LinkedIn and focus your efforts on just those platforms. Social media allows you to connect with a targeted audience and you can even use it to network with industry thought leaders. Facebook adverts and promoted tweets are an effective way to increase your following if you have a personal branding budget available.

Your skills will give you everything you need to market yourself as a life coach and make a success of your personal brand. Use these simple marketing strategies, be consistent in your efforts and you will see an increase in the attention you receive both online and offline.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Do you wish to help others become the best versions of themselves? Would you like to help other people achieve their personal goals? Then our Life Coaching Certification is the course for you. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses at affordable prices. If you would like to know more about our life coaching certification, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for more details.

 

The post HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LIFE COACH appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-market-yourself-as-a-life-coach/feed/ 0
10 RULES FOR WEIGHT LIFTING SAFELY https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/10-rules-for-weight-lifting-safely/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/10-rules-for-weight-lifting-safely/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/10-rules-for-weight-lifting-safely/ Weight lifting can be traced back to the beginning of the Olympic Games and it has endured throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Its effectiveness as a sport cannot be questioned; however, it is imperative that it is done correctly. Without the proper form and technique, weight lifting can have devastating (and lasting) consequences....

The post 10 RULES FOR WEIGHT LIFTING SAFELY appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Weight lifting can be traced back to the beginning of the Olympic Games and it has endured throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Its effectiveness as a sport cannot be questioned; however, it is imperative that it is done correctly. Without the proper form and technique, weight lifting can have devastating (and lasting) consequences. You only need to have dealt with a crisis once to understand how easily they can occur. So, to ensure that you get your workout without unnecessary risk of injury, here are 10 rules for weight lifting safely.

Safety tips for weightlifting

  1. Kit yourself out

Be prepared when you enter the gym, and only ever train in the right attire. Make sure you wear clothing made from a breathable fabric that doesn’t restrict, hinder or obstruct you in any way. The correct footwear is also essential for weight lifting safely. Rubber soles are preferable for you to avoid slipping during an exercise and your foot should also be protected in case you (or someone else) should drop a weight on it. If you suffer from any joint injuries or weaknesses, remember to wear the appropriate guard.

  1. Always warm up

It’s highly recommended that before you lift a weight, you do at least five to 15 minutes of aerobic exercise to get your muscles warm and pliable. You should aim to warm up the muscles you’ll be working; so if you’re going to do arm exercises use an upper-body aerobic machine or simply do a few minutes of arm rotations.

  1. Secure weight plates correctly

It doesn’t matter how much of a rush you are in to finish the set, or how pumped you’re feeling; forgetting to secure weight plates is downright negligent. It’s not only a danger to yourself, but to those who are working out alongside you. Even if you are confident that you can lift the assigned weight, it only takes a small shift in your balance for everything to go pear-shaped. If for some reason you cannot secure the weight, you should inform the facility manager immediately. Never rush past this crucial step.

  1. Maintain the proper technique and form

No matter how you feel on the day, speeding through your reps is doing yourself a disservice. Not only that, but you are opening yourself up to the risk of injury. Perform each movement slowly and thoughtfully. Concentrate on engaging your core group of muscles to enhance stability, and go at a reasonable pace. Proper form is always more important than lifting a lot of weight. Keep your back straight, and don’t strain your neck or rock your body to generate momentum. It will just cause an injury and make the exercise ineffective.

  1. No jerking or swinging

This should be mentioned as part of technique, but it is worth highlighting. Jerking and swinging movements while lifting puts unnecessary strain on your joints, wastes your energy and can signal instability. To ensure you are weight lifting safely, rather take it slowly and maintain a stable position.

  1. Increase your weights slowly

Don’t try to be a hero. Jumping from a 5kg weight to a 10kg weight doesn’t sound like a big adjustment. However, you’re effectively doubling the load on that muscle and you’re probably going to get hurt. To ensure that you avoid an injury and can continue working on those muscles, move to a 6, 7 or 8kg weight. Once you can complete all your reps with more weight, you can move up.

  1. Keep an eye out

Always be aware of your surroundings. Take note of where the equipment is, who is standing nearby, and where possible obstructions could be. The middle of a routine is a terrible time to realise something is in the way. Worse still is just after dropping your weights in exhaustion.

  1. Remember to breathe

The general rule for breathing is to exhale forcefully through your mouth as you lift the weight and inhale deeply through your nose as you lower it. Don’t overdo it or get fixed on the mechanics, though. Just remember that proper breathing is important for speeding oxygen to your muscles so it’s a good idea to be aware of it. Don’t hold your breath for too long because you can increase your blood pressure and even pass out.

  1. Complete your range of motion

Weight lifting safely requires that you use the correct range of motion for each exercise. In other words, you need to pull or push as far as you’re supposed to without going past a natural range of motion. For example, if you’re lifting dumbbells out to the side; don’t go above shoulder level as this puts too much stress on the shoulder and can injure the joint. Sitting down too far during a squat can also cause knee injuries.

  1. Stay focused

Focus only on the muscle you are working. If you don’t, you’ll find that your workout isn’t as effective as it could be. If you’re performing abdominal crunches, focus on your breathing and keeping the correct form. Complete each rep slowly while engaging all the necessary muscles. It’s easy to do abdominal crunches without really working your abs.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to become a professional

If you are interested in an Olympic lifting course that will allow you to become a professional trainer locally or abroad, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses in the health and fitness industry. To find out more about our Olympic lifting course, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

 

 weightlifting safely

 

 

The post 10 RULES FOR WEIGHT LIFTING SAFELY appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/10-rules-for-weight-lifting-safely/feed/ 0
4 Ways to Use Kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-ways-to-use-kettlebells/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-ways-to-use-kettlebells/#respond Tue, 21 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/4-ways-to-use-kettlebells/ If you haven’t started training with kettlebells yet, stop what you’re doing right now and listen. Kettlebell exercises target all aspects of fitness, including strength, endurance and power. They require the use of multiple joints to engage all the large muscles of the body, thereby burning calories faster than exercises that only work one muscle...

The post 4 Ways to Use Kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you haven’t started training with kettlebells yet, stop what you’re doing right now and listen. Kettlebell exercises target all aspects of fitness, including strength, endurance and power. They require the use of multiple joints to engage all the large muscles of the body, thereby burning calories faster than exercises that only work one muscle at a time. So if you are looking to build more muscle, spike your metabolism, or simply improve your balance and stability; here are 4 ways to use kettlebells:

How can kettlebells be used?

  1. Core muscles and back

Your core muscles include your upper and lower abdominals, your lower back and oblique muscles. They are associated with balance, strength and stability, making them an essential group of muscles for preventing injuries. Kettle row workouts use kettlebells to strengthen these groups as well as the upper back muscles; which means you’re less likely to develop back pain or related injuries. The kettlebell deadlift works your back, hamstrings and glutes; which will also help strengthen your core and stabilising muscles.

How do you do it? Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out, with the kettlebell on the floor in front of you. Squat down and pick up the kettlebell, then stand up and drive through your heels, keeping your chest up and back straight. Squeeze your butt at the top and then lower the kettle bell until it lands at your feet.

  1. Shoulders, chest and arms

There are several kettlebell exercises that target the biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest muscles all at once. The kettlebell swing (done by driving the kettlebell through your legs) not only strengthens these muscles, but also strengthens bone and connective tissue. The kettlebell one-arm high pull works your lats, biceps and glutes which makes it another excellent exercise for improving stabilising muscles.

How do you do it? Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, take the kettlebell in front of you with your right hand and let it hang in front of your body, arm straight. Bend your knees slightly and use power from your legs and biceps to jerk the kettlebell rapidly up the middle of your body, leading with your elbow, until your hand is about eye level. Repeat.

The kettlebell one-arm clean is also a great workout for the arms, shoulders and lower body. Simply grip the kettlebell loosely with your right hand (standing with feet shoulder-width apart). The handle should run parallel to your feet, with your thumb pointing forward. Drive up with your legs and hips as you pull the bell up the midline of your body into a standing position, keeping it close for more control. Keeping a loose grip throughout the movement, bring the kettlebell up to your shoulder and rotate your arm so the kettlebell turns from the inside to the outside of your body. Then return to your starting position.

  1. Lower body

Lower body workouts are important for increasing overall strength and for improving posture. The kettlebell swing is one of the most effective ways to use kettlebells because it works the lower back and hips, which improves your overall range of motion. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out and grip the kettlebell on the floor in front of you with both hands. Keep your arms loose as you send your hips back and drive to a standing position. Bend your knees slightly, and using your lower back and hips, swing the kettlebell two inches forward, then push it backward through your legs. Swing forward again until you push the kettlebell out and your arms are parallel with the floor.

  1. Overall body workouts

While some kettlebells exercises can be used to target specific muscle groups, generally speaking, each exercise will use more than one muscle group. The kettlebell squat thruster works your shoulders, quads, hamstrings and glutes; making it an effective overall body workout. Begin with a kettlebell in each hand in the rack position. This means to grip both handles and pull your fists to your chin, keeping your elbows pointed straight down. The kettlebells should rest along the outside of your forearms. Keeping your arms tucked in close to your body, squat down and drive the kettlebells overhead as you stand. Bring back to the rack position and repeat.

Their ability to build strength and target multiple muscle groups makes kettlebells a worthwhile addition to any workout regime. The shape of a kettlebell also means you can push, pull, and swing it like no other instrument; unlocking a completely new range of exercises. The proof is in the workout. If you want to build more muscle, generate more power or spike your metabolism, add kettlebells to your workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to learn more

If you would like to know more about the different ways to use kettlebells, or how to incorporate them into your fitness business, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses in the health and fitness industry. To find out more about our online kettlebell course, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

use kettlebells

The post 4 Ways to Use Kettlebells appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-ways-to-use-kettlebells/feed/ 0
BECOME A SPORTS CONDITIONING COACH FOR A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS BUSINESS https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/become-a-sports-conditioning-coach/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/become-a-sports-conditioning-coach/#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/become-a-sports-conditioning-coach/ If you run a fitness business, or are looking to start, you may find that techniques enhancing your customers’ strength, speed and power are a valuable addition to the programmes you provide. This is why so many trainers incorporate sports conditioning exercises in their routines. Whether you run a private fitness facility or are looking...

The post BECOME A SPORTS CONDITIONING COACH FOR A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS BUSINESS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you run a fitness business, or are looking to start, you may find that techniques enhancing your customers’ strength, speed and power are a valuable addition to the programmes you provide. This is why so many trainers incorporate sports conditioning exercises in their routines. Whether you run a private fitness facility or are looking to become a sports coach, sports conditioning will help you to improve the stamina and strength-building potential of your clients. Here are the top reasons to become a sports conditioning coach and make a success of your fitness business.

What is Sports Conditioning?

Sports conditioning involves physical fitness programmes that have two main aims: to improve athletic performance and to prevent athletic injuries. Just as no two athletes are the same, no two sports conditioning programmes are the same. Each programme will depend on the athlete’s age, skill level, sport, and personal preference. As a result, a sports conditioning coach must have a deep understanding of each clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and personal athletic goals.

Preventing injuries is a crucial component of sports conditioning. A sport conditioning coach will focus on eliminating muscle imbalances, addressing flexibility issues, and strengthening tendons and ligaments, in order to prevent the risk of injury. This can be beneficial to every type of athlete, whether amateur or professional. In addition, sports conditioning helps athletes to improve the following:

  • Their performance
  • Overall strength
  • Speed, agility and gait
  • Power through strength and plyometrics
  • Confidence

Why specialise in sports conditioning?

Becoming a sports conditioning coach will give your fitness business an edge. Not only will you have a wide range of athletes to work with across multiple disciplines, but you will always have work.  Sports conditioning is needed by athletes throughout the year, so whether it’s in season or off-season, you will be guaranteed business. In addition, if you offer this kind of training, you will ensure that all your athletes perform better and with more confidence.

How does it benefit your athletes?

Sports conditioning has profound benefits for athletes who undertake it. First, building strength and power increases your speed and agility. If your athletes can improve their speed and power, they will achieve better overall results in their sport. Also, building strength limits the likelihood that athletes will sustain injuries during physical activity, training and matches. In other words, your team will be in peak condition each time they perform. If your athletes do sustain injuries, which is likely to happen at least once in their careers, your training will enable them to recover quicker.

How it can add to your business?

If you are running a fitness business, offering sports conditioning will add to an attractive repertoire of programmes that you can offer your clients. Those athletes looking specifically for sports conditioning will be more likely to try your training and any other training that you may offer. Sports conditioning will always be a relevant and valuable offering, so adding it to your arsenal will only bring you more business. With all the benefits that it provides, you are bound to attract athletes of every skill level, age and ability.

What accreditation do you need?

To become a sports conditioning coach, you will need to undergo specialised training. This is because it needs to be properly understood and approached with professional care in order to get it right, avoid injuries and to achieve measurable results. To this end, it is crucial for those looking to gain this qualification, to study a course that not only provides the necessary knowledge, but also awards local and international accreditation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Do you want to guide athletes in their training, nutrition and performance? Would you like to add sports conditioning to your arsenal of services? Then contact us at Trifocus Fitness Academy to find out more about our sports conditioning coach course. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers nationally and internationally accredited courses in the health and fitness industry. To find out more about how to become a sports conditioning coach, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

The post BECOME A SPORTS CONDITIONING COACH FOR A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS BUSINESS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/become-a-sports-conditioning-coach/feed/ 0
5 MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF SUSPENSION TRAINING https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/major-advantages-of-suspension-training/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/major-advantages-of-suspension-training/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/major-advantages-of-suspension-training/ As it was invented by a US Navy Seal to keep his troops in top shape, you would expect there to be several advantages of suspension training; and there are. Using hanging bands or straps to engage muscles using just your body weight; suspension training has become a popular workout for many reasons. It is...

The post 5 MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF SUSPENSION TRAINING appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As it was invented by a US Navy Seal to keep his troops in top shape, you would expect there to be several advantages of suspension training; and there are. Using hanging bands or straps to engage muscles using just your body weight; suspension training has become a popular workout for many reasons. It is an effective way to torch your whole body, build strength, and get your heart beating, using just your bodyweight. However, if you are still a little uncertain; here are our top 5 advantages of this superior exercise routine.

Benefits of Suspension training

Requires little space and almost no equipment

Unlike many other forms of exercise, there is no need to invest in expensive equipment with suspension training. Two adjustable straps give you a comprehensive workout for every muscle and by simply changing the way you angle your body, every muscle can be engaged in a pull or push motion. The Navy Seals were limited in their exercise space as well as the equipment that they had on hand, which led to the discipline TRX Suspension Trainer system, which is both portable and affordable. So, you can finally get a full body workout wherever you are and for a fraction of the usual cost.

It is excellent for building core strength

At the centre of the advantages of suspension training, is its ability to develop muscle stability and strength while simply leveraging gravity and your body weight. It provides a total-body workout in a short time, targeting the core-group; contributing to body-wide strength and stability. As a result, it leads to a better overall performance during other workouts and rigorous physical activities.
How does it work? Suspension training is designed to displace your centre of gravity, which activates the core during every exercise. Your core is constantly engaged in order to keep your body stabilised and balanced. This is what makes it so difficult!

Your core consists of four muscle groups that form a cylinder surrounding the organs of your lower torso. By strengthening these four muscle groups, you improve your overall strength and stability in your back, arms, legs, shoulders and chest; which gives you a strong foundation from which to try other workouts and movements.

 

Mobility and flexibility

Since it targets core muscles, suspension training enables greater mobility in other areas of the body. This is added to by the mobile nature of each routine; which contributes to overall health, improved posture, and bone and muscle structure. The equipment also allows for unique, targeted and effective stretching routines that can be performed as part of regular workouts to increase blood-flow, reduce post-workout muscle stiffness and to encourage greater flexibility in the body.

Muscular endurance

Short-lived strength is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of fitness goals. Luckily, one of the greatest advantages of suspension training is that it encourages sustainable fitness through muscle endurance. When you improve your muscular endurance, you are able to perform for longer periods of time without suffering muscular fatigue. As a result, you can become stronger and enhance your all-round performance on other workouts as well. For example, as a runner, you can use suspension training to build your muscular endurance and strength to compliment your marathon training.

Improves balance

Balance is important for using a suspension trainer. While this makes it somewhat difficult for beginners to get into, it also ensures that they can quickly develop and maintain those muscle groups. When we use our own body weight to generate resistance, we develop smaller, supporting muscles that help with balance and coordination. Suspension training requires you to perform certain movements with your arms suspended from straps above your head. One movement executed like this will challenge you in a completely different way than the same movement on the floor. Suspension training requires the body to stay in balance and under control while completing each manoeuvre, pushing your physical fitness to a level it hasn’t been before.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to learn more

If you would like to find out more about the advantages of suspension training, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Trifocus Fitness Academy has launched a state-of-the-art suspension training course for beginners to intermediate levels. We also offer several other internationally and locally accredited fitness courses and certifications. For more information, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

advantages of suspension training

The post 5 MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF SUSPENSION TRAINING appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/major-advantages-of-suspension-training/feed/ 0
GET A CAREER IN FITNESS: 7 BENEFITS OF AEROBICS CLASSES https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/career-in-fitness-7-benefits-of-aerobics-classes/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/career-in-fitness-7-benefits-of-aerobics-classes/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/career-in-fitness-7-benefits-of-aerobics-classes/ Today, the average person spends most of their time behind a desk, locked in heavy traffic or vegetating in front of the television (thanks, Netflix). For these reasons, it is crucial to find some form of exercise that you’ll enjoy and actually make time for. Why not go one step further and make fitness your...

The post GET A CAREER IN FITNESS: 7 BENEFITS OF AEROBICS CLASSES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Today, the average person spends most of their time behind a desk, locked in heavy traffic or vegetating in front of the television (thanks, Netflix). For these reasons, it is crucial to find some form of exercise that you’ll enjoy and actually make time for. Why not go one step further and make fitness your career with an aerobics certification? Aerobics classes offer a fun way to interact with others while keeping fit. If you’re still not convinced, consider the following benefits of aerobics classes.

What does Aerobics classes offer?

1. Burning fat

Like with any form of high-intensity training, aerobics is an excellent routine for burning fat. There are different kinds of aerobics classes, but they will usually incorporate a combination of cardiovascular, dance and plyometric movements with some form of strength training. These rigorous aerobic exercises stimulate fat burning by using a variety of muscles, getting your lungs to work harder and elevating your heart rate. On average, a 45-minute to one-hour class will burn around 300 to 600 calories!

2. Encouraging mobility

Finding time to stay active can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world, and a lack of mobility can seriously undermine your physical abilities over time. Neck troubles, backaches and stiff legs are just a few of the less serious side effects of not exercising. Aerobics classes encourage mobility, which improves the range of motion of the joints and muscles. An improved range of motion will improve your general fitness performance. It also means you’re less likely to sustain an injury while exercising.

3. Stimulating blood flow

One of the more underestimated benefits of aerobics classes is the stimulation of blood flow. By elevating your heart rate, blood circulation increases which sends oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Better blood flow means healthier organs, mental clarity and improved fitness performance.

4. Enhancing the respiratory system

Vigorous physical activity puts a lot of pressure on your respiratory system, as any blue-faced athlete will tell you. As it does, it enhances your lung capacity and the flow of oxygen throughout your body. This not only keeps your lungs in top condition, but you will be able to push yourself more and more each time you exercise.

5. Regulating moods and hormones

High-intensity training is known to have positive side-effects on your physical, mental and emotional capabilities. Aerobics has been proven to be one of the best forms. Aerobic and cardiovascular workouts lead to the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells and regulates feelings of happiness, anxiety and depression. Ever experienced a runner’s high or that good feeling after a workout? That is serotonin working its magic. One of the best benefits of aerobics classes is their natural ability to keep feelings of depression and anxiety at bay.

6. Social fitness

If you love shaking your groove and being around people, an aerobics class is probably one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise. Whether you just take part in the class or you’re the one instructing, an aerobics class is a great way to meet like-minded people and have a good time. It’s also far easier to find the motivation to exercise if you’re meeting up with friends and doing something you actually enjoy. Even if you’re not in it to make friends, an aerobics class is a fun and energetic way to get your body moving.

7. Versatility

There are various types of aerobics classes to choose from. Step Aerobics uses a platform to step up and down while performing different moves. This range of motion melts calories so if you’re looking to lose weight, this might be a good place to start. Aqua Aerobics is best for those with joint problems or injuries as it is low-impact but still keeps you active. Belly Aerobics focuses more on the abdominal muscles and is a great option for those wanting to lose weight around their mid-section. The versatility of aerobics classes means that you can find a type that suits you and your specific fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for details on aerobics courses

Are you interested in a career in fitness? Could you see yourself choreographing moves and leading a class? If so, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today and find out more about our certified aerobics course. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers accredited health and fitness courses so you can turn your passion into a career. To find out more, call us on 0861 444 765.

ways a personal trainer can help you

The post GET A CAREER IN FITNESS: 7 BENEFITS OF AEROBICS CLASSES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/career-in-fitness-7-benefits-of-aerobics-classes/feed/ 0
THE 5 BEST WAYS A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN HELP YOU https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/ways-a-personal-trainer-can-help-you/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/ways-a-personal-trainer-can-help-you/#respond Tue, 07 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/ways-a-personal-trainer-can-help-you/ Without the correct guidance and assistance, reaching your fitness goals can be pretty challenging. Unless you have a form of fitness training or certification, your knowledge is limited to what you can find in a book or on the Internet. This is why many people come to appreciate the assistance of a personal trainer. A...

The post THE 5 BEST WAYS A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN HELP YOU appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Without the correct guidance and assistance, reaching your fitness goals can be pretty challenging. Unless you have a form of fitness training or certification, your knowledge is limited to what you can find in a book or on the Internet. This is why many people come to appreciate the assistance of a personal trainer. A personal trainer can guide you through each step of your fitness journey. They show you the techniques, routines and lifestyle choices that will enhance your athletic ability. Whether your goals are weight-loss driven or for athletic purposes, here are some of the best ways a personal trainer can help you.

What a Personal Trainer can do for you

1. Creating a personalised fitness plan

One of the most beneficial ways a personal trainer can help you is by formulating a training plan that suits you, your schedule and your body type. Whether you are new to exercise or a serious athlete, you can benefit from the guidance of a personal trainer. If you hate squats, your trainer can suggest other exercises that achieve the same goal. If you want to lose weight fast, your trainer can devise a workout regime that maximises weight loss and calories burnt. Plus it helps to have someone pushing you to complete that last rep before you throw in the towel. Think of a personal trainer as your very own fitness cheerleader.

2. Improving your quality of life through exercise

The most common reason why individuals opt for the assistance of a personal trainer is to simply be guided through exercises and lifestyle changes that are aimed at improving quality of life. Aside from the obvious health benefits of staying active, exercising regularly is good for the brain too. Studies have proven that exercise improves mental clarity and reduces feelings of anxiety or depression. You will invest in your mental, physical and emotional wellness by seeking the help of a personal trainer.

3. Enhancing performance through specialised nutrition

Athletes and fitness fanatics know that exercise will only take you so far on its own. An effective exercise schedule should be coupled with an equally effective nutrition plan that provides the nutrients necessary to maintain and enhance fitness performance. A personal trainer has the knowledge to advise clients how best to enhance their fitness goals with nutrition. Not only is this knowledge specialised, but it is far more credible coming from a personal trainer than from the Internet.

4. Preparing for a competition

Some situations are best handled with the help of an expert. If you are training for a particular event or competition, a personal trainer can help you set and achieve the milestones you’ve set out. Are you aiming to run a marathon in a year’s time? Would you like to complete your first triathlon? Do you have a weightlifting competition coming up? By enlisting the help of a trainer; you can get the routine, nutrition and motivation you need to achieve your goal. A personal trainer can also give you a better idea of your progress and how close you are to achieving your goal.

5. Recovering from an injury

Injuries in sports are a fairly commonplace occurrence. Athletes who do not take the time to rehabilitate their injuries will find those injuries hampering their performance potential in future. This makes it essential for those who have suffered sports injuries to find appropriate and effective ways of rehabilitating them. One of the most beneficial ways a personal trainer can help you is through the recovery process. As an athlete, taking time off training to recover is one of the most difficult things to do as you’re hard-wired to push past boundaries. A personal trainer will be able to help you find ways to strengthen your body so you can recover sooner, while not making existing injuries worse.

A trainer can also educate you on how best to perform exercises so you don’t injure yourself in the first place. It happens too often that people are hurt while performing moves they are not yet trained for. As such, it helps to have someone to show you the correct form to complete your reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Do you have a passion for health and fitness? Would you like to help others achieve their fitness goals?
Then contact Trifocus Fitness Academy to find out more about our internationally accredited training and fitness courses. Start your journey to becoming a personal trainer with an accredited personal training course. Discover all the ways a personal trainer can help you achieve YOUR goals. For more information, visit our website or call us on 0861 444 765.

ways a personal trainer can help you

 

The post THE 5 BEST WAYS A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN HELP YOU appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/ways-a-personal-trainer-can-help-you/feed/ 0
6 MAJOR BENEFITS OF FOAM ROLLING https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-foam-rolling/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-foam-rolling/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/benefits-of-foam-rolling/ Foam rolling is the pre-and post-workout ritual you have been missing! Not only is it a cheaper alternative to a sports massage but it offers many of the same benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and flexibility. Known as self-myofascial release (SMR), foam rolling helps reduce muscle tension and increases muscle length so you...

The post 6 MAJOR BENEFITS OF FOAM ROLLING appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Foam rolling is the pre-and post-workout ritual you have been missing! Not only is it a cheaper alternative to a sports massage but it offers many of the same benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and flexibility. Known as self-myofascial release (SMR), foam rolling helps reduce muscle tension and increases muscle length so you can perform at your peak. Once you start seeing the benefits of foam rolling, you’ll wish you’d started sooner!

How foam rolling can benefit your workout routine?

Effective pre-workout warm-up

Using a foam roller every day can be highly beneficial for a number of reasons. Not only does it give you a deep-tissue massage that enables recovery and encourages blood circulation, but it is also an effective pre-workout warm-up. Regular foam rolling prepares your muscles for the workout ahead by improving their pliability and increasing blood flow. A few minutes of light cardio, together with foam rolling and a good stretch will make your body more receptive to the benefits of foam rolling and help prevent injury. If you’re a runner, rolling out your muscles beforehand can help to improve your overall performance.

Aids post-workout recovery

One major benefit of foam rolling is that it is the perfect way to conclude an exercise routine. Not only does foam rolling help reduce soreness, but it assists the overall post-workout recovery process by preventing and reducing adhesions in the muscles. So how does this process work? After a vigorous workout, muscle damage occurs which signals a repair process in the body. To repair the injured tissue; new collagen molecules form but if the tissue is not moved properly during this process, the collagen could bind between the muscle layers and form adhesions. Rolling out sore and injured muscles helps reduce the risk of this happening.

Adhesions can be addressed using the foam roller itself, by placing the foam roller under the pressure point and pressing your weight down until you feel the tension ease. If the tender area is small, simply use a smaller item (like a tennis ball) to loosen the knot. Then you can lengthen out the muscle by gently rolling across it with the foam roller for half a minute.

benefits of foam rolling

Improved recovery times

As you work out, your muscles generate a build-up of lactic acid which essentially heightens fatigue, intensifies post-workout stiffness and lengthens recovery time. Many of the techniques used with foam rolling target this lactic acid and break it down, which results in less post-workout stress and quicker recovery time.

Relieving the fascia

Foam rolling can relieve the muscle pain associated with exercise, especially shin splints and IT band syndrome. Like a sports massage; foam rolling reduces inflammation, targets and breaks up scar tissue in the muscles and reduces joint stress. The fascia is a sheet of tissue beneath the skin that connects, stabilises and separates muscles and internal organs. By putting pressure on this sheet of tissue, foam rolling can reduce many of the muscular problems associated with a tense fascia.

However, it is better to underwork tissue than overwork it so keep your rolling time between 30 and 90 seconds per muscle. If you feel you need to roll for longer, you are probably suffering from a deeper issue that can’t be fixed by a foam roller. Excessive rolling could cause further damage to an injured area.

Flexibility and mobility

By relieving tension in the fascia, a foam roller can do wonders to enhance your flexibility and mobility. Intensive lifting sessions can put pressure on the fascia as the body bulks. This essentially stifles free movement, and could possibly even result in problems with the joints, bones and tendons. Using a foam roller after these sessions can reduce the impact that weight lifting often has on the body.

Avoiding injuries

By breaking down lactic acid and enhancing flexibility, foam rolling can condition your body to recover and perform better during routines or strenuous exercise. Not only this, but it can also go a long way to ensuring that you avoid injuries. Foam rolling increases blood and oxygen circulation to your muscles, which ensures that you stay off the bench.

However, if you are new to foam rolling, stick to a softer, smooth roller. Rolling out muscles with a hard, textured roller can compress the tissue too much, causing unnecessary pain and sometimes bruising. Once you’re a seasoned roller and your muscle tissue is used to the pressure, you can graduate to a firmer roller.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

There are several benefits of foam rolling when done correctly. Taking an online foam rolling course can give you the knowledge you need to help yourself and others to get the most out of foam rolling. Trifocus Fitness Academy is a leader in health and fitness education, offering an extensive array of health and fitness qualifications at competitive prices. Find out more about our online foam rolling course or our other fitness courses, speak to a consultant at 0861444765.

 

The post 6 MAJOR BENEFITS OF FOAM ROLLING appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-foam-rolling/feed/ 0
Become a Gym Instructor with these Accredited Fitness Courses https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/become-a-gym-instructor-with-accredited-courses/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/become-a-gym-instructor-with-accredited-courses/#respond Fri, 03 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/become-a-gym-instructor-with-accredited-courses/ Do you have a passion for health and fitness? Are you a people’s person? Do you want a career that allows you to help others achieve their goals? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then you should consider to become a gym instructor or personal trainer. Trade your business attire and work desk for...

The post Become a Gym Instructor with these Accredited Fitness Courses appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you have a passion for health and fitness? Are you a people’s person? Do you want a career that allows you to help others achieve their goals? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then you should consider to become a gym instructor or personal trainer.

Trade your business attire and work desk for a job at the gym with an accredited fitness course! By completing one of these four courses, you will be able to compete in the international job market and create a healthy life for yourself and others.

Trifocus Fitness Academy Accredited courses:

Personal Training Course

Be in line for local and international career opportunities with a personal training course. This course gives you the foundation you need to pursue a successful career in fitness. It also allows you to choose the location of your “office” – from a cruise ship in the Bahamas, to a commercial gym or studio. A personal training course gives you an understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics, and how they relate to fitness. It also enables you to assess a customer’s health and fitness so that you can design an appropriate exercise and nutrition programme for them to follow.

With a personal training course, you’ll learn:

  • How to maintain gym equipment
  • How to employ effective motivation techniques so clients stick to their routines
  • About being your own boss and run your fitness business
  • How to help those with disabilities to achieve their own fitness goals

Personal Training Certification

This national fitness certification gives you all the tools you need to become a world-class personal trainer. It also gives you a more in-depth understanding of the body and fitness with the addition of sports exercise physiology and nutrition fundamentals. You’ll have the opportunity to operate locally or internationally with a Personal Training Certificate, thanks to a programme based on the most current information on health and fitness studies.

With a personal training certification, you’ll learn:

  • About the body’s response to resistance training, flexibility training and speed or power training
  • How to motivate clients with short term and long term goals
  • How to advise clients on wellness and lifestyle management
  • The fundamentals of operating professionally
  • How to operate as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry; including drawing up a business plan and performing administrative functions
  • About special populations’ fitness; including how to design exercise programmes and how to approach unique disabilities
  • How to respond to written communication appropriately
  • How to deal with emergency procedures and evacuation situations

become a gym instructor

Personal Training Diploma

Offer a broad spectrum of health services to your clients with a personal training diploma. This qualification offers the highest standard of study for the field and covers all of its areas in an in-depth fashion. It is one of the most comprehensive training courses that you can do, and as such, is a qualification that is highly praised by the fitness industry. Through it, anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sport and exercise, nutrition, assessments, motivation, workspace organisation, working with special needs clients and a great deal more can be learnt and used to boost your career in fitness.

 

Gym instructor course

Become a gym instructor with a certified correspondence or online course. This programme offers foundational knowledge in fitness training, which includes:

  • Operating a fitness facility
  • Finding the right exercise programmes for the needs of your clientele
  • Leading workout sessions
  • Developing a sound understanding of fitness, the human anatomy and physiology

This course offers a great start for those looking for a career in fitness. It gives you a basic understanding of training that can be built on with further training programmes. Because of this, it is one of the most popular approaches for those looking to break into the fitness industry. Not only does it give you the tools you need to start a successful fitness career, but it also leaves a lot of room for growth.

Advantages of these courses

There are many advantages to taking part in accredited fitness training courses if you are looking to break into the industry. These advantages include, but are not limited to:

  • It opens up career opportunities around the world, because they provide students with internationally recognised accreditation. This means that you can travel and work, or move to anywhere in the world with the confidence that you will find work as a gym instructor or personal trainer.
  • The lifestyle of a personal trainer will make it easier for you to stay in shape, since you will be outfitted with the knowledge and skills needed to help others, and yourself, achieve fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

If you would like to find out more about how to become a gym instructor or personal trainer, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today and speak to one of our qualified consultants. Make your passion your career with one of our accredited fitness courses.

 

The post Become a Gym Instructor with these Accredited Fitness Courses appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/become-a-gym-instructor-with-accredited-courses/feed/ 0
Reasons To Study A Life Coaching Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-study-a-life-coaching-course/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-study-a-life-coaching-course/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/reasons-to-study-a-life-coaching-course/ By studying a life coaching course, you equip yourself with tools and knowledge to assist others with the motivation and organisation necessary to better themselves in all areas of their lives. The greatest gift you can give to your clients is helping them become the best version of themselves and achieve their personal goals. While...

The post Reasons To Study A Life Coaching Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
By studying a life coaching course, you equip yourself with tools and knowledge to assist others with the motivation and organisation necessary to better themselves in all areas of their lives. The greatest gift you can give to your clients is helping them become the best version of themselves and achieve their personal goals. While this should be reason enough for you to study a life coaching course, there are several other reasons too.

This profession, and the skillset needed to achieve success in it, can allow you to lead a more wholesome and organised life for yourself. It will not only be characterised by great stress and time management, keeping up with physical activities, and maintaining your confidence; but you will stay motivated to continually achieve your goals.

Firstly, what does a life coach do? A life coach will:

  • Look at where you are now and where you want to be and help you close the gap
  • Propose a solution to your problems and work with you to implement these changes to ensure their success
  • Work with you to create a realistic, step-by-step plan that enables you to achieve your goals
  • Help you to work through crippling fears and challenge you to think bigger
  • Help you overcome obstacles, low confidence and insecurities
  • Assist you with developing relationships, whether personal or professional
  • Enable you to discover your strengths, passions, and purpose so you can start living the life you want

So, if you are wondering how becoming a life coach enables you to take charge of your own daily activities, here are some reasons to study a life coaching course or get your life coaching certification.

Study a Life Coaching Course

1. Coaching your own career

If you study a life coaching course, many of the skills you obtain are geared towards helping individuals achieve their potential in the business sphere. These skills include the ability to spot opportunities when they arise while coming up with, and sticking to a set plan that will achieve your client’s specific goals. Becoming a life coach develops your ability to put problems into perspective and see things from afar. Since these skillsets can be applied amicably to the needs of your customers, why not use them to manage and boost your own career in the same way that you would for your clients? Your newfound skills will enable you to shed light on difficult situations in your own career.

2. Understanding personal wellness

A good life coach understands the importance of keeping the mind and body healthy when it comes to regulating stress, staying in shape, maintaining energy levels and getting enough downtime after a particularly hectic schedule. Part of the job description is to help clients improve their confidence, their self-esteem and ensure that they feel good about themselves. Clients will also come to you looking to improve their emotional well-being when they are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. However, life coaches run the risk of being so wrapped up in their clients’ lives that they may ignore the health advice they give to others. Since charity starts at home, life coaches must apply these principles to themselves, as well as their clients.

3. Developing your listening and communication skills

Much of life coaching involves your ability to form and maintain healthy working relationships with your clients. Aside from physically consulting with them, a life coach will regularly phone their clients to ensure that they are following through with their plans. This means developing crucial communication skills. While learning how to interact with others effectively isn’t important to everyone, it is a vital skill that you will learn if you study a life coaching course. A life coach helps clients to develop better relationships with their friends, family, partners, co-workers, and themselves. As a result, you will learn how to maintain relationships with your clients and other people in your life.

4. Manage stress, anxiety and depression with mental fitness

Stress, anxiety and depression have become commonplace in our fast-paced word. When you struggle to manage your life effectively, negative emotions can creep in and take over, demotivating and limiting you. As a life coach, you will learn the techniques necessary to manage and prevent these emotions from taking over so you can show your clients how to do the same. This valuable skill will also give you a better chance at reaching your potential in life and business.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today

Benefit from an internationally accredited life coaching course or life coaching certification with Trifocus Fitness Academy. Our state-of-the-art learning system will allow you to pursue your own goals and enable others to do the same. To find out more about how to enrol, speak to one of our consultants or visit our website for more details.

The post Reasons To Study A Life Coaching Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-study-a-life-coaching-course/feed/ 0
WHY I CHOSE TO BE A PERSONAL TRAINER https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-become-a-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-become-a-personal-trainer/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-become-a-personal-trainer/ To be a personal trainer is both a rewarding and challenging experience. It requires intense training and learning, as well as the ability to manage a healthy lifestyle and growing business at the same time. If you’re wondering whether to make personal training your next career move, then here are 7 reasons why I decided...

The post WHY I CHOSE TO BE A PERSONAL TRAINER appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
To be a personal trainer is both a rewarding and challenging experience. It requires intense training and learning, as well as the ability to manage a healthy lifestyle and growing business at the same time. If you’re wondering whether to make personal training your next career move, then here are 7 reasons why I decided to become one.

Reasons to become a Personal Trainer

  1. Helping others for a living

Being a personal trainer means helping clients get a little closer to achieving their fitness goals every day. The aim is to help clients improve to the point where they can complete their exercises independently and confidently. I also get to watch as my clients realise that they are capable of more than they imagined. There are few modern career choices that allow you to help others reach their potential in the same way. With each and every happy customer, you know that you have played a part in transforming their lives.

  1. Job satisfaction through tangible results

Nothing will give you greater job satisfaction than the decision to be a personal trainer. With each and every client, I have seen a gradual transformation. This transformation is not only physical but emotional as well. I always take great pleasure in the knowledge that I have given my clients the tools necessary to lose weight, build strength or simply build confidence. Even though I am taking them to a point where they no longer need me, it is always a rewarding experience. When it comes to total job satisfaction, personal training can’t be beat.

  1. A different job each day

As a personal trainer, I have to approach the needs and goals of each one of my customers in a unique way. This means I have to mould a routine that works best for their body, their level of fitness and their level of confidence. As a result, no two clients or days are ever the same. I wake up each day with an immense feeling of excitement for what is to come.

I also need to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the fitness industry. New fitness trends or nutritional developments will influence the exercises and advice I give my clients. This keeps things new and exciting as I am always learning.

  1. Specialised niches

There is no one size-fits-all personal trainer out there. In fact, it is a field that allows you to specialise in a wide assortment of niches. For instance, you could concentrate on youth development, fitness for the elderly, sports management or athletics training. If your interests change, you can change your area of specialisation. You can take steps to become the best in your field, catering your career more closely to your interests and your clients’ needs.

  1. Work schedule flexibility

One of the main reasons I decided to be a personal trainer was flexibility. There are few jobs out there which give you as flexible a schedule as personal training does, but it is a double-edged sword. You need to determine your hours according to the needs of your clients which could mean a few early mornings and late evenings by their side. Just like running your own business, you get in what you put out. If you’re lazy and you struggle to commit to appointments, you won’t be very successful. However, if you work hard and are diligent, you can create a lucrative career for yourself. Still, personal training gives you more control over your life than other career options.

  1. Forces you to stay fit

Before I made the decision to be a personal trainer, I had a pretty nonchalant attitude to exercise. Now, my job requires me to be fit and healthy every day and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. How many people would hire a plump personal trainer? Probably not many, so my job forces me to stay in shape so that clients will actually hire me to help them.

  1. It’s fun

It may sound simple, but I decided to be a personal trainer because I couldn’t stand the idea of an office job. As a trainer, I get to wear comfortable workout clothes every day as my “uniform”. It also gives me the opportunity to work outdoors, get creative and move around, rather than sit still. Being a personal trainer is challenging without being stressful, which makes it the ideal job.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for details

Becoming a personal trainer will not only benefit you, but those around you. If you would like to be a personal trainer, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today for more information on our accredited personal training diploma.

Turn your passion into a career with Trifocus Fitness Academy.

The post WHY I CHOSE TO BE A PERSONAL TRAINER appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-become-a-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/difference-yoga-and-pilates/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/difference-yoga-and-pilates/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/difference-yoga-and-pilates/ When looked at from a distance, there seems to be little difference between yoga and Pilates as they both encourage mobility, flexibility, and strength building. However, there are some key differences between them that make them better suited to certain goals and body-types. The Key differences between Yoga & Pilates Pilates’ main focus is core...

The post WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When looked at from a distance, there seems to be little difference between yoga and Pilates as they both encourage mobility, flexibility, and strength building. However, there are some key differences between them that make them better suited to certain goals and body-types.

The Key differences between Yoga & Pilates

Pilates’ main focus is core strength and exercises that emphasize muscle toning, strength, body control, and flexibility. It requires a consistent effort in order to provide any real benefit so spending prolonged periods of time away from your Pilates mat could set you back. However, if you prefer a structured workout without the cardio; Pilates is a viable option.

Yoga focuses more on flexibility and balance, developing broad muscle groups. It’s a collection of physical, spiritual and mental exercises that come from ancient India so aside from the obvious physical benefits, for many it’s also an enriching spiritual experience. Pilates also places a strong emphasis on connecting body and mind but in yoga, this is largely encouraged through meditation.

Both yoga and Pilates target muscle groups throughout the entire body. While yoga does this to improve flexibility of muscles and joints, Pilates is geared more towards relaxing the muscles and building strength. Though, that’s not to say that each practice caters exclusively to these goals.

Yoga and Pilates are both beneficial forms of exercise, but which one is ideal for you?

Difference #1: Class structure

One major difference between yoga and Pilates is the structure of classes. There’s more freedom in a yoga class because there are hundreds of different pose combinations that can make up one session. This means that no two classes will be the same. Classes can also be gentle or more vigorous so you can choose a style that suits you and your goals. On the other hand, Pilates is more structured and predictable so if you prefer knowing what to expect from every workout, Pilates is more for you.

Difference #2: For the health of your heart

When it comes to cardio, there’s little difference between yoga and Pilates. Beginner Pilates classes won’t give you much of a cardio workout but as you gain more experience, the cardio activity increases. Regular practice of Pilates keeps your heart-rate elevated, which means it works well alongside cardiovascular workouts to increase lung capacity and blood-flow. This also means it does a lot to stave off the risk of heart disease.

Yoga improves blood circulation through flexibility. It will elevate your heart-rate if you do a heated 90-minute Bikram yoga class but most forms of yoga provide little cardio benefit. Since yoga routines pay careful attention to breathing, it is an excellent activity for improving lung capacity and oxygen circulation in the body.

Difference #3: For losing weight

As they both elevate the heart-rate, each activity does have its own fat-burning potential, depending on what you do. A sweaty Bikram yoga class in a hot and humid studio will certainly get your heart-rate up. If you’re already in good shape; a Hatha, Vinyasa, or Anusara yoga class will help you burn extra calories. But to really reach your weight loss goals, a better approach is rigorous and regular cardiovascular activity coupled with Pilates, or yoga or both. Both are excellent for building strength, but used on their own, neither practice will torch thousands of calories.

Difference #4: For building strength

Strength building is where both Pilates and yoga shine, but in both cases progress is gradual. Both practices are low impact, which means they strengthen your joints and muscles without damaging them. There’s also very little risk of injury. Both practices are particularly good for engaging and building the core muscle group while targeting all areas of the body. However when it comes to observable results, Pilates offers the better workout by incorporating resistance and mat training into its routines.

Should you practise yoga or Pilates?

Both yoga and Pilates offer a range of benefits that are often indistinguishable from one another. So, why choose one when you can benefit from both?

Consider your body, fitness goals, and level of strength and decide what will work best for you. Yoga not only offers flexibility, but challenges your body’s endurance. It also requires less equipment (depending on the type of yoga) to practise privately.

Pilates offers attention to detail and ab work not seen in yoga. If you’re a runner or cyclist and need to improve your core strength, then Pilates is easily the best choice.

Of course, by practicing a combination of these activities, you can take advantage of all of their benefits. Above all, choose one that you enjoy and would be willing to do on a regular basis.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy offers you the opportunity to become a mind-body specialist by mastering the art of yoga and Pilates and having a fundamental knowledge of the human body.

Use practices such as meditation, yoga and Pilates, to better your quality of life and that of those around you. Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today and speak to us about our mind-body specialist certification.

Yoga vs pilates

 

The post WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-blog/difference-yoga-and-pilates/feed/ 0
6 REASONS TO JOIN A BOOTCAMP https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-join-a-bootcamp/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-join-a-bootcamp/#respond Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/reasons-to-join-a-bootcamp/ Do you love exercising outdoors? Does high-intensity group training get you excited? If so, you should join a bootcamp! There are as many forms of exercise to choose from today as there are muscles in the body to work on. Each form of exercise also provides a unique experience, a range of different benefits, and...

The post 6 REASONS TO JOIN A BOOTCAMP appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you love exercising outdoors? Does high-intensity group training get you excited? If so, you should join a bootcamp!

There are as many forms of exercise to choose from today as there are muscles in the body to work on. Each form of exercise also provides a unique experience, a range of different benefits, and an assortment of people it would appeal to. However, few activities have enjoyed the continued popularity that bootcamps have, and there are several reasons for this.

Why Bootcamps should be at the top of your to-do list

Reason #1: Bootcamps target everything

Bootcamp activities involve various cardiovascular, strength building, and mobility enhancing exercise routines designed to target each and every muscle group. This makes bootcamp one of the best workouts to improve overall fitness and encourage weight-loss.

Bootcamp workouts will generally use a combination of:

  • lunges;
  • jumping jacks;
  • jump rope;
  • high knees;
  • squats;
  • push ups;
  • mountain climbers and more to target your glutes, abs, quads and arms.

Bootcamps also increase your metabolism so you’ll continue to burn calories long after your session.

Reason #2: Getting you outdoors

Few of us get a chance to spend time outdoors during the week. This makes the thought of being crammed into a stuffy gym at the end of the day pretty unappealing. You could go for a run but if running isn’t your thing you’re more likely to end up on the couch. Running can also be unsafe if you don’t have someone to go with you.

Exercising outdoors is energising and gives you a chance to breathe fresh air while you work. It can also be the change of scenery your brain needs to rewire after a long day. Why workout in a gym when you can be surrounded by trees, grass and wildlife?

Another reason to join a bootcamp is that you burn more calories outside. This is because it’s harder for your body to deal with the elements, especially heat and wind. It’s also more difficult to run on grass or lunge up a set of stairs in the park.

bootcamp

Reason #3: It makes exercise fun

Bootcamp is challenging and it will push you beyond your level of comfort, but you’ll have fun in the process. A huge challenge for many would-be fit people is that exercise can be a bit dull. The idea of an hour on the treadmill is enough to put most people off getting in shape.

As bootcamps provide a stimulating environment where people workout together, it makes exercise feel a lot like play. Some instructors even incorporate engaging challenges, games, and competitions to keep their participants entertained.

Reason #4: Bootcamps create a competitive environment

People are naturally competitive, even if it is only to a small degree. When we are put into groups we knowingly or unknowingly pit ourselves against those around us. Even if you’re only motivated by the idea of bettering your past results, you’ll want to push a little bit harder. Therein lies the beauty of bootcamps: they create a fun but competitive environment that keeps each participant naturally motivated to do their best.

Reason #5: They help with motivation

The competitive environment of a bootcamp isn’t the only thing that helps with motivation. A good bootcamp instructor knows how to create an environment that encourages participants to achieve their fitness goals. Having someone to answer to will also encourage you to give your all. If you join a bootcamp, you’ll make friends who will encourage you along your journey. Peer motivation, friends and an instructor who holds you accountable for your progress, all work towards motivating participants.

Reason #6: They help build confidence

Bootcamp environments are generally setup to group people with similar degrees of fitness. This means you can join a bootcamp without feeling as though you’re trailing behind the rest. Your group will develop together through each session and build your confidence through teamwork, socialising and competitive activities. There are even bootcamps that specialise in women’s training if you prefer to workout with women only. It is also the instructor’s job to ensure that you are continually challenged so you can progress. Exercises will change and become more complex as you perfect them.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you love exercising outdoors? Does high-intensity group training get you excited?

Join a bootcamp or enrol in our comprehensive Bootcamp course and become a bootcamp instructor. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers beginner-to-advanced-level bootcamp drills and instructor training.

Turn your passion into a career. Contact a consultant from Trifocus Fitness Academy today or visit our website for details on how to register.

The post 6 REASONS TO JOIN A BOOTCAMP appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-join-a-bootcamp/feed/ 0
WHICH IS BETTER, HIGH INTENSITY OR LOW INTENSITY WORKOUTS? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-is-better-high-intensity-or-low-intensity-workouts/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-is-better-high-intensity-or-low-intensity-workouts/#respond Fri, 27 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/which-is-better-high-intensity-or-low-intensity-workouts/ High intensity workouts have been hailed as the holy grail of fitness for those on the go, or for those who struggle to set aside time for stringent physical activity. However, there’s a lot to consider before you decide whether these workouts will help to achieve your fitness goals. So to help you craft the...

The post WHICH IS BETTER, HIGH INTENSITY OR LOW INTENSITY WORKOUTS? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
High intensity workouts have been hailed as the holy grail of fitness for those on the go, or for those who struggle to set aside time for stringent physical activity. However, there’s a lot to consider before you decide whether these workouts will help to achieve your fitness goals. So to help you craft the best workout routine for your target and body-type, we’ve drawn a comparison between low intensity and high intensity workouts.

Low intensity vs high intensity workouts

High Intensity workouts

High intensity workouts are characterised by intensive bursts of exercise, separated by brief moments of recovery. They require small segments of activity with 100% effort to keep your heart-rate up for longer, thereby burning more fat. High intensity workouts can include aerobics classes or any kind of high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Benefits

High intensity workouts take up much less time, while often being far more effective than lengthier routines. Various studies have shown that 15 minutes of a high intensity routine burns more calories than an hour of consistent effort on the treadmill.

Since high intensity workouts keep your heart rate elevated, they actually burn calories for longer. After a 15-minute session with very short breaks (some of which could even be active), your heart rate will stay elevated even once your workout is complete. In other words, you will still be burning calories long after you’ve left the gym.

The reason for this is that after an intense workout, your body must work overtime to return all systems to normal. In other words, your body will burn extra calories just to get your body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure back to normal. This process is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC.

Disadvantages

While high intensity workouts might be incredibly effective for burning fat and toning muscle, they can also result in injury. If you consider yourself to be relatively unfit, a high intensity workout can be difficult to start with. It can also lead to serious injury without the appropriate form and technique.

Another disadvantage of high intensity workouts is that they don’t give you much time to work on developing the proper form and technique. So there is always a chance that you are forming bad workout habits as you go, while lessening the effectiveness of the workout itself.

Low intensity workouts

Low intensity, steady state workouts are cardio activities that require a moderate amount of effort for roughly half an hour to an hour. Walking, running, climbing, and just about any activity that requires endurance, are all forms of low intensity workouts. The goal is to get your heart-rate up to around 60%, which is optimal for burning fat, and keeping it there.

Benefits

Beginners can set their own pace more easily with low intensity workouts than with high intensity workouts. This makes it a better place to start for those who are new to exercise.

Another upside is that the timescale of lower intensity workouts means you have more time to focus on perfecting your form and technique, so you can get the most out of each movement. By taking the time to form good habits in the beginning, you reduce the likelihood of sustaining injuries later on.

Low intensity workouts are also excellent for developing endurance as well as for burning fat, making them effective and holistic additions to your routine.

Disadvantages

Low intensity exercises are time consuming. If you’re a particularly busy person, you may struggle to find the time to fit in your workout for the day.

The second problem with this is one of concentration. For some, low intensity exercises can feel a bit monotonous. However, developing endurance means building mental stamina as well. There are also ways to make each workout more exciting. Running on the road with a friend will be far more appealing than spending an hour on the treadmill.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both forms of exercise so decide which is best for you. You can use them in combination for an all-round workout routine that will melt fat and sculpt your body. If you’re just getting into fitness or getting back into it after an injury; success lies in doing the right moves at your own pace. While high intensity workouts should be difficult, pushing too hard and too fast will lead to injuries. The key is to listen to your body and maintain the proper form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy Today

Trifocus Fitness Academy offers accredited aerobics certifications and aerobics courses. For more information on aerobics courses that will change the way that you and those around you approach exercise, contact a consultant from Trifocus Fitness Academy today.

 

 

The post WHICH IS BETTER, HIGH INTENSITY OR LOW INTENSITY WORKOUTS? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-is-better-high-intensity-or-low-intensity-workouts/feed/ 0
6 Excellent Reasons to Become a Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-become-a-personal-trainer/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/reasons-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ Like any career decision, the choice to become a personal trainer is not an easy one. It commits you to a lifestyle of constant hard work, and is characterized by all the challenges associated with running your own business. It also requires a great deal of studying and constant personal development. Despite all of this,...

The post 6 Excellent Reasons to Become a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Like any career decision, the choice to become a personal trainer is not an easy one. It commits you to a lifestyle of constant hard work, and is characterized by all the challenges associated with running your own business. It also requires a great deal of studying and constant personal development. Despite all of this, personal training is an increasingly popular and rewarding career move.

What makes personal training such a great career opportunity?

If you’re considering it but you still need some convincing, here are six excellent reasons to become a personal trainer.

1. You can work from just about anywhere

Obtaining an affordable and internationally recognised personal training certification online will allow you to work from anywhere in the world. If you are the travelling type, this will give you the means to go abroad and apply your skills in an international job market. If you’re looking to build a fitness business from home, your credentials will give you a competitive edge in the market. You can train clients from home, at a gym, outdoors, online, at a community centre, at an office, or in a private studio.

You also get all the benefits that come with working for yourself. Besides being a relatively low stress, high reward career move; becoming a personal trainer means saying goodbye to most (if not all) of the characteristics of a nine-to-five job. That means you get to trade in your stiff business attire for comfortable workout wear.

You can also decide whether to offer personal training on a full-time or part-time basis. The flexibility of this career means you can even do it in conjunction with other health-related professions, such as sports nutrition or massage therapy. You can be as busy as you like and the more work you do, the more you’ll get paid.

2. Personal training can be extremely lucrative

Let’s be blunt. One of the main driving forces behind any career choice is the amount of money to be made. As a personal trainer, your target audience is cast over a wide demographic, which means you’ll have customers from varying income backgrounds. If you approach it properly and apply yourself, personal training can make you a lot of money.

3. You get to make a difference in the lives of others

People generally seek the help of a personal trainer so they can improve their overall fitness, lose weight or get back into exercise after an injury. According to a report by Health24 in June 2017, excess body weight is a serious problem in South Africa, with 70% of local women being reported as overweight or obese.

As a personal trainer, you will be making a positive difference in your clients’ lives on a daily basis; making it an incredibly rewarding career opportunity. There are a lot of jobs out there that completely lack job satisfaction. So if you are motivated by noticeable results, then personal training is a great way to achieve job satisfaction. Making a real difference in people’s lives is one of the main reasons why so many people choose personal training as a career. You will be giving your clients the tools they need to achieve their health and fitness goals with confidence.

4. You can develop long-lasting relationships

If you consider yourself to be a people-person, then personal training is just for you. Being a personal trainer means not just networking to attract clients, but establishing strong, lasting relationships with them. You’ll be spending a lot of time with many different personalities and you’ll need to stay tuned in to each client’s unique fitness needs. It’s especially rewarding to watch as each client grows in their fitness journey to become an independent exerciser.

5. It gives you the tools to live a healthy lifestyle

As a personal trainer, you are expected to live up to the goals and ideals that you have set for your customers. In other words, you need to be your own poster-person. This means that you’ll be leading an active and healthy lifestyle as part of your normal work routine. How many careers do you know of that pay you to stay fit?

You’ll also be required to stay up-to-date on all trends and developments in the fitness industry. Your constantly expanding knowledge base will help to further your clients’ and your own fitness goals.

6. You get to choose what you specialise in

Depending on where your passions lie, you can decide what you specialise in. There are hundreds of options to choose from if you’d like to focus on more than just general fitness. So whether you’re interested in bodybuilding, senior fitness, aerobics, endurance, therapeutic exercise, youth fitness or prenatal fitness; you can create your own niche. If your passion changes over time, you can simply change your area of specialisation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy Today

Becoming a personal trainer will not only benefit you, but those around you. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers accredited training and certification courses that will give you the tools you need to become a personal trainer.

Turn your passion for health and fitness into a rewarding career today with Trifocus Fitness Academy. For more information on our courses and how to enrol, speak to one of our consultants.

The post 6 Excellent Reasons to Become a Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reasons-to-become-a-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
Mobile Fitness Apps for Managing Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/mobile-fitness-apps-managing-fitness/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/mobile-fitness-apps-managing-fitness/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/mobile-fitness-apps-managing-fitness/ Staying fit and organising a stringent exercise routine that helps you stick to your goals, can be difficult at times when motivation wanes. Fortunately, we live in a time where there is an app for just about everything. Why not make use of fitness apps? They can help you stick to your fitness goals by...

The post Mobile Fitness Apps for Managing Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Staying fit and organising a stringent exercise routine that helps you stick to your goals, can be difficult at times when motivation wanes. Fortunately, we live in a time where there is an app for just about everything. Why not make use of fitness apps? They can help you stick to your fitness goals by making exercise interactive and interesting, allowing for easier management of your routine.

Whatever your fitness goals, there are a number of benefits to merging technology with your routine that will help you stay true to them:

How mobile fitness apps are transforming the fitness industry

Mobile apps have wormed their way into just about all aspects of life. They bring with them a sea of varying benefits. When it comes to exercise, the situation is no different.

One of the greatest advantages behind exercise and fitness apps, is that they ‘gamify’ your exercise routines. Thus making them a little more fun to conduct. This makes them the perfect motivator for those that see exercise as a form of self-punishment.

These apps provide the means to share your accomplishments on social media, track your progress and set schedules. Furthermore you can customise your app to suit your workout routine and fitness goals. All these features make them extremely popular and are just a few good reasons to take a look at some of the fitness apps available for download.

A recent study from JMIR Publications examined whether the use of exercise apps are associated with increased levels of exercise and improved health. The conclusion:

Exercise app users are more likely to exercise during their leisure time, compared to those who do not use exercise apps. Thus essentially fulfilling the role that many of these apps were designed to accomplish. Data also suggest that one way that exercise apps may increase exercise levels and health outcomes such as BMI, is by making it easier for users to overcome barriers to exercise, leading to increased self-efficacy. We conclude that exercise apps can be viewed as intervention delivery systems consisting of features that help users overcome specific barriers.

To that end, here are some of the best free ones in circulation which will transform your workout routine.

Charity Miles

Charity Miles is a fantastic free app on the iTunes store that allows you to give back to the community as you work out. Corporate sponsors associated with Charity Miles, will donate a few cents for every mile you complete.

Digifit iCardio

When paired with a compatible heart rate monitor, the Digifit iCardio app is the perfect companion for obtaining detailed feedback on your workout time, heart rate, distance and pace. Even though it is a free app, it only works with a heart rate monitor which means there will be an initial investment of hardware required before you can use it.

Jefit Workout

Jefit Workout is a great digital companion for planning and logging your workout routines. It makes working steadily towards your fitness goals a lot easier than it would be with a pen and notebook. It is a fairly simple app without an overwhelming array of features. Nonetheless it has exactly what you need to craft a workout plan. Therefore helping you keep track of your short and long-term progress.

Zombies, Run!

In the spirit of making exercise fun, Zombies, Run! is fantastic for those that need an injection of excitement on their daily jogging route. It works with your GPS, music library and headset. The the app tells an engaging zombie survival story. Therefore you find yourself running with a bit more vigor to escape the snarls and snaps of nearby zombies. Additionally it also logs your time and distance, and rewards you for excellent performance.

Contact Trifocus today

For more information on courses that will let you help others to realise their fitness potential, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today or visit our website for details on our courses.

 

The post Mobile Fitness Apps for Managing Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/mobile-fitness-apps-managing-fitness/feed/ 0
How running can take its toll on your body https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-taking-toll-body/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-taking-toll-body/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/running-taking-toll-body/ Running is regarded as one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts – especially for those looking to achieve their fitness goals while looking for a sustainable and enjoyable activity. Plus it’s something just about anyone can do (with a little practice). But for all the good that running does for the human body, it can...

The post How running can take its toll on your body appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Running is regarded as one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts – especially for those looking to achieve their fitness goals while looking for a sustainable and enjoyable activity. Plus it’s something just about anyone can do (with a little practice). But for all the good that running does for the human body, it can take a serious toll on muscles, bones and joints. This is especially true for those runners who have been out of practice for a while. So to help you pay attention to the importance of technique and recovery, here is a little bit more about the damage that running can do to your body.

What effects running can have in the body

Knees and joints

Both running and jogging are high impact sports. This mean that they put immense pressure on your bones and joints, particularly when you are not paying proper attention to form. While running on a treadmill puts you at the highest risk of joint damage, even cross country runs (offering significantly less impact) can be damaging.
Jogging and running have a particularly nasty effect on the knee. These particular sustained injuries can lead to traumatic and expensive operations and will likely limit your ability to be active in the future. To avoid this, runners should maintain muscle and cartilage strength. This can be done by keeping up with regular high and low impact exercises that target the legs.

Dr. Jon Schriner, faculty member at Michigan State University says:

“It’s well known that heavier people are at higher risk for arthritis. For every pound of weight a person carries – whether it’s in their body or they put it on in a pack – they have four pounds on the knee when running. In other words, if you weigh 100 pounds, there are 400 pounds of force on the knee with each foot strike. It can also depend on how the person is running: how high you lift your foot off the ground and how you strike the ground. Joggers tend to strike with less force, runners tend to have longer strides and put more force on the knee. There are many other factors that go into how running can affect your knees such as weight, body structure, shoe selection, and technique – we refer to it as going too far too fast too soon.”

Loss of facial fatty tissue

While the loss of facial fatty tissue is not necessarily a dangerous thing, it can pose quite an unpleasant surprise for long distance runners. This occurs mostly in runners over the age of 40. Fat beneath the layers of skin on the face burn off at a rapid rate, resulting in an extreme loss of skin-elasticity and overall gauntness. These layers of fat would normally fill out the skin, making it look smoother. The absence of enough fatty tissue will make you look older than you are.

 

running body1

Gluteus Medius Tendinosis

Extreme long-distance running can often result in wear and tear. Sudden injuries can also be caused to the muscle group between your hips and knees. This results in extreme pain in the side of the hip (although it originates in the glutes), a lack of mobility and very long recovery times. Avoiding this comes down to paying attention to form. It generally occurs when one (weaker) leg is constantly lifted more to the side than the other during running. A weakness in the concerned muscle group gradually leads to gluteus-medius-tendinosis.

Shin Splints

Shin splints occur often in runners who are fairly new to the fitness world. It also occurs in runners who have recently intensified or changed their routines. Shin Splints are the result of overworked muscles, tendons and bone tissue behind the shin-bone. They inflame to cause a persistently dull ache in the shins.
To avoid them, it is essential to work towards your fitness goals gradually and to stretch before and after each run. Treatment often involves plenty of rest and pain relievers, while applying ice to the shins and calves.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

For information on enrolling in a course that offers sports conditioning coach certification, contact a team member from Trifocus Fitness Academy today and speak to us for details.

The post How running can take its toll on your body appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-taking-toll-body/feed/ 0
4 Crucial areas in managing your own fitness business  https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-crucial-areas-managing-fitness-business/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-crucial-areas-managing-fitness-business/#respond Tue, 03 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/4-crucial-areas-managing-fitness-business/ Starting and managing your own fitness business can be an incredibly challenging endeavour. This is especially if you are doing it without help. Many would-be successful personal trainers fail purely as they are overwhelmed by their expectations of running a fitness business. There is a lot to consider. But don’t let that put you off!...

The post 4 Crucial areas in managing your own fitness business  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Starting and managing your own fitness business can be an incredibly challenging endeavour. This is especially if you are doing it without help. Many would-be successful personal trainers fail purely as they are overwhelmed by their expectations of running a fitness business. There is a lot to consider. But don’t let that put you off! By knowing which areas of your business to pay constant attention to, with a little zeal you’ll make a success of your fitness business yet!

So, to help you along here are a few crucial areas that you should always keep an eye on if you want your fitness, coaching or personal training business to flourish.

The facility for your fitness business

Your facility should be the cornerstone of your fitness business. It is where you will conduct classes, meet with clients and administer your affairs. To this end, there are a few things to consider:

  • Are you willing to rent a location or do you need the freedom of owning it?
  • Do you need an indoor location, an outdoor one, or both?
  • How easily can the fitness facility be equipped with what you need?
  • Is it ideally located in terms of your target market?

The answers to these questions may well change as your fitness business transforms and grows. So when you consider the facility, be sure to keep your future plans in mind.

The Equipment

The availability, quality and diversity of the equipment you use will play a huge part in the functionality and reputation of your business. Because of this, it is essential to partner with a supplier who you can rely on to give you exactly what you need, whenever you need it.

Your fitness equipment should also be carefully maintained to reduce the risk of accidents or the need for replacements.While diversity is important,  take care not to waste funds on things you are not planning on using. So be sure to only invest in equipment that is appropriate for the programmes you offer.

Specialists in the fitness equipment field have this to add:

“Once you know how much room your gym has for fitness equipment, you need to consider what kinds of equipment you are looking to provide in your gym. IHRSA research shows that, of total possible space for gym equipment in fitness-only gyms, the following amounts of space tend to be split up between strength, cardio, and group exercise: about 47% strength equipment, 33% cardio machines, and 20% group exercise.

“If you’re franchising, it’s likely that your gym company will give you specific rules on how much room you need to devote to cardio machines, strength training equipment (including both free weights and machines), and functional training or group exercise.”

The Programmes

You need to spend a lot of time and effort designing interesting, effective and appropriate workout programmes that will keep your current clients coming back. This is while attracting new ones. Obviously, safety is always a concern so you should carefully consider both the needs and abilities of your target audience. (Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification will teach you all that you need to know about health and safety in a gym environment. To find out more about this course, follow this link.) Despite what you may have heard, when it comes to personal training, planning and administration is 70% of the work.

The Brand

You could have the best facilities, equipment and programmes in the universe, but if nobody has ever heard about you, nobody will come. Any entrepreneurship course will tell you that marketing and selling is the single most important part of running a business. You’ll want to spend a lot of time, effort and money on reaching your target market.

If you are not all too marketing savvy, it would be well worth the time and money to outsource your efforts. However, even with the help of an agency, you should be as hands-on with advertising as you can possibly be. Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today For more details on enrolling in an entrepreneurship course that is designed around running your own successful fitness business, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy or visit our website for further information.

The post 4 Crucial areas in managing your own fitness business  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/4-crucial-areas-managing-fitness-business/feed/ 0
Which Social Media Channel is Ideal for Advertising Your Fitness Business? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-social-media/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-social-media/#respond Wed, 27 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-business-social-media/ If you are running your own fitness business, then there is little doubt that you know a little something about online marketing. Companies from many different industries have discovered the power of social media marketing. They have made this part of their online advertising campaigns with varying success. If you are a sports, health, well-being...

The post Which Social Media Channel is Ideal for Advertising Your Fitness Business? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are running your own fitness business, then there is little doubt that you know a little something about online marketing. Companies from many different industries have discovered the power of social media marketing. They have made this part of their online advertising campaigns with varying success. If you are a sports, health, well-being or exercise instructor, then you are in a position to take advantage of social media for your marketing and communication efforts. This is all thanks to the social nature of the health industry.

So, if you have been on the lookout for ways to increase your fitness business’ online presence on social media, here are some of the best channels to go for.

Facebook: customer interactions and brand awareness

Facebook is a brilliant platform for fostering brand loyalty and customer engagement. This is a super platform because you can engage your customers in addition to building your fitness business’ online presence – all at the same time. The social nature of Facebook allows for you to use customer reviews, pictures of events and links to your website to drive traffic towards it.

Facebook advertising can also be done. There are various options available out there for every budget. To get started with Facebook advertising, you first need to:

  • Decide what your objective is,
  • Choose your audience,
  • Set up your budget, and
  • Select the format of your advertisement.

Facebook also allows you to keep in contact with your target audience by providing them with blogs, news and promotions. This means that you need to make Facebook a cornerstone for your social advertising efforts.

YouTube: instructions, promotions and subscriptions

There are a number of ways that you can use YouTube’s advertising network:

  • You can have short video ads displayed between streams.
  • Alternatively, you can set up your own channel for instructive videos, news or promotions.

YouTube provides an excellent outlet for publishing content that will engage and interest your customer base. Alternatively, it will simply create brand awareness.

YouTubers view some 4950 000 000 videos daily . This makes it a channel with an extremely wide reach for your fitness business. It also allows you to specify your target audience. This ensures that your message is not wasted on the wrong demographic.

Instagram: rich media and promotions

Instagram is a fantastic platform for building relationships with customers as well as fostering trust and a corporate personality. By using images on Instagram to drive traffic to your website, you can gain a competitive advantage in the fitness industry, for your fitness business, while specifying your target audience.

One of the best things about Instagram is that it offers a solution for free advertising (if there ever was such a thing!) by using images and rich media to promote events, services, instructive images and competitions.

Mix and match

For the best results, a use combination of social media platforms at once. This will ensure that you have the widest reach of in terms of your target audience, you’ll build a strong online presence and provide multiple channels for customer engagement.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today to learn how to run a fitness business

If you would like to learn more about how you can market and manage your fitness business like a seasoned professional, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today or visit our website for details.

 

The post Which Social Media Channel is Ideal for Advertising Your Fitness Business? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-business-social-media/feed/ 0
5 Reasons to exercise in winter  https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-in-winter/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-in-winter/#respond Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercise-in-winter/ As the summer months beckon, it’s very important to remember to exercise in winter. Waking up early and getting out into the cold to do some exercise in winter  is a challenging task even for the most outgoing people. But when the temperature drops in the winter months, it can be all the more difficult...

The post 5 Reasons to exercise in winter  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As the summer months beckon, it’s very important to remember to exercise in winter. Waking up early and getting out into the cold to do some exercise in winter  is a challenging task even for the most outgoing people. But when the temperature drops in the winter months, it can be all the more difficult to motivate yourself to get going. This makes it awfully tempting for many people to hang up their running shoes when the cold arrives only to be wracked with guilt at not working at their fitness goals.

The truth is, that it might be even more important to exercise in winter. If you don’t believe us, then here are a few very good reasons why.

You need that vitamin D

The stark lack of sunshine that is the result of staying indoors might be keeping you warm, but it is also stopping you from getting enough vitamin D (from sunlight) in your system. Vitamin D is responsible for generating strong bones, lowering blood pressure, strengthening your immune system and regulating your moods. Because of this, you should be spending between 10 and 15 minutes a day in the sunshine to get enough of this vitamin.

Vitamin D is also essential for the absorption of calcium. Says the NIH Osteporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center:

Calcium is needed for our heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Many published studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates. National nutrition surveys have shown that most people are not getting the calcium they need to grow and maintain healthy bones.”

Just one good reason to get out there for a frosty morning jog!

Exercise in winter strengthens your immune system

Winter time is the season for colds and flu. If you’re the sort that gets laid up every year by illness, you will benefit the most from exercise in winter. Activity helps keep your immune system strong which makes you more resistant to infections and illnesses. So, if you are looking for a way to beat the flu, start by getting more exercise.

Keep a smile on your face

Staying active in the cold months will help you shake off those winter blues. Sticking with exercise in winter will keep them off. A lack of activity and sunshine makes the winter months a bit of a depressing time for many people. So get out there and stay active to keep yourself from falling into winter moodiness.

Exercise in winter will make you feel better in summer

Maintaining a rigid workout routine all-year-round will make it easy to maintain your body type throughout the year. Instead of letting your body fall to the ravages of winter despair, and then working extra hard to try and get it all back again once the sun comes out, why not rather practice consistency to make things easier for you at a later stage.

Exercise in winter will keep you social

It can be difficult to motivate yourself and those around you to get active together in winter. This is why group activities – such as Pilates courses – are great for maintaining personal connections throughout the winter.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for details on fitness courses if you are interested in enrolling in personal training, health or fitness courses. If you would like to receive updates and news from the fitness world, be sure to take a look at the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today.

The post 5 Reasons to exercise in winter  appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-in-winter/feed/ 0
Operate an Online Personal Training Business like a Pro https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/operate-online-personal-training-business-like-pro/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/operate-online-personal-training-business-like-pro/#respond Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/operate-online-personal-training-business-like-pro/ Running a personal training business is taxing on both your body and your mind. This is because there is far more to think about than simply personal fitness. You can be an absolute savant in the gym or on the track but without the know-how to sell, run and advertise your fitness business, your dreams...

The post Operate an Online Personal Training Business like a Pro appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Running a personal training business is taxing on both your body and your mind. This is because there is far more to think about than simply personal fitness. You can be an absolute savant in the gym or on the track but without the know-how to sell, run and advertise your fitness business, your dreams of success could very well be dead in the water.

That doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream, however. With the right online fitness courses, you will find out all there is to know about running your own successful personal training business. Here are some examples of what you could expect to learn.

Finding your customers

The right fitness course will show you how to identify your most profitable clients. In addition, it will teach you how to find those potentials who could add to your client database. Offering your services to the right target audience – who have the interest, ability and spending power to become valuable clientele – is a treasured piece of insight that any worthwhile fitness college should provide.

Watch the video below to find out what you should be looking for when choosing a fitness college:

Maintaining customer relationships

The rate at which you keep and lose your customers can be a determining factor of the success or failure of your business. Because of this, to make your personal training business stand the test of time, you will need to be outfitted with customer relationship management (CRM) tools that keep your clients loyal to you and your service. This is especially necessary in the fitness industry where motivation is a huge part of the job.

Product and service excellence

For you to be a success, you need to be the best personal trainer you can be. The right fitness college understands the equal importance of theory and practice. It also understands – exceptionally well – the integral part business and product. play.

They should therefore not neglect to give you thorough training in your craft to pave the way for you to make yourself a well-rounded businessman/woman. Remember that just because the administration, marketing and management of a personal training business is crucial, does not mean that the skills required to be a personal trainer should take a backseat.

Marketing and communication

Knowing how to set up and manage marketing strategies across multiple platforms (such as fitness magazines, blogs, etc) can be fairly complicated. This being said these activities are exceptionally important to the success of your business. For this reason, the right fitness college should be able to provide you with the tools and necessary understanding to be able to launch and manage your own marketing campaigns.

Measuring your success

A crucial but often overlooked area of business concerns how one measures their success. A fitness college that focuses on craft as well as business should provide you with crucial business strategies. Most important among these is the ability to to measure the success of your personal training business. That way you can increase your efforts in those areas that are performing well, while altering or eliminating those that aren’t.

Contact Trifocus Fitness academy to learn more

For more information on enrolling in locally and internationally accredited online fitness courses, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website for details, advice, pricing, news and blogs.

 

The post Operate an Online Personal Training Business like a Pro appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/operate-online-personal-training-business-like-pro/feed/ 0
Misery Free Morning Workout Tips https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/misery-free-morning-workout-tips/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/misery-free-morning-workout-tips/#respond Thu, 24 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/misery-free-morning-workout-tips/ Getting up early is rarely an easy thing to do. Now that we’re at the tail-end of winter – although getting up is easier – the cold and lack of sunlight still make morning workouts difficult. If you are finding that this is getting in the way of staying fit, all you need is that...

The post Misery Free Morning Workout Tips appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Getting up early is rarely an easy thing to do. Now that we’re at the tail-end of winter – although getting up is easier – the cold and lack of sunlight still make morning workouts difficult.

If you are finding that this is getting in the way of staying fit, all you need is that little nudge to get you out of bed. Once you get started working out, you’ll be glad to have traded in a light snooze for a brisk bit of exercise.

So, whether you’re a fitness trainer and not much of a morning person, or would simply like to start your day with some energy, here are some tips on how to be that fabled early bird that everyone keeps telling you about.

Be Prepared

Preparing yourself for the morning workout the night before will eliminate any chance of excuses. It is also a way of promising yourself that you intend to get up early and exercise.

Pack Accordingly

Pack your gym bag the night before every session. This is especially if every day has a different set of workouts. Remember too to pack a change of clothes for once you are done, especially if you are planning on going to work or brunch afterwards.

Get Breakfast Ready

Your body needs fuel and breakfast is a good reason to get excited about waking up! Unfortunately, preparing breakfast can often cut into your time for your morning workouts. So be sure to get it ready the night before.

Tanya Zuckerbrot – in an article on the Men’s Health website entitled Best Pre-Workout Snacks for Morning Exercise – shares some more facts on why you need to eat before morning workouts:

“By eating a small, well-rounded breakfast, you will get a quick and long-lasting energy boost. Try to eat 1-2 hours before you workout, and avoid eating food which are high in fat, because they take longer for your body to digest, keeping your body from performing at its optimal level.”

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

To wake up early you need to get to bed early. Don’t punish your morning self unnecessarily by staying up to watch TV or surf the Qeb. During the week, get to bed at 10:30pm at the latest. This will ensure that you wake up far more easily.

Facing The Alarm Clock

For most people, there is nothing comforting about the sound of an alarm clock ringing in the new day. However, if you want to wake up early there is no way around it. So, here’s how you can face that pesky clock.

Have two if you need to

Setting two alarms will give you some time to snooze, meditate or just lie around if that is what helps get you up. For many people, lying in eliminates their chances of getting up early. If you are one of those, stick to just one.

Make it your first step

Try sleeping with your alarm clock as far away from your bed as possible. This way you force yourself to actually have to get up when it rings. You can also download alarm clock apps that force you to solve a simple sum to deactivate them. That will jolt your brain awake.

Warm up every time

Now that you’re out of bed and ready to go, take a moment to warm up. Whether that means a light jog to wherever you are exercising, a cycle or a stretch; your rigid, cold, morning body is liable to injure itself if you spring it right into action (which will keep you from working out further).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

For more blogs and information on personal fitness, health and lifestyle, as well as details about enrolling in fitness trainer courses, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today. Check out their Sport Psychology course!

 

The post Misery Free Morning Workout Tips appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/misery-free-morning-workout-tips/feed/ 0
How To Keep Your Health Club Busy During The Cold Months https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/keep-health-club-busy-cold-months/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/keep-health-club-busy-cold-months/#respond Tue, 22 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/keep-health-club-busy-cold-months/ Anybody who has ever run their own fitness business will tell you that the winter months are some of the most challenging. This is if you want to keep your health club busy. There is something about the cold that keeps people indoors and out of the wind. This – at the end of the...

The post How To Keep Your Health Club Busy During The Cold Months appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Anybody who has ever run their own fitness business will tell you that the winter months are some of the most challenging. This is if you want to keep your health club busy. There is something about the cold that keeps people indoors and out of the wind. This – at the end of the day – means far less of a turnout to your crisp winter morning  personal training sessions.

But you didn’t spend time and money on bootcamp courses in South Africa just to fall victim to our country’s cold months. So, to help you keep the wheels turning when winter puts an icy chill on your fitness business, here are a few ideas to keep your clients motivated and dedicated to their workout programme. All year round.

Build your customer database in the heat

Be sure to take time then to build you client database during the summer months. This is so that you can keep your health club busy during winter.

You’ll find that during this time, your website will be enjoying plenty of traffic (if you have one and it is good enough). In addition, you’ll find that your social media campaigns should be buzzing. This will give you the opportunity to build databases of past customers and those who are interested while they are still around.

A campaign with plenty of ‘calls-to-action’, subscriptions and loyalty programmes will make growing your database easier. While it will be hardwork growing your database, it will go a long way towards keeping things flowing in winter.

Says John Jantsch in 5 Ways to Make a Database For Your Customers:

“Standard marketing CRM type practice suggests that you should create and supplement a database of customers and prospects with the idea that you build more and more information to use to help build deeper relationships and create additional selling opportunities.”

Stay in touch with your customers keep your health club busy

Just because the cold is keeping your clients from your bootcamp, it doesn’t mean it has taken exercise off of their minds completely. This makes off-season communication fairly important which is where the database you previously created will come in handy.

Keep your social media campaigns active. Update your blog and find interesting ways of communicating with your clients and target audience to keep them interested and engaged in your bootcamp so that ultimately you can keep your health club busy.

Contextualise off-season marketing content

Turn the cold to your advantage by making a point of creating blogs or newsletters that address the issue of staying fit, healthy and motivated in winter. This will enable you to create a better relationship with your target audience while creating brand awareness. So, even if they don’t make it out during the winter, they will likely be interested once the sun finally comes out.

Some examples of the kinds of articles you could write include:

  • 10 Exercises That Are Perfect for Winter Training
  • Fight Winter Belly Fat with These Simple Tips
  • 5 Reasons to Get Outdoors This Winter
  • How to Stay Warm and Fit This Winter

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for Details

For more information on running your own successful fitness business, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Speak to us about our locally and internationally accredited bootcamp courses in South Africa. Or feel free to browse our website and blog for news, updates, advice and more.

 

 

The post How To Keep Your Health Club Busy During The Cold Months appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/keep-health-club-busy-cold-months/feed/ 0
The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-mental-health/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-mental-health/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercise-for-mental-health/ It has long been known that there is a close link between mental health and physical fitness. Unfortunately, this seems to be a key piece of information that seems to slip by most people. It’s not surprising given the flurry and humdrum of a busy life. These days, people are finding less and less time...

The post The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
It has long been known that there is a close link between mental health and physical fitness. Unfortunately, this seems to be a key piece of information that seems to slip by most people. It’s not surprising given the flurry and humdrum of a busy life. These days, people are finding less and less time to take care of their physical fitness as a result of a fast-paced life. For the most part, they are unaware of the affect this is having on their mental state. They are blissfully unaware that exercise for mental health has enormous benefits.

The approach of winter makes this consideration all the more crucial. This is because it is a time of year where people tend to go without activity and sunlight. However, once you see how closely your physical fitness and mental health are related, you might consider strapping on those running shoes which have been lying neglected in your cupboard since the end of summer.

Start by being just a little more active and make an effort to exercise for mental health.

Exercise for Mental Health Beats Depression

Exercise serves as a powerful combatant for mild to medium depression in a number of ways:

  • It promotes neural growth and reduces inflammation in the brain. In addition, it provides you with calming, repetitive actions to meditate on.
  • Exercise for mental health also releases endorphins that keep you energised, maintain your mood and help with regulating sleep cycles.
  • Beyond that, regular schedules of exercise can go a long way towards keeping you from relapsing into a depressive state.

Drs Craft and Perna, in The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed, acknowledge that exercise is beneficial in treating depression:

“The mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of exercise remain in debate; however, the efficacy of exercise in decreasing symptoms of depression has been well established. Data regarding the positive mood effects of exercise involvement, independent of fitness gains, suggest that the focus should be on frequency of exercise rather than duration or intensity until the behavior has been well established. The addition of self-monitoring techniques may increase awareness of the proximal benefits of exercise involvement, which is generally reinforcing to the patient.”

Exercise for Mental Health is the Perfect Anti-Anxiety Treatment

Regular exercise is a great way to stave off, and deal with, the onset of anxiety. It relieves stress and tension while adding to your levels of physical and mental energy through the creation of endorphins. Exercise as a means for combatting anxiety works best when you focus on the activities you are doing instead of zoning out on the thoughts that are causing you stress. This will also give you a little time off from those bothersome thoughts.

Exercise, ADHD and Your General Mental State

ADHD,  the ability to maintain focus or concentration often relates to a person’s levels of activity. Exercise drastically improves concentration and memory. It does this by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This makes it a far less harmful and far more practical solution than medication such as Ritalin.

Do What You Want To In Life

As we’ve said, exercise is a great reliever of stress. However, if you’re always feeling stressed and unmotivated, it’s time to make a life change and follow your heart. Being unhappy in your job is one of the major stressors in a person’s life. So if there’s something that will make you happier and less stressed than you are now – and even helping others… Act on your passion for fitness! Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sport Psychology course and make your dream a reality.

Learn more at Trifocus Fitness Academy

Find out more about the many ways that a good exercise routine can transform your life and enable yourself to benefit from workouts that can be incorporated into your lifestyle. Contact a member from Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Speak to us about answers to questions, information on our sport, health and fitness courses, as well as for advice. Visit our website today!

The post The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-mental-health/feed/ 0
5 WAYS TO STOP YOURSELF FROM BURNING OUT https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stop-yourself-from-burning-out/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stop-yourself-from-burning-out/#respond Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/stop-yourself-from-burning-out/ Few things are quite as demotivating for your fitness goals than burning out – in terms of exercise – is. Especially when you have been absent from gym for some time, it can be all too tempting to burst zealously into your workout routine only to hit a wall. So, to help you keep up...

The post 5 WAYS TO STOP YOURSELF FROM BURNING OUT appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Few things are quite as demotivating for your fitness goals than burning out – in terms of exercise – is. Especially when you have been absent from gym for some time, it can be all too tempting to burst zealously into your workout routine only to hit a wall. So, to help you keep up the good work, at a pace that works for you, here are some tips derived from Trifocus Fitness Academy’s fitness and nutrition courses that will help you avoid burning out.

1. Set Rest Days To Help You Avoid Burning Out

It is important to give your body time to recover. This is especially after a particularly intensive workout session. Otherwise, if you are a beginner, punctuating your exercise routine is helpful. Set aside one or two rest days a week to give your body time to repair its muscles and strengthen itself.

Alternatively, you could vary your workout schedule to target different muscle groups on different days. This will give each one time to recover as you concentrate on the next.

2. Vary Your Intensity and Programme

Going at maximum capacity constantly through all of your workouts is the quickest route to burning out. Not every exercise session needs to be impossible.

Remember as well to warm up into your workout instead of jumping right into it. Always ensure that you cool down near the end. This will reduce post-workout stiffness and aches. It will reduce the chance of injury.

3. Gradually Work Towards a Fitness Goal

If you are just getting back into gym, do not be over-eager to reach your fitness goals right off the bat. Instead, work out a plan that gets you there gradually and in a measurable manner. Slow and steady finishes the race while the brightest flame burns quickest – at least as far as exercise without much prior training is concerned.

4. Give Your Body The Fuel it Needs

If you are trying to get your body to perform, then you need to be feeding it correctly. Without the correct balance of nutrients, there is no way that your body can perform at its peak. If you find that you’re burning out too easily, take a careful look at your diet. Make sure you’re getting plenty of carbs, protein and water.

(PS: If you’re a personal trainer, you should take our Athletic Nutrition Course as this will help you hone your skills about athletic nutrition. Modules include:

  • How to understand the different nutrients and the roles these play,
  • Understand what the importance is of a balanced diet that has correct portion sizes,
  • Understand how the body’s energy systems function,
  • Acquire an in-depth knowledge of the body’s energy needs and expenditure,
  • Create a meal plan for yourself or your client, and
  • Get to grips with dietary guidelines, food pyramids and food labels.

(Check out our Athletic Nutrition CPD Course)

5. Quality Over Quantity

Lastly, burning out is often the result of trying to do more exercise without really paying any attention to doing it properly. With each and every one of your exercises – whether it be jogging, doing crunches or lifting weights – be sure to concentrate on your form, starting slowly at first and stepping it up when you’re sure you’re doing it right.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

For more information on enrolling in sport, health and fitness courses that will change your life and those of the people around you, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website for course information, news and fitness blogs. Check out their Sport Psychology course!

 

The post 5 WAYS TO STOP YOURSELF FROM BURNING OUT appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stop-yourself-from-burning-out/feed/ 0
5 Reasons To Do A Pilates Course In Winter https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-course-winter/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-course-winter/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-course-winter/ Waking up early and getting out into the cold to do some exercise is a challenging task. This is true even for the most motivated of people. However, when the temperature drops in the winter months it can be all the more difficult to motivate yourself to get going. This makes it awfully tempting for...

The post 5 Reasons To Do A Pilates Course In Winter appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Waking up early and getting out into the cold to do some exercise is a challenging task. This is true even for the most motivated of people. However, when the temperature drops in the winter months it can be all the more difficult to motivate yourself to get going. This makes it awfully tempting for many people to hand up their running shoes when the cold arrives. Unfortunately this leads to them being wracked with guilt at not working at their fitness goals. The truth is that it might be even more important to get active this winter by, for example, taking a Pilates course. If you don’t believe us, here are a few very good reasons why you should.

1.  It Will Keep You Social

It can be difficult to motivate yourself and those around you to get active together in winter. This  is why group activities such as a Pilates course are great for maintaining personal connections throughout the winter

2.  You Need That Vitamin D

The stark lack of sunshine, which is an unfortunate by-product of staying indoors, is stopping you from getting enough vitamin D (from sunlight) in your system.

Vitamin D is responsible for generating strong bones, lowering blood pressure, strengthening your immune system and regulating your moods. Because of this, you should be spending between 10 and 15 minutes a day in the sunshine to get enough of this vitamin. Just one good reason to get out there for a frosty morning jog!

3.  Strengthen Your Immune System

Winter time is the season for colds and flu. If you’re the sort that gets laid up every year by illness, then you would benefit the most from winter exercise. Activity helps keep your immune system strong which makes you more resistant to infections and illnesses.

A strong mind-body connection is essential to keeping bugs at bay. A Pilates course is just the thing to help this happen. Says Dr Melinda Ratini:

“If you are looking to strengthen your abdomen and pelvis as well as maintain good posture, then Pilates is for you. It also has a strong mind/body connection so you may like it if you enjoy yoga but need a more intense core workout.”

So, if you are looking for a way to beat the flu this year, start by getting more exercise and join a Pilates course!

4.  A Pilates Course Will Keep A Smile On Your Face

Staying active in the cold months will help you shake off those winter blues. Sticking with it will keep them at bay. A lack of activity and sunshine makes the winter months a bit of a depressing time for many people. This means that you need to get out there and stay active to keep yourself from falling into winter moodiness.

5.  It Will Make You Feel Better In Summer

Maintaining a rigid workout routine all-year-round will make it easy to maintain your body composition throughout the year. Instead of letting your body fall to the ravages of winter despair, and then working extra hard to try and get it all back again once the sun comes out, why not rather practise consistency to make things easier for you at a later stage.

Remember To Eat Right

Now that we’ve convinced you that exercising in winter in a must-do, supplement this by eating healthily. To maintain a healthy diet, vary what you eat and ensure that you take in enough from each of the various food groups.

Vitamins and minerals – such as those found in oranges, grapefruit and naartjies – are incredibly effective at fighting cold and flu. So make sure that you up your intake of these types of fruits so that you stay healthy and keep up with your workout routine!

You should also be eating , says registered dietitian Janice Baker, a lot more:

  • Brussel sprouts,
  • Pomegranates,
  • Cinnamon,
  • Beef,
  • Kiwi fruit,
  • Persimmons,
  • Dungeness and snow crab,
  • Cabbage, and
  • Sweet potatoes.

For more detailed information about nutrition and the different food groups, watch this video:

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for details On Their Wide Range of Fitness Courses

If you are interested in enrolling in a personal training course, a Pilates course or any other health and fitness courses, contact Trifocus Fitness Academy. We offer the best in face-to-face, online and correspondence learning for the fitness industry. For more information, please follow this link.

If you would like to receive updates about the health and fitness industry, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In it, you’ll get must-read fitness tips, healthy recipes and everything in between!

The post 5 Reasons To Do A Pilates Course In Winter appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-course-winter/feed/ 0
How You Should Conduct Yourself on Social Media if you Want to Succeed https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/social-media-marketing-personal-trainers/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/social-media-marketing-personal-trainers/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/social-media-marketing-personal-trainers/ Personal trainers can be seen as business owners and brands on their own. And being a personal trainer means you need to have a variety of important business skills like time management, administrative prowess and marketing know-how. One of the most effective ways to market yourself and reach your relevant target audience is through social...

The post How You Should Conduct Yourself on Social Media if you Want to Succeed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Personal trainers can be seen as business owners and brands on their own. And being a personal trainer means you need to have a variety of important business skills like time management, administrative prowess and marketing know-how. One of the most effective ways to market yourself and reach your relevant target audience is through social media.

Social Media and Digital Marketing

These two channels have quickly become two of the most important and effective marketing media for brands, companies and organisations – both big and small.

Being present on various social media platforms can affect your business in a very positive way. However,  a lot of strategy, planning and great execution needs to go into marketing yourself or your business properly on these channels.

Personal Trainers Should Use All Social  Media Platforms to Reach their Target Audience

They should also do this to grow their customer base and clientele. In addition to a goal-specific marketing strategy and execution, online word of mouth marketing on social media is imperative. However, this can only be achieved through professionalism and a positive online persona.

How you conduct yourself on social media is extremely important. Just as social media can be a great marketing tool, it can also be a very harsh space if you do not conduct yourself in the right manner. Here are a few things to consider if you want to succeed with social media marketing.

1. Be nice

It is as simple as that. No one wants to deal with someone who is mean or negative. Always be friendly when interacting with others on social media. You never know whether that person will become a client.

2. Be professional

Millions of people have access to, and use, social media every single day. One unprofessional act or word could reach more people than you would like, affecting your business negatively in the long run.

3. Be active and post often

It is no use having access to these social media channels but not using these platforms to their full potential. Be active, every day. Market your business directly and indirectly. Interact with your current and future clients and stay on trend. People will get to know you soon enough and before you know it, your client base has doubled. Use the tools you have access to get the best results for your business and brand.

4. Be positive and educational

People will always come back to your business profile if you offer them something. Advice on nutrition and training, education around supplementation and challenges around weight loss… Think out of the box and expand your horizons. Share your personal experiences and motivate your followers and clientele.

Rules for Effectively Following up on Social Media

Let’s face it: our lives are HECTIC today. This means that we’d be forgiven if something slips and we forget it. However, in marketing your business on social media, you can’t afford to let this happen. For your organisation, the leads that you get are your bread and butter.

Unfortunately, some people who’ve expressed interest in what you have to offer won’t necessarily get back to you as quickly as you’d like. Therefore, it’s necessary to follow up with them – in an e-mail or via your social media channel’s direct message function – just to touch base with them and gently remind them about their interest in you. Here are some ideas about how you can effectively follow up with a prospect.

Rule 1: Be Overly Polite and Humble

That seems obvious enough. However, unfortunately, a lot of people take it personally if they don’t hear back from someone right away. Resist the urge to get upset or mad. Never take your feelings out in an e-mail, saying something like, “You haven’t responded yet,” or “You ignored my first email”. Just maintain an extremely polite tone throughout the entire email thread. Showing that you’re friendly and that you understand how busy your contact is, is a good way to keep him or her interested (and not mad).

Rule 2: Persistent Doesn’t Mean Every Day

Sending a follow-up e-mail every day doesn’t show you have gumption or passion. It shows you don’t respect a person’s time. The general rule of thumb is to give at least a week before following up. Any sooner and it might come off as pushy. Let too much time pass and you risk the other person not having any clue who you are.

Rule 3: Ask if You Should Stop Reaching Out

If you’ve followed up a few times and still haven’t heard back, it’s worth asking if you should stop following up. After all, you don’t want to waste your time.

Rule 4: Stand Out in a Good Way

If done well, a little creativity in your follow-up can go a long way.

Rule 5: Change it Up

If you’re not connecting with someone, try changing it up. In other words, don’t send the exact same e-mail at the same time of day on the same day of week. Getting people to respond can sometimes just come down to catching them at the right time. If you always follow up in the morning, maybe try later in the day.

Social media is extremely powerful and a very effective marketing tool, if used correctly. However, as a business, you need to pay extra attention to the way you conduct yourself online in order to be influential and build your business.

The post How You Should Conduct Yourself on Social Media if you Want to Succeed appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/social-media-marketing-personal-trainers/feed/ 0
How to perfect the preacher curl https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-preacher-curl/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-preacher-curl/#respond Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/perfect-preacher-curl/ The preacher curl – as all personal trainers know – is one of the best exercises that you can do that isolates the biceps. However, most people tend to perform these exercises incorrectly.  One of the biggest problems that is encountered when doing a preacher c is not the technique itself but rather the equipment...

The post How to perfect the preacher curl appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The preacher curl – as all personal trainers know – is one of the best exercises that you can do that isolates the biceps. However, most people tend to perform these exercises incorrectly.  One of the biggest problems that is encountered when doing a preacher c is not the technique itself but rather the equipment (preacher bench). Here are some tips for performing the perfect preacher curl regardless of the equipment you have available at your gym.

Don’t rest the back of your arms completely flat against the pads

Rather keep your chest a bit higher and hold your elbows just over the edge of the bottom of the pad. This will allow you to get a bigger muscle contraction since you’ll be working through the full range of motion. With this your wrist and grip strength will improve. You’ll also be able to handle a lot more weight with this improved technique.

Use an underhand grip with your palms facing upwards

Slowly curl the bar up to the top and bring it a few inches away from your chin. Return the bar slowly down in a controlled way to the starting position. You can add some slight resistance on your way down (negative contraction).  Repeat this movement for your desired amount of repetitions and sets. (Your personal trainer will be able to advise you on how many reps you should be doing.)

Remember: your breathing is just as important:

  • Breathe out when you are contracting the muscle (or working against gravity), and
  • Inhale when you are taking the bar down to the starting position. Keep your feet planted on the floor.

Try using an EZ bar with your next exercise routine

This variation puts all the stress on to the biceps and eliminates any swinging and momentum that could possibly have occurred from doing bicep curls when standing or seated. It also helps to put the wrist in a more neutral position. If you ever have pain in your forearms with preacher curls using a straight bar, just use the EZ bar to be pain free. Should you want to work your forearms you can use a reverse grip on the bar.

How to perform the perfect preacher curl

6 Watchpoints during the preacher curl

  1. Never hyperextend your elbows at the bottom of the lift. If you do this, you could end up damaging this delicate joint.
  2. Don’t not lift the bar to fast as this will also place strain on your elbows.
  3. Don’t allow your wrists to bend backwards. Keep these stable and firm.
  4. Always use weights that are manageable. If you go too heavy too soon, you run the risk of seriously damaging your body and having to put your training on hold while you recover
  5. Keep your arms and elbows securely on the bench.
  6. Keep your back flat and avoid any arching during your repetitions.

Why women should do preacher curls

Gone are the days of women avoiding the weights section at the gym as they thought that this type of exercise would make them big and bulky – just like a man. Women across the globe know that training with weights has loads of benefits such as building lean muscle – which burns tonnes of calories at rest – as well as promoting longevity.

However, what we’ve seen is a trend of women avoiding a certain number of weight-lifting exercises because they think that this will shape their bodies just like a man’s. One of these exercises in the preacher curl. This is famed for building a ‘peak’ on the biceps – something which men aspire to but women want to avoid for themselves.

Just remember that a woman’s and a man’s body are built differently. They have different types of hormones flowing through their systems which make their bodies respond in different ways to various exercises. So, no matter how hard the average woman tries, when she does a preacher curl, her biceps won’t start bulging like a male bodybuilders’ would!

So, ladies, next time you’re at the gym, don’t bypass the preacher bench just because you may feel intimidated about all the muscular guys around it. Get stuck into preacher curls and reap the benefits that they have for you!

Do you have a passion for exercise? Do you dream of spending hours and hours at the gym, and never want to leave? If you answered ‘yes!’ to these questions then you are probably a personal trainer in the making… If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise and become a personal trainer, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification.  Follow this link for more information.

The post How to perfect the preacher curl appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-preacher-curl/feed/ 0
What Abdominal Exercises Are Best For You? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-abdominal-exercises/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-abdominal-exercises/#respond Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/best-abdominal-exercises/ Abdominal exercises are great for helping you build a six-pack that many people would DIE to have. However, you shouldn’t only be incorporating these types of exercises into your routine just to get a shapely set of abdominal muscles. Ab exercises are great for helping you build and maintain a strong core. It is extremely important...

The post What Abdominal Exercises Are Best For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Abdominal exercises are great for helping you build a six-pack that many people would DIE to have. However, you shouldn’t only be incorporating these types of exercises into your routine just to get a shapely set of abdominal muscles. Ab exercises are great for helping you build and maintain a strong core. It is extremely important to look after this set of muscles as they are involved in every move you make, every single day.

Exercises That Are, Indirectly, Abdominal Exercises

You exercise your abdominal muscles indirectly when you train other parts of your body. For example, your core is activated during squats, deadlifts and even shoulder presses. Take a look at the variety of squats that you can do.

1. Pistol Squat

  • Stand with your feet inside hip distance apart.
  • Raise your arms straight in front of you. Stop when they’re parallel to the floor at the height of your shoulders.
  • Engage your core and raise your left leg off the floor.
  • Push your hips back and attempt to lower your body as far as possible.
  • Pause and then slowly push back to your starting position.
  • Repeat on the other side.

2. Goblet Squat

  • Start in the same way as you would for a regular bodyweight squat, in other words with your feet inside hip distance apart.
  •  Hold a dumbbell (or a kettlebell) vertically in front of your sternum.
  • Engage your abs. Perform the squat.
  • Pause at the bottom before pushing yourself back to your starting position.

3.  Front Squat

  • Stand with your feet hip distance apart.
  • Hold a barbell across the front of your shoulders so your thumbs point away from you.
  • Keep your elbows lifted so that the bar is steady.
  • Engage your core. Sit back and down.
  • Pause at the bottom and then push back to your starting position.

4. Braced squat

  • This is like a regular bodyweight squat however, you need to hold a weight out in front of you.
  • Straighten your arms out in front of you just below shoulder height.
  • Hold a weight plate, kettlebell or a dumbbell in both hands.
  • Keep it steady while you perform the squat.

5. Weighted split squat

  • Stand with your feet inside hip distance apart.
  • Step forward with your right foot. Hold a pair of dumbbells down at your sides. Keep your arms long and relaxed.
  • Slowly lower your body as far as possible.
  • Pause. Push back to the position you had before you started.
  • Step forward with the other leg, and repeat the movement.

Even though the squat, in all its variations, works your abdominal muscles, you need to focus on building and strengthening your abdominals and core. You need to do this at least twice a week with isolated ab sessions. Of course, there are certain abdominal exercises that are more effective at sculpting and strengthening your abs and core. Here are a few abdominal exercises to incorporate into your fitness regime.

1. Cable Crunches

The constant tension that the cable applies to your abdominal muscles and core makes cable crunches a must-have in your ab routine.

2. Hanging Knee Raises

With hanging knee raises, your abs are directly targeted. This might be a difficult exercise when you get started, however it will become easier over time. There are many variations to try, like single leg hanging knee raises.

3. The Plank

The plank is one of the most effective ab exercises that should be a staple in your ab routine. Not only does it target your abs and core, but it also strengthens your upper body and especially your back.

4. Bird Dogs

Bird dogs, or opposite arm-leg holds, are incredibly effective at targeting the entire abdominal area, as well as your back and the rest of your core. It also helps you improve your balance and coordination.

5. The Turkish Get-Up

The Turkish Get-up is a great abdominal exercise because it requires a lot of control and strength to perform. It might seem relatively easy to do but it definitely targets not only your abs but your core, back, shoulders and legs too!

6. Cable Rotations

Cable rotations are great for your oblique muscles especially but targets the entire core as well.

7. The Roman Chair

The roman chair is a great exercise that targets and strengthens your abdominals and core, as it engages your transversus abdominis, the rectus abdominis, the external oblique muscles and the internal oblique muscles. Here are examples of how to do the roman chair straight leg raise and bent leg raise:

 

If you are not sure which exercises are great for building abdominals, you could always look at signing up for a fitness course with Trifocus Fitness Academy such as our Personal Training Course or Comprehensive Pilates Certification. In this way, you will not only help and educate yourself about exercising but you will also be able to help others reach their goals.

 

 

 

 

The post What Abdominal Exercises Are Best For You? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-abdominal-exercises/feed/ 0
The truth about DOMS https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-truth-about-doms/ Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-truth-about-doms/ DOMS – which stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – is the stiffness you feel a number of hours or days after you’ve trained. You’ll fee this if you’ve introduced a new element into your workout routine. Commonly mistaken as lactic acid build-up, DOMS can affect anyone who performs some sort of exercise, no matter how...

The post The truth about DOMS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
DOMS – which stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – is the stiffness you feel a number of hours or days after you’ve trained. You’ll fee this if you’ve introduced a new element into your workout routine. Commonly mistaken as lactic acid build-up, DOMS can affect anyone who performs some sort of exercise, no matter how fit you are or for how many years you’ve been training. Much research has been done into how DOMS symptoms can be alleviated but, unfortunately, a universal ‘cure’ hasn’t been found as of yet.

When Is DOMS Most Likely To Strike?

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, delayed onset muscle soreness usually occurs after you’ve performed a physical activity that causes your muscles to lengthen (eccentric contraction). As a result, microscopic damage to these muscles occurs. (An example of such activities is cardiovascular training.) What we recognise as the pain associated with ‘DOMS’ is when these muscles are repairing themselves. Some people associate delayed onset muscle soreness with lactic acid build-up, however this isn’t involved in the process.

Are there other symptoms related to DOMS?

Besides stiffness and soreness, sufferers of delayed onset muscle soreness have reported having:

  • Swelling of limbs that were involved in the exercise,
  • Joint stiffness as well as a temporary reduction in the range of movement of the joint, and
  • A temporary reduction of strength in the muscles that were involved in the exercise.

How can you prevent DOMS happening to you?

In an article entitled Why Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness is a Good Thing on the Runner’s World magazine website, Mackenzie Lobby says that methods such as massage, microtherapy, icing, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, fish oil and i.Tonic have all been shown to help reduce the painful symptoms of DOMS.

The best method of preventing DOMS is to start any new physical training programme slowly. This is so that your muscles get used to performing the particular activity. Being properly warmed up also ensures that you stay clear of DOMS. In her article, Lobby quotes Dr David J Szymanski, assistant professor and the director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at Louisiana Tech University

“If you already have the muscle warmed up and prepared, it is better able to handle the activity.”

So if you’re suffering from DOMS after having started up a new exercise programme, don’t give up because of the pain. The first time you experience DOMS symptoms is the worst. From then on, you’ll feel less and less pain because you’re getting stronger and your stamina is increasing!

How to deal with sports-related injuries

As an athlete or avid gym goer, you may suffer from an injury at one point in your life. If this happens, don’t stress! Remember that you’ll do more harm to yourself if you exercise when you’re injured than if you take a couple of days off and recover.

If you do find yourself suffering from an injury, don’t despair! There are a number of ways that you can help your body recover from this. These methods include accupuncture, reflexology and massage. However, the best – and most well-known – way of helping your muscles recover from an injury is:

  • Rest: If you injure a soft tissue in your body, the first thing is that you need to rest it.
  • Ice: The next thing is that you need to ice the injured part of your body.
  • Compression: After you’ve iced it, you’ll need to wrap it up tightly so that you compress it.
  • Elevation: After everything, you’ll need to keep all pressure off the injury by elevating it.

Say medical experts:

“As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility…

“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help relieve your pain and swelling. They include:

• Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin.
• Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn.

“Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.”

When your soreness and pain are gone, begin stretching and strengthening exercises slowly, then gradually increase these exercises.

Watch this video for more information about R.I.C.E.

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, during our Personal Training Certification , we teach personal trainers how to ensure that their clients avoid getting DOMS.  In addition, we provide comprehensive traning about how to develop training regimes for your personal training clients, how to take care of fitness equipment in a fitness facility, the biomechanics of the human body and so much more!

To find out more, click here.

The post The truth about DOMS appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
#TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador: Angie Roos https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/teamtrifocus-brand-ambassador-angie-roos/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/teamtrifocus-brand-ambassador-angie-roos/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/teamtrifocus-brand-ambassador-angie-roos/ Angie Roos is a personal trainer, golf-lover, competitive athlete and #TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador. We catch up with Angie to find out what  motivates her, how she stays in shape, how Trifocus Fitness Academy helps her in her competitive career and what advice she has for others looking to enter the fitness industry. Angie’s Basic Stats Age:...

The post #TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador: Angie Roos appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Angie Roos is a personal trainer, golf-lover, competitive athlete and #TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador. We catch up with Angie to find out what  motivates her, how she stays in shape, how Trifocus Fitness Academy helps her in her competitive career and what advice she has for others looking to enter the fitness industry.

Angie’s Basic Stats

Age: 25
Height: 1.56m
Weight: 50kg (Stage weight – 47kg)
Occupation/Profession: Educator

Tell us more about your background in the fitness industry and your journey so far

Ever since I can remember I’ve been active in the gym. From a young age I started with aerobic classes with my mother while I was still in primary school. As a family we also did road running. Every weekend we would do a different event.

My dad did a few fitness courses and became a spinning and pure pump instructor at our gym.From the age of 12, I did all the classes with him.  I also participated in school activities such as cross country, athletics and hockey. The pure pump was my first experience training with weights. I loved the feeling, the way my muscles burned. The result was the I pushed harder and went heavier.

I stopped everything in my first year atuniversity and gained a lot of weight. I had to start my fitness journey all over again. I did a lot of cardio but it didn’t get me where I really wanted to be. In 2010, I decided to start weight training seriously and I have not looked back.

Last year I made the big decision to start competing. I won my first show as well as provincials and ended up in the top 10 in South Africa. At the moment I have an amazing fitness coach who is guiding me. I’m very excited to get on stage this year.

Tell us more about why you love playing golf and why it is great for physical exercise

My husband is a professional golfer and he taught me how to play. We played in the World Club Pro-am together as a team this year, an international golfing event held in Durban. It was my first big tournament I played in. For me golf is something my husband and I can enjoy together. Playing a round of 18 holes you walk more or less 9km while carrying or pushing your golf bag. I love the nature on a golf course, the peacefulness, sunshine and fresh air.

How has #TeamTrifocus advanced your career?

Trifocus Fitness Academy has given me the opportunity to study their personal training fitness course. This is something I have dreamed about for so long. To be a #TeamTrifocus brand ambassador is beyond amazing. A great team that is always supporting me.

The learning material is so easy to work with. I can honestly say I enjoy every moment of studying and doing assessments. Trifocus Fitness Academy has helped me to learn more about the human body, what happens during training, eating and resting. I’ve learned new exercises and corrected my posture on some of the exercises I was doing incorrectly. I’m not only keeping my body in shape but training my mind as well. I believe knowledge is power.

Whenever I feel a little demotivated on some days, a #TeamTrifocus social media post always motivates me. I’m going to start with my nutrition course soon and I can’t wait to make the career change into the fitness industry.

Which #TeamTrifocus fitness courses did you do?

I did their Personal Training Diploma.

What is your favourite exercise and why?

I love the leg press machine as it helps me tone and shape my legs well.

What is your favourite body part to train?

If I really have to choose a favourite body part to train it would be shoulders. But everyday I train different body parts and enjoy the challenge of getting stronger.

What is your prefered type of exercise/training?

I enjoy strength training but like to add the occasional high-intensity (HIIT) training session. At the moment I’m following a training programme that my fitness coach worked out for me to get stage ready.

How do you stay in shape?

Every morning my husband and I start our day in the gym at 5am. At the moment I do my cardio in the morning. It makes it so much easier for me for me that he goes with me.  After work I do my weight training. I do small things like taking the stairs instead of a lift. When I coach some of my sport teams I do fitness activities with them. Even when I’m feeling lazy or tired I know that I will feel so much better after training. That  keeps me going. The more you do the more you can do.

Do you have any advice for aspiring fitness models or someone looking to lose weight/get fit?

It is so important never to give up. There were times in my life, and I still get them, when I just want to give up because I’m not where I want to be yet. However, when you get to that day and start seeing your hard work is paying off it makes it worth it. There is no greater feeling that being proud and comfortable in your own skin. This is more important than what you weigh.

What is the most valuable knowledge you have gained from your #TeamTrifocus fitness courses?

The most valuable thing I have learned about are the different types of training. Everyone does not have the same fitness goal and with my personal training course I am now able to assist any person with any goal. I learned different methods to test a person’s fitness level before we start any training, your clients’ health always comes first. You can’t give every client the same training or eating programme. Everyone is different and on their own level. In this fitness course I also learned about the anatomy of the human body. I now have the knowledge to help people who have an injury or any other fitness-related problem.

Motivation is very important. As I have a passion for fitness I always feel motivated to be active. However, there are a lot of people who are not motivated. #TeamTrifocus teaches great methods to motivate your personal training clients. You must make sure that your attitude is positive and really push these type of clients. Not only will it make it easier for them to reach their goal, they will have more confidence and will enjoy life more. Monitoring your clients can also be a great motivational tool, if they see results they will work harder.

Another great tool to use – which I learned on my #TeamTrifocus personal training diploma – is helping your clients set realistic goals. Their fitness goals must be S.M.A.R.T:

  • Specific,
  • Measureable,
  • Attainable,
  • Relevant,
  • Time bound

Which Trifocus Fitness Academy course/courses would you recommend to others, and why?

As I did my Personal Training Diploma through the fitness college, I would recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for fitness or who want to help others reach goals. I chose the diploma to have the advantage of more knowledge because I believe knowledge is power.  This is the most enjoyable course I have ever done. Even after a long day I can’t wait to open my Trifocus Fitness Academy books to learn more. The online assignments are very easy to access. You do not need to waste any time searching about where to go. While you study there are also videos in each module which you can view that will help you have a better understanding of what is expected. I personally enjoyed the quizzes.

I feel Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Course is the stepping stone into the fitness industry.  This qualification makes you hungry for more knowledge which is why I cannot wait to start my Specialised Nutrition Course.

If you are also working like me, and want to study a fitness course, don’t worry! Trifocus Fitness Academy accommodates people like us with the correspondence  and online options.  You can study in the comfort of your own home and when you have the time.

What advice do you have for newbies/people just embarking on their journey in the fitness industry?

Remember that it doesn’t happen overnight. Fitness is a lifestyle change. You make time for you training and what you eat is very important. You will feel your overall health will increase over time and you will also feel happier when you are healthy. Do not compare yourself with anyone. Everyone is unique and has their own journey they are working on.

 

 

 

 

 

The post #TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador: Angie Roos appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/teamtrifocus-brand-ambassador-angie-roos/feed/ 0
Why It’s Crucial For Personal Trainers to be Clued up on Nutrition https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-crucial-for-personal-trainers-to-be-clued-up-on-nutrition/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-crucial-for-personal-trainers-to-be-clued-up-on-nutrition/#respond Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-its-crucial-for-personal-trainers-to-be-clued-up-on-nutrition/ The strong link between nutrition and health has been known for a long time. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is famed for having said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This is why personal trainers – as custodians of their clients’ health and wellness – need to know what food...

The post Why It’s Crucial For Personal Trainers to be Clued up on Nutrition appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The strong link between nutrition and health has been known for a long time. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is famed for having said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This is why personal trainers – as custodians of their clients’ health and wellness – need to know what food is good for them to eat and which foods will send their personal training routines into a downward spiral.

Nutrition need-to-know:

Nutrition Lesson #1: Saturated Fats: A Big No-No

There are two types of fats: saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are found in foods such as butter and cheese. Too much of these substances can cause a build-up of bad cholesterol that clogs up your arteries causing fatal ailments such as coronary artery disease and possibly even death.

Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are extremely beneficial for your health and well-being. These types of fats – or omega 3 essential fatty acids – can be found in oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), walnuts and spinach to name a few.

During personal training session, your clients’ heart rates will increase. This means that blood will need to be pumped faster around their bodies so their arteries will have to work overtime to cope with this increase. So if your clients eat a diet rich in saturated fats, the chances of their arteries being blocked are that much higher than a person who favours unsaturated fats. This puts them at a greater risk of dropping dead of a heart attack during training.

Blood pressure also plays a very important part in this. Watch this video to find out more about this vital bodily indicator:

Nutrition Lesson #2: Fitness Athletes Need to Follow a Strict Nutritional Routine

An athlete, bodybuilder or weightlifter has certain goals that he or she will be working towards in terms of their physique and all general fitness levels. To help them achieve their goals, they will engage fitness trainers. These will be, for example, such as sports coaches, sports managers or personal trainers who will put them through their paces and make them the best that they can be. They might even go on a couple of fitness courses, like those on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy. This is so that they can upskill with a view to handling their training themselves.

Whether they decide to train themselves or hire a professional, a non-negotiable is that athletes need to eat right. For example, long-distance marathon runners need to carbo-load before races. This is so that they have the energy to complete a race. Weightlifters and bodybuilders, on the otherhand, need to up their protein intake so that they can build their muscles in an efficient manner.

The science of sports nutrition deals with how athletes need to be eating. Watch this clip to find out more.

Nutrition Lesson #3: It’s Time to Break up with Sugar

Just as with fat, there are two types of sugar: refined sugar – which is extremely bad for you – and unrefined sugar, which is beneficial for your body.

Refined sugar – which is found in food such as sweets, soft drinks and biscuits – spikes your energy levels very quickly. It depletes your energy levels equally as quickly after that. In technical terms, after you eat the refined sugar, your insulin levels spike and they quickly fall after that. This is why after you’ve eaten a big meal and rounded it off with an extremely sugary dessert all you want to do is fall asleep.

If you want your clients to have sustained energy levels throughout a training session, advise them to eat unrefined sugar. This type of sugar is found in fruit and honey among many other foods. These foods will keep them energised throughout the session.

If your personal training or nutrition clients ask if drinking fruit juice is just as good as eating fruit, advise them against this. Fruit juice is often loaded with a lot of sugar which is often refined. There are also a lot more pieces of fruit in one glass of fruit juice than a single piece of fruit as these have to be blended to make the juice. They reduce in size and sneakily make you eat more. Also, you’ll get a lot more goodness out of eating a piece of fruit – rather than its juice equivalent – as you’ll be eating the nutritious skin as is the case with an apple or a pear.

Having a good knowledge of nutrition will give your personal training clients extra value! Sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course and become an expert nutritionist!

The post Why It’s Crucial For Personal Trainers to be Clued up on Nutrition appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-crucial-for-personal-trainers-to-be-clued-up-on-nutrition/feed/ 0
Bored With The Treadmill? 6 Awesome Workouts On Other Cardio Machines https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-awesome-workouts-cardio-machines/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-awesome-workouts-cardio-machines/#respond Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/6-awesome-workouts-cardio-machines/ Treadmills are great. This is because they provide wonderful potential for workouts. However, working out on the treadmill can become rather repetitive and boring after awhile. Switching up your workout routine can help you stick to a fit lifestyle in the long term. It can also prevent boredom and loss of motivation to reach your fitness goals. In this article, we’ll show...

The post Bored With The Treadmill? 6 Awesome Workouts On Other Cardio Machines appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Treadmills are great. This is because they provide wonderful potential for workouts. However, working out on the treadmill can become rather repetitive and boring after awhile. Switching up your workout routine can help you stick to a fit lifestyle in the long term. It can also prevent boredom and loss of motivation to reach your fitness goals. In this article, we’ll show you a variety of other workout machines and workouts that you can do to make your foutines more lively!

Introducing HIIT Workouts

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. This is described very well by Men’s Health when they say:

“High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise in which you alternate between very intense anaerobic periods and slower recovery periods for a shorter, more efficient workout.”

Studies have also stood by the idea that HIIT workouts work just as well in less time. One study published in 2012 states:

“Low-volume HIIT can also stimulate physiological remodeling comparable to moderate-intensity continuous training despite a substantially lower time commitment and reduced total exercise volume… Such findings are important given that ‘lack of time’ remains the most commonly cited barrier to regular exercise participation.”

So what exercises can you do, if you are bored with the treadmill, that are still beneficial to your cardiovascular health?

Rowing Machine

One good HIIT workout to do on a rowing machine is:

  • Warm up for 3 minutes.
  • After this, alternate between 1 minute of fast rowing.
  • Follow this up with 1 minute of “rest”. However still row at a much slower rate. Do this for 15 minutes before a 2-minute cool-down.

Another HIIT workout you can is the circuit:

  • Warm up for 3 minutes.
  • Then row hard for about 1 minute.
  • Follow this with 10 burpees and 1 minute of rest.
  • Repeat for 15 minutes and then do a 2-minute cool-down.

Rowing machines not only burn a lot of calories in a small amount of time but they can also be less painful for the joints than other more traditional cardio exercises, such as the treadmill. (Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Gym Instructor Course – one of the leading fitness courses on the market – will teach you everything that you need to know about fitness facilities and what workouts to advise for clients. Click here for more information.)

Stair Machine

  •  Start off at level 3 for a 3-minute warm-up.
  • Then turn up to level 12 and run for a minute.
  • Lower the intensity to level 7 for about two minutes.
  • Start over from level 12.

Do this for about 20 minutes. End this exercise with a 3-minute slow cool-down.

This is a fantastic HIIT workout that will help blast the fat. This is because it not only tones your legs but it also burns over 200 calories in just 30 minutes of working out.

A 2014 study has shown that stair machines can help improve balance, prevent falling, increase overall fitness, and can even help reduce the strain in daily life activities for seniors.  Another study researching the effects of stair machines on women has shown that as an exercise climbing stairs can provide significant cardiovascular benefits. This is especially true for people who were previously sedentary.

Spin Bike

  • Start with a 3-minute warm-up.
  • Set your bike to the highest level you can handle.
  • Work at that setting for a full minute. Slow down and maintain a resting pace for about 45-60 seconds.
  • Do this a total of eight more times before starting a 3 – 5 minute cool-down.

If you want to liven it up a bit, you can easily make this a circuit-training exercise by doing:

  • A total of three reps of the HIIT workout,
  • Ten burpees and 10 sit-ups.
  • Repeat this circuit three times.

Spin bikes are better for the spine and even puts less stress on your bones as compared to the treadmill and other high-impact workouts.

Elliptical

  • Start with a five-minute warm-up. At this point you can increase the speed and resistance a little, gradually, if you think it will help you later on.
  • As soon as the warm-up ends, go as fast as you can for a full minute. Go at half speed in a resting cycle for a full minute.
  •  The next time you go full sprint, turn up the resistance even higher giving more of a competitive edge to go over.
  • Do this off and on for 15 minutes before cooling down for a couple of minutes.

An elliptical has been shown from studies to provide a great full-body workout. It tones your muscles more as compared to some other cardio exercises. One study in particular showed that “elliptical training demonstrated greater quadriceps activity and greater quadriceps/hamstrings coactivation than all other conditions”, which were overground walking, treadmill walking, and stationary cycling.

The post Bored With The Treadmill? 6 Awesome Workouts On Other Cardio Machines appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-awesome-workouts-cardio-machines/feed/ 0
9 Tips For Better Running Results https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/9-tips-better-running-results/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/9-tips-better-running-results/#respond Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/9-tips-better-running-results/ When it comes to long-distance running – whether you are running for yourself, or professionally – not everyone is naturally a great runner. Being a great runner has a lot to do with genetics, the make-up of your muscle fibres (slow versus fast twitch), and of course personal training and nutrition. Some of these key...

The post 9 Tips For Better Running Results appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When it comes to long-distance running – whether you are running for yourself, or professionally – not everyone is naturally a great runner. Being a great runner has a lot to do with genetics, the make-up of your muscle fibres (slow versus fast twitch), and of course personal training and nutrition. Some of these key factors you cannot control, however, you can control your personal training and your nutrition to make you a better runner and improve your running results.

There is a lot of information at your disposal that you can use to help you achieve better results. Whether you implement these is your choice but it could be beneficial to at least consider implementing some of these tips. Let’s look at 9 tips for better running results.

1. Begin Runs With Easy Relaxed Strides

As a regular runner, you probably already know that it is important to pace yourself, especially in the beginning of the run. You might be tempted to give it all you’ve got because your energy levels are high, but you want to keep your energy expenditure consistent so that you have enough to get you through the run.

2. Prevent Dehydration

Not too much water, but definitely not too little. It is not only important to hydrate yourself during your run, but also before and after. Going for a run while you are dehydrated could impact your performance and running results negatively – and even worse, it could be damaging to your health. (Our article – Why Water Is The Most Important Health Booster – tells us why drinking water is important for overall health.)

3. Stretch Before Running

It is imperative that you stretch before and after your run. Stretching prepares your body for the exercise it is about to do. Starting exercise without a proper warm-up and a bit of stretching could lead to injury.

4. Don’t Run Within 2 Hours Of Eating

Your body is under enough pressure to digest the food you’ve just eaten. It simply cannot handle digesting and running at the same time. You will feel heavy and lethargic and your run will not be enjoyable, not even mentioning the impact it will have on your results. (Want to learn more about nutrition and its relationship with exercise? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course as well as their Personal Training Course will teach you this and so much more. Click here for more information about their other fitness courses.)

5. 10 Minutes Of Walking To Warm Up And Cool Down

Your body needs to be eased into a running session. Apart from stretching, walking to get your body temperature up and muscles warm will really benefit your run. You will also reduce the risk of getting injured when you warm up properly for a run.

6. Emphasise Carbs

Carbohydrates are important macro nutrients that you, as a long-distance runner, should consume every day to help you get better running results. Your body is like a car and cars don’t run without fuel. Carbohydrates are the fuel your body requires to keep running, literally.

Watch this video to discover what people – who are not athletes – should be eating to maintain a healthy diet.

7. Sleep And Rest

Many runners underestimate the importance of sleep and rest. Your body recovers from a strenuous running session during sleep. If you don’t sleep enough, your body will not fully recover for the next running session, which could negatively affect your running results.

Says Dr James B Maas, psychologist from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and author of Sleep to Win.

“You might be able to get by with one or two lousy nights of sleep, but your best performance is when you’ve had a good night’s sleep.”

8. Get Running Strong Through Personal Training

Besides doing a running session to train and get better running results, you could also consider adding other kinds of training to your routine that will better your running results. Exercises like weight and plyometric training are great options to consider.

9. Nutrition

As mentioned above, your body runs on nutrients, lots of it. However, that doesn’t mean that you can just eat anything and as much of it as you want. Your nutrition as a runner is extremely important and you will need to consume the right amounts of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep your body performing optimally.

These are a few very simple but effective ways you can better running results. For more informatin on how to get the optimum benefit in your training, visit Trifocus Fitness Academy’s website today and sign up for one of their accredited fitness and health courses!

 

The post 9 Tips For Better Running Results appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/9-tips-better-running-results/feed/ 0
Key Differences Between A Sports Coach And A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-coach-vs-personal-trainer/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-coach-vs-personal-trainer/#respond Wed, 31 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-coach-vs-personal-trainer/ There are hundreds of different professions in the sporting field. Sports coach, sports manager, sports conditioning specialist – the list is endless! (Learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Courses.) Although sports coaches help their teams get fit, this type of coach is not a personal trainer. Every one of these professionals serves a...

The post Key Differences Between A Sports Coach And A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are hundreds of different professions in the sporting field. Sports coach, sports manager, sports conditioning specialist – the list is endless! (Learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Courses.) Although sports coaches help their teams get fit, this type of coach is not a personal trainer.

Every one of these professionals serves a different purpose and goal. From the sports coach standing next to the field, helping the players get ready physically and mentally to the sports manger who organises everything that the team needs to be successful.

Two of the most popular and sought-after professions in the health and fitness industry are sports coaches and personal trainers. Although some of the functions of both professions are similar, there are important key differences.

Sport Coach vs Personal Trainer

Personal Trainers Focus On One-On-One Training Sessions

They take various clients a day and can see up to ten different people on a daily basis. Each client has their own goals: training for weight loss, increasing muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, competition prep or just overall health maintenance.

Personal trainers specialise in specific areas such as strength training, cardiovascular training, high-intensity interval training and plyometrics. They use these different kinds of training to help their clients reach their goals.

The Personal Trainer And Motivation

Another very important responsibility that a personal trainer has is to motivate their clients to keep working hard to reach their goals. Personal trainers need to be infectiously positive, energetic, motivating, inspiring, encouraging and patient. They need to know what to say and do to push their clients past their limits. As health and fitness writer, Jessica Bell, says: “Working with a trainer that matches your personality and inspires you can create a driving force toward your fitness goals.”

sports coach and a personal trainer motivation

Personal Trainers Are Sometimes Seen As Unofficial Therapists

This is because some clients share a lot of their anxiety and stresses from their personal life. In some cases, personal trainers will also advise their clients regarding their eating habits. (Check out Trifocus Academy’s accredited Life Coaching Course that will equip you with the skills to handle situations like this.)

Personal trainers run on tight schedules and often have their days filled with clients from early morning to late at night. They are also a business on their own as they control how many clients they see and train every day. Essentially they are a personal brand and they need to market themselves as such.

Sports coaches Are Similar to Personal Trainers

However, there are some key differences:

  • Sports coaches usually work with professional athletes. This means theyu have a smaller client base.
  • Personal trainers see many clients on a daily basis.
  • Sports coaches see two or three athletes, if that many, every day. They work very closely with their athletes to help them reach their full potential.

Sports coaches are responsible for training athletes in specific sporting fields, like soccer, rugby, swimming – whatever the sport may be. They help athletes reach their full potential within their sport by analysing their performance, making changes to their training regimes, instructing them in relevant skills, and encouraging them every step of the way.

Sports Coaches Need To Be Specifically Qualified In One Kind Of Sport

This is in contrast with personal trainers who focus on general health and wellness. In many cases, sports coaches also act as role models for their athletes and it is therefore important that they live the way their athletes should live.

There is a lot of mental coaching going on between a sports coach and their athletes just the same as there is between the client and his or her personal trainer. In some cases the coach will become a very close friend to the athlete, advising them on big decisions in their professional sporting and personal lives.

Sports coaches need to have sound knowledge of the respective sports of their athletes. They need to educate and motivate their athletes, know how to motivate them mentally, and get the best out of them at all times.

The distinct difference between a personal trainer and sports coach is that personal trainers are there to help the general public reach their respective fitness goals, while sports coaches usually work with professional athletes on a more personal level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

However, the fact still remains that there is an extremely close link between a personal trainer and a sports coach. They are both concerned with others’ health and fitness. To be the best personal trainer out there means that you need to have one of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s accredited personal trainer courses under your belt!

Register button PT

 

The post Key Differences Between A Sports Coach And A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-coach-vs-personal-trainer/feed/ 0
The Key Functions of the Pineal Gland https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/key-functions-of-the-pineal-gland/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/key-functions-of-the-pineal-gland/#comments Sun, 28 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/key-functions-of-the-pineal-gland/ The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone-shaped endocrine gland in the centre of the brain. Although it is one of the smallest glands, its functions are vital to the human body. What are the key functions of this gland? Why are these important? Pineal Gland importance The Main Function Of The Pineal Gland Is To Produce...

The post The Key Functions of the Pineal Gland appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone-shaped endocrine gland in the centre of the brain. Although it is one of the smallest glands, its functions are vital to the human body. What are the key functions of this gland? Why are these important?

Pineal Gland importance

The Main Function Of The Pineal Gland Is To Produce And Secrete Melatonin

Melatonin is vital in controlling and maintaining our circadian rhythms. These are more commonly known as out sleep-wake cycles. Says the National Sleep Foundation:

“Your circadian rhythm is basically a 24-hour internal clock that is running in the background of your brain and cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals.”

The gland communicates information about environmental lighting to the brain. This affects our sleep-wake cycles.

Melatonin secretion is affected by natural light and darkness. Have you ever thought about why we sleep better in darkness? Well, melatonin – which makes us sleepy- is secreted the most in the dark. When we are in natural light, our melatonin secretion is lowered. This keeps our bodies alert. This is why you sometimes have trouble falling asleep with the light on.

pineal gland

The Pineal Gland Also Plays A Vital Role In Regulating Reproductive Hormones

This is for both males and females. It influences sexual development, sex drive, and plays a role in regulating female hormones which may affect fertility and the menstrual cycle.

The pineal gland also influences how the immune system and antioxidants function. It has a direct effect on hunger, thirst and the body’s natural ageing process.

In addition to the above functions, the pineal gland helps the body convert signals from the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Should the pineal gland begin to function abnormally, a number of issues may occur in the body:

  • As mentioned above, melatonin helps us sleep. Should the pineal gland fail to produce sufficient amounts of melatonin, a person will start to experience insomnia (difficulty sleeping), which in turn could lead to other problems such as anxiety, irritability and difficulty focussing.
  • Other issues – like low thyroid hormone production, menopausal symptoms and intestinal hyperactivity – could also be caused by lowered amounts of melatonin.
  • When too much melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland, this 0could also lead to a number of issues, like low blood pressure and abnormal function of the adrenal and thyroid glands.

Other functions of the pineal gland:

  • Function of the Pituitary gland
  • Drug Metabolism
  • Sense of direction
  • Mental health
  • Bone Metabolism

How To Make Sure The Pineal Gland Functions Optimally

Nutritional experts say that there are a number of ways that you can keep your pineal glad – as well as the rest of your body – in tip-top condition. For example, eating organic foods and supplementing with apple cider vinegar will help in cleansing your body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The pineal gland might be small but the roles it plays in different functions of the body is crucial to our health. On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, candidates will learn the ins and outs of anatomy and physiology – and so much more – that will make them a world-class personal trainer.

pt button

 

The post The Key Functions of the Pineal Gland appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/key-functions-of-the-pineal-gland/feed/ 3
How You Should Manage Your Time As A Fitness Professional https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/time-managment-for-a-fitness-professional/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/time-managment-for-a-fitness-professional/#respond Thu, 25 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/time-managment-for-a-fitness-professional/ Being a personal trainer or a fitness professional of any kind means that you essentially run your own business. You are a company and a brand on your own. This means you need to ensure everything you do is contributing to your success, helping you grow and is not keeping you back or wasting your time. However, working for...

The post How You Should Manage Your Time As A Fitness Professional appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Being a personal trainer or a fitness professional of any kind means that you essentially run your own business. You are a company and a brand on your own. This means you need to ensure everything you do is contributing to your success, helping you grow and is not keeping you back or wasting your time.

However, working for yourself and having so much free time (or so you think) can be difficult. It requires a lot of discipline and self-motivation. If you don’t manage your time properly, you can quickly lose track of valuable hours in the day. Before you know it, a week has gone by and you didn’t do anything you were supposed to do. This could also lead to procrastination.

There is a fine line between wasting time and using it wisely, As a fitness professional, you need to know how to be productive and make the best of every minute, every day! Here are a few tips to ensure you use every minute of your time wisely.

As A Fitness Professional You Need To Learn How To Manage Your Time Well

There are several apps and short courses that offer the knowledge to help you manage your time effectively and efficiently. Spend a few hours researching and learning about time management skills and it will make the world’s difference. Says Stan Mack on the value of time management as a personal trainer:

“Time management skills allow people to organize their work and personal life efficiently. For example, a person who manages time well will finish tasks ahead of deadlines, without last-minute scrambling or sacrificing work quality. Analyze how you manage your time. Identify any bad habits or recurring distractions that throw you off track. Then take appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize those problems.”

Get Into A Routine

Routine is a part of everyday life. It is therefore extremely useful when you want to use your time wisely. Knowing where you need to be at what times, what you need to do in between those times and doing this on a daily basis ensures that you procrastinate less and use your time effectively.

Kick procrastination to the curb!

Procrastination is a time-killer. There are many applications, courses and small routines you can establish and adopt that will help you identify procrastination, deal with it and move on so you can work better and more effectively. (Check out our accredited Life Coaching Course which will teach you how to do this!)

Be Strict With Your Time

If you can’t make an event that won’t advance your business – unless it is family related or a friend’s special occasion outside of working hours – be strict with yourself and politely decline. Events and get-togethers can seem appealing, especially when you are working for yourself, however they take up a lot of valuable time. Say no and keep the relaxation and special occasions for after working hours.

Switch Off Technology And Close Those Emails And Texts

If there is something that needs to get done urgently, you do not need more distractions (which also lead to procrastination and time wasted). Close your emails and set an agreement with yourself where you do not answer texts or chats if a  certain task has not been done.

 Work Smarter, Not Harder

With a bit of planning and sticking to your schedules and tasks, you can work smarter with your time which will make you more productive, instead of working harder to get everything done.

Managing your time as a fitness professional will make or break your personal training business. It is the single most important skill that you need to learn. This is because it will not only help you plan your days and spend your time more effectively but also enable you to run your business better. Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course to help you reach for the stars!

The post How You Should Manage Your Time As A Fitness Professional appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/time-managment-for-a-fitness-professional/feed/ 0
Top Fitness Trends for 2017 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-fitness-trends-for-2017/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-fitness-trends-for-2017/#respond Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/top-fitness-trends-for-2017/ If you are considering joining the gym or starting a workout plan, transformation or weight loss journey – or you just want to join the world of health and fitness – you might want to know what the biggest fitness trends of 2017 are. Here is a comprehensive list . No. 1 of the Top Fitness Trends...

The post Top Fitness Trends for 2017 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are considering joining the gym or starting a workout plan, transformation or weight loss journey – or you just want to join the world of health and fitness – you might want to know what the biggest fitness trends of 2017 are. Here is a comprehensive list .

No. 1 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Training for Overall Health and Wellness

We live in a generation where all body shapes and sizes are accepted and seen as beautiful. People’s mindsets have shifted from exercising to change their appearance to exercising to look and feel great and healthy every day!

No. 2 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Bodyweight Training is very Trendy at the Moment

And we can see why! Bodyweight training consists of exercises that do not require any equipment. Aside from the reason that people are educating themselves and teaching themselves the exercises they can do without having to join a gym, bodyweight exercise is a perfect fit for their busy, on-the-go lifestyles and it enables them to exercises anywhere, anytime!

No. 3 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Mind Body Exercises like Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi

People are realising the importance of, and power in, training for mental strength and wellness. That is why the popularity of activities like Yoga are on the rise. (This means that the time is ripe for you to become a mind body exercise specialist. Click here for more information on Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Mindy Body Specialist Certification.)

No. 4 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Group Training

It’s exciting, enjoyable and a great activity for friends and family to do together!

No. 5 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Outdoor Activities are on the Rise

For example hiking and trail runs or cycling. People want to get outside more and outdoor exercise is the perfect solution.

No. 6 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Wearable Tech

These days it is all about being able to track your workouts and assess the effort you put into your sessions.

No. 7 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great form of exercise, especially to help burn excess fat. This type of training is intense and short, making it ideal for those who are limited for time.

No. 8 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Strength Training

Long gone are the days when women believed that lifting weights would make them look like men. Women especially are noticing the benefits of strength training and are ditching the treadmill for the weights!

No. 9 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Functional Fitness is All the Rage

People are not exercising just for weight loss anymore. They want to be strong, fit, fast and healthy. Functional fitness is the perfect solution to reach this state of well-being.

No. 10 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Exercise Apps

People are more driven to learn about what they should and shouldn’t do while exercising. Exercise apps are definitely helping more people get off the couch and into the gym, doing the right things that will help them get the results they want.

No. 11 of the Top Fitness Trends for 2017: Wellness Coaching

There is an uprise in a holistic approach to health and fitness. Wellness coaching is a tool many people use to educate themselves and stay healthy physically and mentally.

It is no doubt that there are more people being active and healthy than ever before. Health has become more mainstream and ‘every day’ than ever before, which means that the world’s population is becoming healthier. These trends is an indication that fitness and exercise is more accessible than ever before!

The post Top Fitness Trends for 2017 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/top-fitness-trends-for-2017/feed/ 0
The Benefits of Mind Body Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-benefits-of-mind-body-exercise/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-benefits-of-mind-body-exercise/#respond Sun, 07 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-benefits-of-mind-body-exercise/ If you are exercising just to reach a weight- or fitness goal, then you are missing out on one of the biggest benefits of fitness and exercise as a whole. Although exercise is mainly used for the sole purpose of improving your weight, lifestyle, health and physique, we cannot deny the mental benefits that come...

The post The Benefits of Mind Body Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are exercising just to reach a weight- or fitness goal, then you are missing out on one of the biggest benefits of fitness and exercise as a whole. Although exercise is mainly used for the sole purpose of improving your weight, lifestyle, health and physique, we cannot deny the mental benefits that come with exercising on a regular basis. You know that happy-go-lucky feeling after a good sweat session? Well, that is called an endorphin rush, and it is hugely beneficial to your mood, energy levels and overall wellness! And that is just one of the ways exercise helps us stay mentally healthy.

The Power of Mind Body Exercise

Although every kind of exercise or physical activity will most definitely help improve your mental health and well-being, there are certain kinds of physical activity that focus more on the mind and body than others. A weight training, swimming, running or cycling session is definitely beneficial to your overall physical and mental health. However activities like Yoga and tai chi are more aimed at exercising the mind and improving your mental health.

What Makes Mind Body Exercise Different from Other Exercise?

What makes mind body exercise different is that they are focused on promoting inner mental focus, concentrating on muscular movements, synchronising these movements with breathing patterns, focusing on form and alignment of the body, and lifeenergy.

It has been known and proven through research that mind body exercise is not only beneficial for the well-being of the mind and body but that it also benefits the immune and nervous system. Of course, there are also physical benefits like improving flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, balance and stability, muscle strength and power, and endurance.

Although these forms of exercise focus heavily on the mental state of the practitioner and the mind-body connection, it is not to say that other forms of exercise like swimming, running or cycling do not benefit the mental health of the individual. All and any type of exercise will improve a person’s mental health as these activities are a form of stress relief, reducing anxiety, energising, relaxing and improving energy, focus and mood, therefore elevating a person’s mental health.

There is no doubt that physical activities like yoga, tai chi and even Pilates focus on the mind-body connection and specifically on improving one’s mental health more than other forms of exercise. If you are looking for an activity that will specifically improve your focus, concentration, peace of mind, and mental health, then these activities are options for you.  To find out how to become an accredited mind body specialist at Trifocus Fitness Academy, click here.

The post The Benefits of Mind Body Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-benefits-of-mind-body-exercise/feed/ 0
What is The Difference Between Slow Twitch and Fast Twitch Muscle Fibres? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/difference-slow-twitch-fast-twitch-muscles-fibres/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/difference-slow-twitch-fast-twitch-muscles-fibres/#respond Fri, 05 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/difference-slow-twitch-fast-twitch-muscles-fibres/ Why is it that some people are best at running marathons or cycling for hours but can hardly perform a box jump? Ever wondered why others can jump very far or high, or sprint exceptionally fast, but cannot run very far? Well, the difference lies in the make-up of their skeletal muscle, specifically their muscle fibres....

The post What is The Difference Between Slow Twitch and Fast Twitch Muscle Fibres? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Why is it that some people are best at running marathons or cycling for hours but can hardly perform a box jump? Ever wondered why others can jump very far or high, or sprint exceptionally fast, but cannot run very far? Well, the difference lies in the make-up of their skeletal muscle, specifically their muscle fibres.

A Muscle is Made Up of Various Muscle Fibres

In turn these are made up of many fibrils. Skeletal muscle fibres are identified as:

  • Slow-twitch muscle fibres (type 1)  which allows us to run marathons and cycle far – any endurance type of exercise, and
  • Fast-twitch muscle fibres (type 2), which allow us to exude a lot of power in a short amount of time  but fatigue very quickly and are activated in exercises like plyometric jumps and sprinting.

All muscles contain both slow- and fast-twitch fibres. The determining factor is how much of them are present in the muscle itself. For example, more slow twitch fibres mean a person will perform better in endurance-type exercises and activities. Fast-twitch fibres mean a person will be better at explosive, short bouts of exercise like sprinting and jumping.

How Do Muscle Fibres Work?

During aerobic exercise, slow-twitch muscle fibres are the first to be contracted and engaged. Generally, because slow-twitch fibres can provide their own source of energy, the endurance of slow twitch-fibres is high so we are able to perform exercise at a steady state for some time.

However, slow-twitch muscle fibres cannot generate large amounts of force. Once these become fatigued and the force becomes too much for them to handle, fast-twitch fibres are recruited and engaged. These then take over. Aerobic exercise increases our level of fitness, stamina and the muscle’s oxygen capacity. This allows the body to burn energy for longer periods of time.

Fast-twitch fibres are broken down into two categories

  • Moderate fas-twitch fibres are thick, quicker to contract but wear out more rapidly than slow-twitch fibres.
  • Fast-twitch muscle fibres are low in endurance but can generate a lot of force in a short amount of time. These fibres have a high threshold and will take over from slow twitch fibres when the force required is too much for slow-twitch fibres to handle. Although fast-twitch fibres generate more force, they fatigue sooner than slow-twitch fibres and are also responsible for the size and definition of a muscle.

What Type of Workout Engagages Which Type of Muscle Fibres?

Aerobic exercises, bodyweight exercises with high repetitions and resistance training with lighter weights may all engage the slow-twitch fibres in the muscle, allowing you to increase your fitness and endurance.

Fast-twitch fibres are engaged with strength and explosive power-type workouts. Weight training with heavy weights engages the fast-twitch muscle fibres. As the weight increases, more fast-twitch fibres fibres are recruited and engaged. Explosive, power-based workouts will recruit greater levels of fast-twitch fibres . However because fast twitch depletes energy levels so quickly, they also require longer periods of rest.

Determining the amount of slow and fast twitch fibres that your muscles are made up of will assist you in understanding the type of training you need to do to reach your goals. A simple fitness test should give you an indication of the makeup of your muscle fibres after which you will be able to implement a suitable training regime. Want to know more about how to develop a training regime? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification will help you get there! Click here for more information.

The post What is The Difference Between Slow Twitch and Fast Twitch Muscle Fibres? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/difference-slow-twitch-fast-twitch-muscles-fibres/feed/ 0
What is The Big Deal About Swimming? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-big-deal-about-swimming/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-big-deal-about-swimming/#respond Wed, 03 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/what-is-the-big-deal-about-swimming/ As you know by now, there are many different ways to stay fit, active and healthy. Different strokes for different folks, as they would say! If you want to ensure that you’ve found the right kind of training you enjoy, are good at and that gets you the results you want, you have to try everything. One...

The post What is The Big Deal About Swimming? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As you know by now, there are many different ways to stay fit, active and healthy. Different strokes for different folks, as they would say! If you want to ensure that you’ve found the right kind of training you enjoy, are good at and that gets you the results you want, you have to try everything. One of the many activities that often get overlooked is swimming. People who have done this sport for exercise often only have great things to say about the activity. So what is it that makes itsuch a great form of exercise. What is the big deal?

Here are a few pointers to, and benefits of, swimming as physical exercise.

1. Swimming is Considered Cardiovascular Exercise

This means that it is great for your heart health and for improving your cardiovascular fitness.

2. It is Low Impact

Swimming does not impact the joints and tendons as much as most other types of exercise do. This is because you are working against the resistance of the water so there is less stress on your body overall.

3. Swimming Works All the Muscles in Your Body

You need to activate and use your arms, legs, back, core and shoulders to move through the water, making it an incredible full-body workout. Swimming is, therefore, a great way to improve your overall core body strength as it works all muscle simultaneously.

4. Swimming Builds and Improves your Endurance, Muscle Strength and Cardiovascular Fitness.

5. It is a great way to detox after an intense weight-, cycling or running session

Swimming flushes out toxins owing to lactic acid build-up and can also help you recover from a workout quicker.

6. It increases your lung capacity and decreases asthma symptoms

During a swimming session, your lungs need to work harder than they usually would during a workout to supply enough oxygen to you blood because water is denser than air. This forces your lungs into overdrive.

7. Swimming is good for your posture

If you think about it, it is the only exercise where you are not upright . Swimming allows you to get a good sweat session in while horizontal, improving your posture and preventing back injuries and back pain.

8. Swimming has Many Mental Benefits

Apart from the endorphin spike you will experience, swimming allows you to get back outside (if you’re swimming in open water) and leave your problems and stresses on dry land. It destresses, relaxes and reduces anxiety and depression, as well as improves your sleep!

9. It is a Great Family Activity

Especially if you have small children who need to get used to water or learn how to swim. Make it a fun family outing and teach your kids about the importance of exercise at the same time!

So, if you are looking to spice up your training regime and reach your weight loss or fitness goals at the same time, then you should definitely consider swimming as exercise. As you can see, it is kind of a big deal!

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, you’ll learn about the biomechanics of swimming – as well as many other exercises – so that you can recommend the perfect exercise to your clients! Click here for more information.

The post What is The Big Deal About Swimming? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-big-deal-about-swimming/feed/ 0
How The Rectus Abdominis Works https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rectus-abdominis-works/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rectus-abdominis-works/#respond Sun, 30 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/rectus-abdominis-works/ Having beautifully defined abdominal muscles, or a ‘six-pack’, is an achievement for many fitness enthusiasts, athletes and competitors. Calling the abdominal muscles a six-pack is inaccura. This is because there can be eight or even 10 segments depending on anatomy and build. (The most important of these muscles is the rectus abdominis.) Visible abdominal muscles is a...

The post How The Rectus Abdominis Works appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Having beautifully defined abdominal muscles, or a ‘six-pack’, is an achievement for many fitness enthusiasts, athletes and competitors. Calling the abdominal muscles a six-pack is inaccura. This is because there can be eight or even 10 segments depending on anatomy and build. (The most important of these muscles is the rectus abdominis.) Visible abdominal muscles is a symbol of physical strength and hard work and dedication in the gym and to good, clean eating habits.

What is the Rectus Abdominis?

More commonly referred to as the abdominal muscles or abs, the rectus abdominis is a paired muscle running vertically on each side of the abdominal wall which is at the front of the abdomen. It connects on the ribs and extends to the pelvis. There is connective tissue between these two paired muscles. This is called the linea alba. This muscle joins the sternum to the pubis and plays a vital role in bending the body sideways and forwards or backwards.

The Rectus Abdominis Serves Various Important Purposes in the Human Body

The main function is moving the trunk backwards, forwards and sideways. This muscle stabilises the spine and tenses the abdominal wall. It also controls the movement of your pelvis, which affects the curvature of the spine. This directly affects your posture.

The Rectus Abdominis also Plays a Vital Part in Breathing,

This muscle is very signficant in – especially – exhalation by pulling down on the expiratory breathing muscles. In addition,  it helps with coughing, giving birth and vomiting by increasing and controlling intra-abdominal pressure as well as bowel movements.

Pulling the pelvis towards the ribs or the ribs towards the pelvis, depending on which part of the body is mobile and which part is fixed, to perform a crunch or a leg raise, is another function of the muscle. It is therefore important to regularly exercise the rectus abdominis in order to keep is strong, flexible and functioning optimally.

Exercises That Will Help to Strengthen Your Rectus Abdominis

Exercises that allow full range of motion are the most effective in strengthening the rectus abdominis. These are  exercises that shorten the distance between the ribs and the pelvis.

Start with simple exercises and perform these daily. Increase the intensity over time. This will help strengthen your rectus abdominis and core overall. These exercises include:

 Basic Knee to Elbow Crunches or Sit-ups and Bicycle Crunches

More complex and weighted exercises are, for example:

 Hanging Leg Raises

 Abdominal Ball Crunch

The rectus abdominis plays a vital role in the everyday functioning of the body. This means it is vital to keep it strong and flexible in order for it to function optimally.

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, you’ll learn about other exercises to strengthen your rectus abdominis. This is just a taste of what you’ll learn to keep your personal training clients’ bodies in tip-top condition. Follow this link to find out more.

The post How The Rectus Abdominis Works appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rectus-abdominis-works/feed/ 0
How Exercise Keeps You Young https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-keeps-you-young/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-keeps-you-young/#respond Sat, 29 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-exercise-keeps-you-young/ That daily walk, jog or gym session is not just a chance to work out. There are so many more benefits to daily exercise than just physical fitness. Regular exercise has been proven to have a significant effect on a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Of course, you can’t change your chronological age, but exercise...

The post How Exercise Keeps You Young appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
That daily walk, jog or gym session is not just a chance to work out. There are so many more benefits to daily exercise than just physical fitness. Regular exercise has been proven to have a significant effect on a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Of course, you can’t change your chronological age, but exercise can improve your health to the point where you look and feel younger than you are, says Frank Frisch, PhD, director of kinesiology at Chapman University. Here’s how.

  1. Regular physical workouts reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many other chronic diseases.
  2. Training sessions keep those unwanted kilograms off, which keeps your weight in check, those favourite jeans fitting and you feeling more confident than ever.
  3. Working out increases and improves your muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and power, and physical appearance, leaving you feeling stronger and more confident.
  4. Sweating it out improves your skin, hair and nails and leaves you glowing.
  5. Training strengthens your joints and tendons making everyday movement easier and less strenuous.
  6. Daily physical activity improves your fitness levels.
  7. According to research, daily exercise reduces and delays ageing of cells.
  8. There are few things as energizing as a training session – regular workouts keep your energy levels up and improve your vitality and well-being. The more energetic you feel, the easier you will be able to handle your daily tasks and stressful situations.
  9. Working out increases your blood flow throughout the entire body.
  10. Bad posture can easily be corrected with regular exercise, which strengthens the core and muscles that keep your posture correct.
  11. Working out increases your flexibility, which reduces knots and stiffness in muscles.
  12. Regular training increases and speeds up your metabolism. As you age, your metabolism could slow down, which could lead to weight gain. Regular exercise kickstarts your metabolism and keeps it running throughout the day, exuding more energy and therefore leading to weight loss.
  13. When you exercise regularly, your immune system strengthens, which means getting sick less.
  14. Have you ever heard about an endorphin rush? When you exercise, you will experience a rush of endorphins – or feel-good hormones – which will boost your mood and leave you feeling positive, energetic and confident.
  15. Exercise has a positive effect on your mental health and mindset – it allows you to think clearer, make better decisions and perform better in all areas of life.
  16. Following a routine brings order to your day which increases your productiveness and helps you reach your goals. Exercise is a fundamental part of a strict routine.
  17. When you exercise, you are less likely to eat unhealthy food and more dedicated to following a healthy diet.
  18. Your stress levels will be significantly less when you exercise on a regular basis. Training sessions often have the same effect as a therapy session.
  19. Quality rest is extremely important for us to function optimally on a daily basis. Exercising helps you fall asleep easily and helps you achieve deep sleep easier as your energy is depleted, and because you feel less stressed.
  20. Training enhances your memory and cognitive skills as you are more focused mentally.

All of the above contributes to keeping you young, fit, confident, stress-free and functioning optimally every day, and there is only one thing you need to do to achieve this: exercise every day – it really is that easy! If you are passionate about exercise then your calling could be becoming a personal trainer! Sign up for Trifocus FItness Academy’s Personal Training Certification today!

The post How Exercise Keeps You Young appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-keeps-you-young/feed/ 0
Health and Fitness Courses That Will Help You Change the Lives of Others https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/health-and-fitness-courses/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/health-and-fitness-courses/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/health-and-fitness-courses/ For many people the idea of getting fit is a difficult one. This is especially when they lack the motivation and know-how. Many men and women have found fulfilling careers in instructing and motivating others to realise their  fitness potential.They also love working to better themselves through exercise. If the idea of helping others to...

The post Health and Fitness Courses That Will Help You Change the Lives of Others appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
For many people the idea of getting fit is a difficult one. This is especially when they lack the motivation and know-how. Many men and women have found fulfilling careers in instructing and motivating others to realise their  fitness potential.They also love working to better themselves through exercise. If the idea of helping others to reach their health goals gets you excited, you might be perfect for the fitness industry. But be warned! You can’t jump into the job without training, experience and plenty of practice. That is why we are excited to present these locally and internationally recognised health and fitness courses. These will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to be successful in the fitness industry.

The Range of Health and Fitness Courses on Offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy

Fundamentals of a Fitness Business

Running your own fitness business is not simple. You need to understand the nuances of the industry, the goals of your clients and a familiarity with motivation, administration and goal setting. By engaging in one of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s health and fitness courses – such as the one on fitness business fundamentals –  you will be learning how to run your own business, dealing with matters such as selling, getting clients, helping them benefit from your services and of course, keeping them.

Athletic Nutrition Course

Professional athletes understand the importance of prioritising their nutritional needs. With the right fuel, your clients can go a long way to realising their athletic potential. So why not be the one to help them get there?
This course will give you the understanding required to design personalised and beneficial nutrition courses for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, and will even help you live a healthier, fitter lifestyle.

Become a Boxing Instructor

Few activities offer a challenging cardio workout that boxing does. So why not gain the skill needed to give your clients an exercise routine that is beneficial, fun and challenging? Our health and fitness courses on boxing instruction will familiarise you with drills and routines tochallenge your customers to achieve their best while enjoying the exercise they get from boxing, while knowing how to prepare your clients safely with hand-wrapping techniques and safety instructions.

Exercise and Special Populations

Some of your clients might have special needs. Alternatively you might be interested in offering routines that are designed for special populations such as those who have suffered injury, the elderly, pregnant women as well as routines  for children.

When it comes to exercise, these sects of the population are often overlooked. So why not gain the tools necessary for including them? The Exercise and Special Populations Course will give you the tools to conduct tailored classes that will keep these sects fit and healthy.
Call us now for more details!

The post Health and Fitness Courses That Will Help You Change the Lives of Others appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/health-and-fitness-courses/feed/ 0
The Importance of Exercise for Children https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-children/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-children/#respond Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercise-for-children/ With each year obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide. Owing to the easy accessibility of junk food children may be at greater risk of becoming obese. That is why it is extremely important to keep children healthy and active. Aside from preventing obesity exercise for children is important as it will help prevent future health problems...

The post The Importance of Exercise for Children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
With each year obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide. Owing to the easy accessibility of junk food children may be at greater risk of becoming obese. That is why it is extremely important to keep children healthy and active. Aside from preventing obesity exercise for children is important as it will help prevent future health problems in the years to come.

Exercise for Children Can be Hard Work!

Getting a child to stay interested in a physical activity can prove to a mission nowadays because of video games and cellphones. That is why it is important to keep children interested in fitness by making it fun but not too strenuous on their developing bodies. Says Judy Wilson:

“Regular exercise, which can involve nature walks, unstructured play, bicycling, playing tag or participating on sports teams, benefits children in significant ways. All physical activity, even simple household chores, is beneficial.”

Here are a few tips or doing just that.

Aerobics is a Good Exercise for Children

Aerobic exercises are vital for increasing a child’s physical endurance. The fast beating of the heart and heaving breathing increase endurance over time and strengthens the heart. This helps prevent heart complications.

Examples of aerobic exercises are:

  • Hiking,
  • Running and jogging,
  • Dancing,
  • Swimming,
  • Basketball,
  • Soccer, as well as
  • Skateboarding and cycling.

Physical Endurance is Important in Exercise for Children

Physical strength is just as important for the body as endurance is. However for a developing body – such as that of a child – it is important to keep strength exercises ata level that won’t hinder the child’s physical growth in any way. Meaning that lifting heavy weights is completely out of the question until the child is of an appropriate age.

Luckily there are muscle-strengthening exercises that are safe enough for children to do without the risk of stunning growth.

Examples of such workouts are:

  • Push-ups,
  • Stomach crunches,
  • Lunges,
  • Pull-ups, and
    Squats.

The above-mentioned examples are just a few of many exercises that are good for children. They must not be overdone owing to the risk of injury. With proper exercise, a child’s development into adulthood can be met with little or no health complications. This is why it is common for parents to hire qualified professionals to help train their children.
But it is important to make sure that your children has a trained that is an expertly trained and qualified profession. There’s no better place to earn such a qualification than Trifocus Fitness Academy which offers an Exercise and Children Course that will guarantee that you know all there is to know about children fitness. Click here for more information.

 

The post The Importance of Exercise for Children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-for-children/feed/ 0
Benefits of a Strong Core https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strong-core/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strong-core/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/strong-core/ Expert personal trainers say that there is a widespread, uninformed belief that the core is simply another word for abdominal muscles or – more commonly – abs. This is not true. The core consists of a variety of muscles of the trunk and lower body. It serves a very important purpose in your fitness journey and everyday...

The post Benefits of a Strong Core appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Expert personal trainers say that there is a widespread, uninformed belief that the core is simply another word for abdominal muscles or – more commonly – abs. This is not true. The core consists of a variety of muscles of the trunk and lower body. It serves a very important purpose in your fitness journey and everyday life. This means it’s vital to have a strong core.

What Muscles Make up a Strong Core?

Your core – say personal trainers – is made up of the muscles in your midsection including the front, back and sides. Your major core muscle are the:

  • Pelvic floor,
  • Diaphragm,
  • Tranverse abdominis,
  • Internal and external obliques,
  • Rectus abdominis,
  • Erector spinae, and
  • Multifidus.

Minor core muscles are the:

  • Latissimus dorsi,
  • Gluteus maximus, and
  • Trapezius.

All of these muscles work together  as the stabilizers in your body. These improve your stability and balance. They allow you to do a variety of complex daily movements from performing the perfect squat to rotating your spine. The core is used in almost every movement of the human body.

Nine Reasons Why You Need To Have A Strong Core

Reason #1

A strong core helps to prevent injuries as it supports your:

  • Spine,
  • Joints, and
  • Pelvis.

Reason #2

A strong core improves your strength. Having a strong core means you can lift heavier weights with a persononal trainer at the gym more easily. This will improve your strength over time.

Reason #3

A strong core supports your spine as well as preventing lower back pain and injury.

Reason #4

A strong core keeps you from slouching, which in turn keeps the pressure off your lower back.

Reason #5

Strengthening your core will help you improve your balance and stability.

Reason #6

A stronger core means you can exercise harder, for longer, keep those unwanted kgs off, which in turn decreases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Reason #7

There will be less pressure and chance of injury on your knees, hips and ankles if your core is strong as your body is well balanced.

Reason #8

A strong core will help you perform everyday tasks and activities easily and without the risk of injury.

Reason #9

Every movement of the human body is affected by the core. This means that every sports movement relies on the strength of the core. The stronger the core, the better your sports performance regardless of the type of sport you’re doing.

As you can see, it is important to strengthen and exercise your core continually. There are hundreds of exercises and movements that you can incorporate into your training plan to help you enhance your core strength. Overall, a strong core leads to a better quality of life and movement.

The post Benefits of a Strong Core appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strong-core/feed/ 0
How to Increase Cardiovascular Safety https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/increase-cardiovascular-safety/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/increase-cardiovascular-safety/#respond Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/increase-cardiovascular-safety/ Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, can be beneficial to your fitness regime. Examples of cardiovascular exercise are running, cycling and exercise that keeps your heart rate at a steady pace for a long period of time. For athletes, cardio can help with up and getting lean. In general, cardio exercises help with fat loss and increasing your...

The post How to Increase Cardiovascular Safety appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, can be beneficial to your fitness regime. Examples of cardiovascular exercise are running, cycling and exercise that keeps your heart rate at a steady pace for a long period of time. For athletes, cardio can help with up and getting lean. In general, cardio exercises help with fat loss and increasing your cardiovascular fitness levels. These keep heart and lungs functioning optimally.

Too Much Cardiovascular Exercise can also Be Bad

Cardiovascular exercise can be detrimental to your fitness goals especially if you are looking to maintain lean muscle mass and prevent muscle breakdown. Too much cardio can also lead to exhaustion. Your body will sooner or later reach a plateau if you do too much cardiovascular exercise.

Too much cardio could lead to your body holding onto fat. As you body adapts to the cardio, you will need to increase the duration and intensity to keep burning fat optimally. However, at one point, your body will simply stop responding and you will stop losing weight. Too much cardio can lead to ongoing joint pain because of your joints constantly being overworked.

The Ideal Approach to Cardiovascular Exercise

The ideal approach is to find a balance between cardiovascular and weight training. Pace yourself and slowly increase your cardio over a period of time. Step up the duration and intensity slowly as you become fitter and stronger. However, ensure that you increase your cardio safely to prevent injury and burnout.

Do This Before you Add Cardiovascular Exercise to your Fitness Regime

The first thing you should do before adding cardio to your fitness routine is to assess your current cardiovascular fitness levels. You can do this by completing a cardio workout – under the supervision of a personal trainer or biokineticist – like running, cycling or walking a certain distance. Record the time it takes you to complete the distance. Try to keep your heart rate high but not extremely high. Between 50 – 70% is good.

Try to do this cardio test once a week and see if your time improves. From there, you will be able to gauge your fitness levels better and if your cardio exercises are increasing your cardiovascular fitness levels. Follow the same pace and duration for your cardio workouts for 2 – 3 weeks before pushing yourself. If you’re unsure about anything, appoach a personal trainer for guidance.

Once you see your fitness increasing, you can start to increase the intensity, frequency or the duration of your cardio workouts. Investing in a heart rate monitor or an exercise watch is a good idea if you want to keep track of your workouts and fitness levels.

It is always a good idea to listen to your body

If you’re not doing any cardio exercises at the moment, starting will put more stress on your bod. You’ll feel tired for the first week, which is normal. However, you will also feel the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, like heightened endorphin levels, increased fitness levels, more energy and a drop in body fat. If you start feeling drained and exhausted to the point where you have no energy to exercise, you should have a relook at your cardio approach and switch things up. Otherwise take a break from intense cardio exercise.

 

The post How to Increase Cardiovascular Safety appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/increase-cardiovascular-safety/feed/ 0
How to Improve your Running Gait https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/improve-running-gait/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/improve-running-gait/#respond Sun, 09 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/improve-running-gait/ Running is an extremely popular hobby and form of exercise. Millions of people around the world run for various reasons such as to lose weight, to improve fitness levels or simply to spend time exercising. They do this with/without the help of a personal trainer. To run is fairly simple and straightforward:  choose a destination and start running. That...

The post How to Improve your Running Gait appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Running is an extremely popular hobby and form of exercise. Millions of people around the world run for various reasons such as to lose weight, to improve fitness levels or simply to spend time exercising. They do this with/without the help of a personal trainer. To run is fairly simple and straightforward:  choose a destination and start running. That is, if you’re a casual runner, of course. If running is a sport or a profession, it is a lot more complicated. There is so much more that goes into it.

Running Piece of Advice No. 1: Analyse your Style

Improve your running style

One of the many important tools serious runners use to improve in their sport is paying attention to – and improving – their gait through rigorous analysis. ‘Gait’ refers to the motion achieved by moving the legs and arms while doing this sport (or performing any movement where any limbs are being used). The analysis of gait is basically the analysis or study of movement while running. It provides runners with important information about their style that they can dissect and use to improve their technique. This information will in turn could make them run more effectively and comfortably.

If you’re a runner, as any good personal trainer will tell you improving your gait is a definite way to improve your time as well as your running comfort and performance. Every runner has a unique style. This means a gait analysis could tell you all you need to know, from how to run faster to finding the perfect shoe.

Running Piece of Advice No. 2: Become Clued up on Pronation

One of the most important things analysed through gait analysis is pronation. In an article on the Runners World website, pronation is defined as:

“[Pronation is when the] … outside part of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. The foot “rolls” inward about fifteen percent, comes in complete contact with the ground, and can support your body weight without any problem. The rolling in of the foot optimally distributes the forces of impact … it’s critical to proper shock absorption. At the end of the gait cycle, you push off evenly from the front of the foot.”

Overpronation is when you foot rolls inward too much. Under pronation is where your foot does not roll inward enough. Performing a gait analysis will determine your degree of pronation and style when running. A gait analysis – done by a personal trainer – will tell you what kind of shoe you need. The correct shoe will then counterbalance over or under pronation.

Running Piece of Advice No. 3: Buy the Right Shoe

Buy the best running shoes

Finding the right shoe for a runner is a difficulty that almost all serious runners experience. The correct  shoe can literally mean the difference between winning and losing a race. In addition, the right shoe can prevent injury because of unnecessary stress on the feet and incorrect, often unsafe, foot movements. It also helps you run more effectively. Comfort is also key, so finding a comfortable, efficient shoe makes a world of difference because the wrong shoe can negatively affect your gait.

Foot mapping and gait analysis is a must for all serious runners. For a runner, neglecting to study your  style can lead to unsatisfied running times and performance, uncomfortable runs and even injury. Finding the right running shoe suited to your running style should not be taken lightly as it can quite literally mean winning or losing a race.

The post How to Improve your Running Gait appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/improve-running-gait/feed/ 0
Nutrition Facts You Never Would Have Known https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/must-know-nutrition-facts/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/must-know-nutrition-facts/#respond Sat, 08 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/must-know-nutrition-facts/ There is SO much fokelore about nutrition facts out there. Carbohydrates are bad for you. Lots of protein is good for you. Drink as much water as you can.  The list is endless! The good news is that there are a number of nutrition basics that will set you up for life but in order...

The post Nutrition Facts You Never Would Have Known appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There is SO much fokelore about nutrition facts out there. Carbohydrates are bad for you. Lots of protein is good for you. Drink as much water as you can.  The list is endless! The good news is that there are a number of nutrition basics that will set you up for life but in order to weed these out you need to be able to tell the nutrition facts from the old wives’ tales so that you can have good nutrition for life.

Nutrition Facts 101: Myth #1 – Carbohydrates are Bad for You

With diets such as Atkins and Banting, carbohydrates have gotten a very bad rep. As a result, people are throwing out pasta, bread, rice, potatoes and the like in favour of cauliflower mash and zucchini spaghetti.

This – says Elaine Magee, MPH, RD – may not be such a great idea. Carbohydrates provide essential energy for our bodies but there’s a difference between good carbs and bad carbs:

“We can reap the health benefits of good carbs by choosing carbohydrates full of fiber. These carbs that get absorbed slowly into our systems, avoiding spikes in blood sugar levels. Examples: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans … We can minimize the health risk of bad carbs by eating fewer refined and processed carbohydrates that strip away beneficial fiber. Examples: white bread and white rice.”

The trick to choosing good carbs over bad carbs is knowing which kind the food that you eat contains. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course will teach you how to read food labels properly – among so many other nutrition basics – that you’ll be set up for life in terms of fundamental nutrition.

Nutrition Facts 101: Myth #2 – Lots of Protein is Good for You

Yes, protein is essential in building muscle and – if you’re following an intensive bodybuilding routine – you’ll need to consume more protein than others. However, make sure to watch your calorie intake.

According to fundamental nutrition experts at the University of California Los Angeles one gram of protein is equivalent – calorie wise – to one gram of carbohydrates: they both contain 4 calories each. So if you binge on protein, and avoid carbs like the plague, you won’t lose weight. Chances are that you’ll actually put on weight.

Nutrition Facts 101: Myth #3 – Lots of Water is Good for You

Granted, you do need to keep well hydrated and you do need to replace water that you lose during workouts or on a hot day. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to drink water to excess: if you drink too much water you run the risk of washing out all the minerals in your body that are essential for survival.

In fact, drinking too much water can cause a syndrome called water intoxication:

“Also known as water poisoning,” says Arlene Semeco, MS, RD, “water intoxication is the disruption of brain function due to drinking too much water. Drinking a lot of water increases the amount of water in your blood. This water can dilute the electrolytes in your blood, especially sodium. When sodium levels fall below 135 mmol/L, it is called hyponatremia.”

 

 

 

The post Nutrition Facts You Never Would Have Known appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/must-know-nutrition-facts/feed/ 0
The Core Principles of Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-core-principles-of-pilates/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-core-principles-of-pilates/#respond Fri, 07 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-core-principles-of-pilates/ Pilates is a very simple exercise form. There are a set of principles of Pilates that govern every single Pilates session or Pilates class. There aren’t very many but those that do exist date back to the origin of Pilates as Joseph Pilates himself set out. And to get the true benefit of this exercise...

The post The Core Principles of Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pilates is a very simple exercise form. There are a set of principles of Pilates that govern every single Pilates session or Pilates class. There aren’t very many but those that do exist date back to the origin of Pilates as Joseph Pilates himself set out. And to get the true benefit of this exercise form, these tried-and-trusted  principles of Pilates have to be followed to the letter.

Principles of Pilates #1: Concentrate on the Core

The claim to fame of Pilates is its ability to target the core and sculpt super-sexy abs. The way that this exercise modality achieves this hard-to-reach goal is by the following say expert Pilates instructors:

“Pilates exercises develop a strong “core,” or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.”

Your focus has to be honed in on your core control. It must not deviate for a second as if it does you could hurt yourself quite badly.

Principles of Pilates #2: Control Your Breathing

A big part of Pilates exercise and achieving core control is through harnessing your breathing.

Typically, you’ll inhale before you start any of the movements and connect your abdominal muscles. This is achieved by activating your pelvic floor as well as your lower abdominal muscles, in other words your rectus abdominis. This movement is called bringing naval to spine.

Before you begin a particular movement, you’ll inhale and exhale when you start moving. The reason why breathing is so controlled during Pilates – say Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippinger in their book Pilates Anatomy – is:

“… breathing exercises, or voluntarily controlled breathing patterns, may provide health benefits or enhance physical performance … The proposed benefits range from enhanced relaxation and decreased stress to lowered blood pressure, improved focus, activation of specific muscles, better circulation and respiration, and even lowered risk for cardiovascular disease.”

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Pilates Course a foundational model looks at breathing principle of Pilates. Here you’ll learn about:

– Concentration
– Control,
– Centering,
– Breathing

Principles of Pilates #3:  Control

Your core is your powerhouse. It protects the majority of your vital organs. Thus it is vital for these muscles to be rock-solid as if they aren’t you could do serious damage.

To get these muscles strong, your movements in Pilates have to be controlled, strong and fluid. You can’t hope to get strong abs by performing weak movements that are full of errors.

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Course will teach you the following exercises. Through these you can practise the fundamental tenets of Pilates:

• Basic matwork,
• Intermediate matwork,
• Small barrel,
• Basic Ball Series,
• Intermediate ball series,
• Theraband series,
• Basic reformer series,
• Intermediate reformer series,
• Basic chair series,
• Intermediate chair series,https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/contact-us/
• Electric chair series, and
• Basic cadillac series.

 

The post The Core Principles of Pilates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-core-principles-of-pilates/feed/ 0
What is Involved in a Sports Administration Business? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-administration-business/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-administration-business/#respond Mon, 03 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-administration-business/ Interested in a career in sports administration? Well, you’re in luck because there are loads of jobs in the sports administration arena out there! Out of all the fitness careers out there, a career in sports administration is probably the most rewarding. Here’s why. What Goes on Behind the Scenes in a Sports Administration Office?...

The post What is Involved in a Sports Administration Business? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Interested in a career in sports administration? Well, you’re in luck because there are loads of jobs in the sports administration arena out there! Out of all the fitness careers out there, a career in sports administration is probably the most rewarding. Here’s why.

What Goes on Behind the Scenes in a Sports Administration Office?

A sports administrator is the heartbeat of the sports facility. It is his or her job to make sure that everything flows smoothly, from the functioning and performance of a team to the back-end office where they will have to deal with administrative tasks such as collecting membership fees, organising sponsorships and keeping on top of finances. If the sports administrator doesn’t know what to do – or is inefficient – the whole operation will fail.

A Sports Administration Professional Needs to Have a Variety of Interests

As can be seen from the above, if you are a sports administrator for a sports club or a sports team – or if you run your own sports club and have your own sports administration business – you’ll end up doing a lot of things, not necessarily only related to sports and fitness. From organising trainers for your sports team to facilitating the HR and finance section of your club, as a sports administrator this will fall under your job description. This means that you will need to be interested in the business aspects (and making them work) as well as in honing the physical aspects of your team.

What does a Sports Administration Professional do?

According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) a sports administrator performs the following roles:

“… administer, organise and facilitate creative and innovative sports programmes and physical activities within communities … “

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Administration Course will equip you to be the best sports administrator you can be! Modules on this course include:

Apply administrative skills and knowledge

• Draw up a comprehensive business plan.
• Plan and implement operational procedures for the business.
• Carry out administrative functions, financial and accounting procedures which will support the business.

Apply professional values and ethics

• Describe what professional values are.
• Be able to indicate how professional values function in an organisation.
• Describe what professional accountability is.

Describe what professional values are

• Be able to indicate how professional values function in an organisation.
• Describe what professional accountability is.
• Operate professionally.

Explain what a ‘sports-related’ multi-disciplinary team is

• Describe how a sports facility operates.
• Describe legal and ethical business practices.
• Manage finances.

The post What is Involved in a Sports Administration Business? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-administration-business/feed/ 0
Understand what periodisation is https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/understand-periodisation/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/understand-periodisation/#respond Thu, 09 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/understand-periodisation/ To get the best results for your clients from the training that you do with them, it’s vital that you plan it correctly. Experts recommend creating short-term as well as a long-term plan, in other words one for every week as well as one for your goals for that year. One of the best methods...

The post Understand what periodisation is appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
To get the best results for your clients from the training that you do with them, it’s vital that you plan it correctly. Experts recommend creating short-term as well as a long-term plan, in other words one for every week as well as one for your goals for that year. One of the best methods of accomplishing this is by applying periodisation.

Periodisation 101

Depending on who you are, periodisation will mean different things. Says certified personal trainer Keats Snideman:

“In basic English, periodization is simply the organization and planning of training. In sport, this planning is usually based upon achieving maximum physical abilities (strength, speed, power, etc..) for a given competition or period of competitions. In bodybuilding, the training might be organized around a specific bodybuilding contest.”

Why should you practise periodisation?

Periodisation organises you and helps you to achieve your fitness goals.

For example, if it’s your goal to lose weight, you can’t just do cardio because someone told you that running on the treadmill for hours on end would help you achieve this. Yes, cardio is extremely important for weight loss however you also need to include weight training in your workout routine as the more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn as muscle burns calories even when you’re at rest.

Also, periodisation will help you plan your weight training routine properly so that you don’t overexert a particular muscle group and cause it to become injured.

How should periodisation be practised?

Periodisation is broken down into three phases:

  1. Preparation, in which you work on your general strength and endurance,
  2. Competition, during which – if you’re training for a particular competition – you do exercises that are particular to your particular sport, and
  3. Transition, which allows your body time to recover after the high-intensity competition phase.

Each of the above three phases are further broken down into the:

  • Macro-cycle, which can last up to a year,
  • Meso-cycle which is between four and six weeks, and
  • Micro-cycle which lasts a week.

No matter what your clients’ goals are – whether they are training for the Arnold’s Classic or are just wanting to lose weight before their wedding day – periodisation is a great method of making sure that everything is kept on track and that their goals will be met!

On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma – which is the most advanced personal training diploma on the market – you’ll learn about advanced personal training skills (such as periodisation) which will make you the best personal trainer out there! Follow this link to learn more.

The post Understand what periodisation is appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/understand-periodisation/feed/ 0
The truth behind washboard abs https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-behind-washboard-abs/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-behind-washboard-abs/#respond Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/truth-behind-washboard-abs/ Let’s be honest. At some point, we’ve all wanted to have six-pack abs.  Most people, when embarking on a weight-loss journey, make having visible abs an end goal of their journey but few know how difficult it really is to have and maintain that perfect six-pack. The truth is that there are no shortcuts. There is...

The post The truth behind washboard abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Let’s be honest. At some point, we’ve all wanted to have six-pack abs.  Most people, when embarking on a weight-loss journey, make having visible abs an end goal of their journey but few know how difficult it really is to have and maintain that perfect six-pack.

The truth is that there are no shortcuts. There is no checklist to follow that will guarantee you a set of perfectly chisselled abs. Our bodies are different and unique and, as such, they respond differently to  training and diets. But there are a few essential do’s and don’ts that will get you one step closer to having the abs you’ve always wanted.

1. Doing 1 000 sit-ups won’t get your six-pack abs

Unfortunately, you cannot spot-reduce when losing weight, meaning you cannot choose where your body loses weight first. A lot of body fat is stored around the mid-section so it is not that you don’t have abs – we all have abs. However, some of us just have a bit more body fat around the midsection than others. Doing
1 000 sit-ups to try and burn the fat around your waist won’t make your abs visible.

2. Follow a structured ab routine

Incorporate a variety of abdominal exercises into your routine and dedicate at least one day a week to work on your abs and core. Try to change the exercises that you do often to maximise your results and avoid stagnation, but stay consistent by hitting your session every week.

Do isolated as well as compound abdominal exercises. Some of the most common and loved abdominal exercises are:

Hanging leg raises

Cable crunches

 Plank

3. Follow a structured and consistent cardio and weight-training programme

It’s all about getting lean so that your abs will become visible. Cardio exercises burn calories while you’re exercising, while weight-training burns calories throughout the day. Remember, the more lean muscle you have, the more calories you will burn throughout the day – your body burns calories to maintain the muscle. So weight training is the perfect solution to sculpting your body while burning fat.

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is also a great method to optimise your fat burning instead of fasted or steady-state cardio. The key here is to stay consistent. Consistency is the key to reaching your goal.

4. Follow a structured and balanced meal plan

As much as we would like to exercise our way to the perfect six-pack, it is simply not that easy. What determines whether you will have visible abs or not is your diet.

Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast every day to kickstart your metabolism, followed by five or six balanced, high-protein meals structured three or so hours apart. Protein will help you build and maintain lean muscle while burning fat.

Eat clean, fresh food and try to stay away from sugar and processed foods.

5. Drink lots of water

Keep your body hydrated and nourished and it will perform at an optimal level.

6. Don’t expect miracles overnight

As with weight loss, getting to the point where you have visible abs will take time. As long as you stay consistent with your diet and training, you will see the results sooner or later.

Remember, genes play a role. Depending on your body type, some of us may see results sooner than others. Some don’t even have to put in that much work because they are genetically pre-positioned to have visible abs. As long as you work with what you have and stay consistent, you can have visible, washboard abs too!

If you want to help people get washboard abs, being a personal trainer could be the profession for you! Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will give you the best personal training qualification out there. Follow this link for more information on this course.

The post The truth behind washboard abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-behind-washboard-abs/feed/ 0
Exercises for lower back issues https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-lower-back-issues/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-lower-back-issues/#respond Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercises-lower-back-issues/ As a personal trainer, it is vital for you to know of every single injury and issue your client experiences. One of the most common issues many personal trainers have to work around is lower back pain. There is an increase in the number of men and women who suffer from back pain. Lower back pain and...

The post Exercises for lower back issues appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
As a personal trainer, it is vital for you to know of every single injury and issue your client experiences. One of the most common issues many personal trainers have to work around is lower back pain. There is an increase in the number of men and women who suffer from back pain.

Lower back pain and back injury can be caused by a variety of things, most commonly:

  • Incorrect form while lifting heavy things which puts strain on the back,
  • Lifting from the lower back instead of the knees,
  • Performing sudden movements before you are warmed up,
  • Various illnesses,
  • A sedentary lifestyle, i.e. sitting at a desk all day, and
  • Muscular issues like shortened hamstring muscles, tight back muscles, and more.

If your client suffers from back pain or has an old back injury what do you do?

Well, luckily your client will still be able to exercise to an extent, based on the severity of their injury or back pain. The first thing to do is to assess their pain and mobility so that you can work out a custom training plan based on their profile.

It is very important to do your research and get to know your client’s body and its injuries so that you can create a safe but effective training plan for them. The last thing you want is to increase the severity of their injury or their pain and have them possibly suffer even more for the rest of their life.

The good news is that the severity of back pain, depending on the cause, can be lessened with exercise. Movement is good as it gets the muscle moving and warm, which decreases the pain. So, which exercises can your client perform and which should they stay away from? Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right exercises.

1. Partial crunches

Incorporate exercises that will strengthen your client’s back and stomach muscles. Full crunches could put too much strain on the lower back.

2. Hamstring stretches

Sometimes back pain can originate from – or be worsened by – issues with other muscles. Quite often, shortened hamstrings can cause back pain so if you client already suffers from back pain shortened hamstrings could increase the pain.

3. Wall sits

This is a great exercise as it strengthens the back without putting too much strain on it. You client’s back is also supported by the wall.

4. Plank

Once again, this exercise strengthens the entire core. A stronger core means less back pain as the spine and lower back are more supported.

5. Press-up back extension

Tthis is a great exercise as it does not place any unnecessary strain or weight on the lower back, and it stretches the core and back muscles.

In addition to the above exercise, you can also have your client:

  • Train with weights,
  • Do aerobic exercises,
  • Swim, and
  • Perform bodyweight exercises.

Do not take risks with your clients’ health and well-being. If you are unsure of which exercises they can and cannot perform. On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification, you’ll learn just this and so much more! Click here to find out more information about this course.

The post Exercises for lower back issues appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-lower-back-issues/feed/ 0
How to perfect your running style https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-running-style/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-running-style/#respond Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/perfect-running-style/ Running is great exercise! It’s a fabulous way to burn calories and boost cardiovascular health. And if you have the option of running outdoors, then it’s more entertaining than the usual gym workout… Many of us start running as a way to get a little fitter and a little leaner, or perhaps to complement a...

The post How to perfect your running style appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Running is great exercise! It’s a fabulous way to burn calories and boost cardiovascular health. And if you have the option of running outdoors, then it’s more entertaining than the usual gym workout…

Many of us start running as a way to get a little fitter and a little leaner, or perhaps to complement a strength-training regime. But to really make the most of running, you have to perfect your running style. It’s about your strength, your stride, your power (and your ability to have these things without injuries…).

Here are the tips from our top running coaches to help you improve your running style.

Train for speed

The only way to run faster, is to sprint. So make sure you include a few sprint sessions in your weekly running programme to push yourself. This will encourage your body (your nervous system and your muscles) to learn to move with speed.

 Train for cadence

Your cadence is the frequency with which your feet hit the ground in, say, a minute.

You want to achieve an efficient cadence, which means you’re not over-striding (and potentially causing injury to your joints), but still getting a relatively high number of strikes per minute.

The best way to do this is to measure your cadence. Use a GPS device that measures your cadence or simply a stopwatch set to beep every 20 seconds and you count the number of strikes in that time. Then try to improve so you get upwards of 85 strikes per minute.

Become a stronger runner

To be a better runner, you need to build a body that’s strong all over. Having imbalances or tight joints and muscles undermines your ability to run well.

To remedy this, make sure you do functional exercises that work all the joints and muscles in the body, with a focus on creating strength, mobility and flexibility. The standing bicep curl is an example of a functional exercise. Watch the video below to find out how to perform it.

Breathe better

If you aren’t breathing correctly, you will fatigue faster. The trick is to breathe from your stomach, in a really relaxed way (as opposed to breathing from your chest, which turns into a panting after a little while!).

This way, you’ll settle into a breathing rhythm that’s comfortable and that helps you run for longer.

Don’t be afraid of fatigue

Some running coaches believe that when you’re fatigued, you run better. More specifically, they find that the runner’s stride improves. So schedule one or two endurance runs in your weekly regime so you can find the best stride and make it your norm.

Think about your run

For many of us, a good run is the perfect opportunity to put in headphones and zone out. But running coaches encourage you to assess your own runs regularly. It’s about checking in with yourself, your body, your breath, your stride and speed to see if you can identify your own weak points and refine them little by little. Perhaps you can feel that your stride is long, and just by shortening it slightly, you achieve a better cadence and feel less winded.

Have fun

Now and then, stop measuring yourself – your speed, your cadence, your breath and your pace. Just run, and enjoy the feeling of it. This pure enjoyment gives you a boost!

With these tips, you’ll be able to refine and improve your running style so you can really get the best out of every run.

Running is a great sport just as is tennis, swimming, cricket as well as all the other sports we know and love. To be the best, athletes need to have the best coaches. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sport Conditioning Coach Course will make you into the best coach any athlete could ever ask for. Sign up today!

The post How to perfect your running style appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/perfect-running-style/feed/ 0
Exercising from the inside out! The key to a happy, healthy pregnancy and a quick recovery https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-during-your-pregnancy/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-during-your-pregnancy/#respond Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercise-during-your-pregnancy/ Congratulations! You’re going to be a mommy! Now get moving. Because when you keep up with exercise during your pregnancy, the benefits are huge: You’ll suffer fewer of the preggy symptoms, like heartburn, backache and swollen ankles. Your hormones won’t be so wild, and you’ll feel sexier. You’re more likely to enjoy an easy delivery....

The post Exercising from the inside out! The key to a happy, healthy pregnancy and a quick recovery appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Congratulations! You’re going to be a mommy! Now get moving. Because when you keep up with exercise during your pregnancy, the benefits are huge: You’ll suffer fewer of the preggy symptoms, like heartburn, backache and swollen ankles. Your hormones won’t be so wild, and you’ll feel sexier. You’re more likely to enjoy an easy delivery. And you’ll get your pre-baby body back faster.

And though it may seem counterintuitive, you should pay special attention – in exercise during your pregnancy – to your abs and your core. These are the muscles that – if strong and flexible – will support the growth of your belly to prevent back pain and injury. They also play a major role during labour. And their post-baby recovery is important for the health of other muscles and structures in the body.

We asked the experts to discuss a few of the core workouts that are safe – and beneficial – for exercise during your pregnancy. But first, a little bit about abdominal separation (diastasis recti).

Watch out!

Diastasis recti is the condition in which your abdominal muscles stretch and expand to make room for your growing uterus. The two muscles of your rectus abdominus muscles pull apart from the midline of the body (you can feel a ridge running down the middle of your belly, in fact).

This is a common and necessary shift in the muscles. But it means you have to take care to avoid crunches, sit-ups and any exercises in which your belly hangs towards the ground (e.g. push-ups).

Three core exercises that are pregnancy-safe

1. Pelvic tilts

Start standing with your back against a wall. Inhale and press the small of your back against the wall. Exhale and release your spine. Repeat.


2. Prone knee-lifts

Lie on your left side, your left arm extended above your head and your head resting on your left bicep. Place your right hand on the ground in front of your chest to stabilise your body. Bend your knees together at 90 degree and then bring them slightly forward (so you’re lying in something like a foetal position).

Tighten your core and lift both knees off the ground (or just the top knee, if you can’t manage both). Hold it at the top of the movement before lowering your legs with control.

3. Pilates ball arm and leg lift

Sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Rest your hands on the tops of your thighs. Inhale and focus on tightening your core. As you exhale, straighten your right leg and lift it up as high as possible (but not higher than hip height).

Simultaneously, lift your arms out to the sides until they’re in line with your shoulders (but make sure you aren’t tensing into your shoulders or neck). Slowly and with control, return to the starting position and then repeat, using the other leg.

If you’re passionate about healthy, fit pregnancies – and you believe you have what it takes to train other mommies, sign up for a Comprehensive Pregnancy Exercise Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy.

The post Exercising from the inside out! The key to a happy, healthy pregnancy and a quick recovery appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-during-your-pregnancy/feed/ 0
Pilates Exercise | The Hundred | The Core Counts! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-the-hundred/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-the-hundred/#respond Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-the-hundred/ Founder of the Pilates Method, Joseph Pilates, has been hailed as being light years ahead of his time. The brilliance in his exercises is simply remarkable. Joseph designed a series of many highly effective warm-ups but the one we will be dissecting and analysing here is called The Hundred. True to its name, The Hundred requires you...

The post Pilates Exercise | The Hundred | The Core Counts! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Founder of the Pilates Method, Joseph Pilates, has been hailed as being light years ahead of his time. The brilliance in his exercises is simply remarkable.

Joseph designed a series of many highly effective warm-ups but the one we will be dissecting and analysing here is called The Hundred.

True to its name, The Hundred requires you to coordinate your breath with the pulsing movement of your arms 100 times while your torso is in a constant chest-lift position and your legs are in perfectly poised 45-degree angle.

With your abs, arms legs and diaphragm working hard, your blood will be pumping in no time! This is the very reason why The Hundred is a much-loved and ever-so-popular classical Pilates warm-up.

With this exercise comes the motivating challenge of getting you to hold out to the finish – to the last breath… To the 100th breath…

 Here’s how

  • Begin supine.
  • Draw in your abdominal muscles, with a scooping in and upwards movement as if you were trying to get your belly button to touch your spine.  (This concept can be simply phrased as ‘naval to spine’.)
  • Before beginning your breathing sequence, ensure  your pelvis is in neutral (not tilting up or down but rather parallel to the sky allowing a little space between your lower back and the mat).
  • Place one leg at a time (to avoid unnecessary strain on your back) into tabletop position.
  • Legs are adducted (together) in this position with toes gently pointed reaching out of the heel.
  • Arms are extended at your side with palms facing downward.
  • Pull your shoulders far away from your ears. (Envisage a giraffe with a long neck – this imagery works well as a visual cue.)

Breathing sequence

  • Inhale: Prepare. As you draw your spine into the mat this will take you out of neutral spine. You must do this in order to protect your back as your legs will be moving away from your core.
  • Exhale: Lift your head and chin off the mat as eyes gaze down to your naval. Bring your chin to chest as you raise your arms off the mat. Extend your legs out as low as possible without compromising the neutral lumbar pelvic position. Stabilise the scapulae at all times.
  • Inhale: For five counts, pulse your arms vertically in time with breath, keeping your abdominals contracted.
  • Exhale: For five counts, pulse your arms vertically in time with your breath, deepening the abdominals contraction with every count.  (Perform 10 reps of 10 breaths totaling 100 pulses).
  • Inhale: Hold the position.
  • Exhale: Return to starting position.

Body benefits

  • Strengthening  of your abdominal muscles (large group of muscles located in the front of the abdomen – between the ribs and the pelvis, consisting of the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques and tranverse abdominis).
  • Strengthening of the lower trapezius.
  • Strengthening of quadriceps and hip flexors.
  • Increase in circulation.
  • Trunk stabilisation.
  • Aids in coordination of breath.

Points to ponder

  • Maintain scapulae stabilisation throughout exercise.
  • As a rule never compromise good form. To ensure this does not happen, do not lower your legs too low.
  • To support a weak neck use a bosu ball, deflated ball or interlace fingers and place hands behind your neck. This will give the desired support for your neck, but the latter will increase difficulty for your abdominals.
  •  To increase difficulty forthe abdominals place a small Pilates ball or Pilates circle between your ankles. Another option would be to lower and lift legs in time with the breathing sequence.
  • Decrease difficulty for individuals with lower back problems/weak abdominals by placing both feet on the mat, slowly graduating through each leg level position. The five leg levels are:

– Level 1: Knees bent and feet flat on the mat.
–  Level 2: Lift both legs into tabletop.
–   Level 3: Legs  at 90 or 60 degrees.
–  Level 4: Extend one leg to 45 degrees, the other either flat or in table top.
–  Level 5: Both legs extended out to 45 degrees.

True to Pilates ideology and classical style this warm-up will test the core, build stamina and require complete mind body connection. On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Certification, you’ll gain in-depth Pilates knowledge and skills. So if being a Pilates instructor is something that is your life’s ambition, follow this link.

 

The post Pilates Exercise | The Hundred | The Core Counts! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-the-hundred/feed/ 0
What a sports manager does https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/duties-of-a-sports-manager/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/duties-of-a-sports-manager/#respond Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/duties-of-a-sports-manager/ Sports managers handle the organisational aspects of their clients. Athletes themselves – as well entire organisations – will hire agents to ensure that everything goes well off the field. To become a sports manager you will have to study a Sports Management Certification . Such a certification will definitely increase your chances of finding a job. Job...

The post What a sports manager does appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Sports managers handle the organisational aspects of their clients. Athletes themselves – as well entire organisations – will hire agents to ensure that everything goes well off the field. To become a sports manager you will have to study a Sports Management Certification . Such a certification will definitely increase your chances of finding a job.

Job description

A sports manager has numerous responsibilities which mainly revolve around their clients being able to focus on winning without having to worry about the business side of the sport. Agents will deal with contractual issues but it is up to the managers to ensure the athlete gets everything they need to keep performing at their peak.  (For an real-world example of what a sports manager’s job description entails, click here.)

Duties

The duties of a sports manager will usually vary depending on their clientele. Some sports managers will be responsible for a single athlete and they must keep them in good physical condition. This can vary from hiring personal trainers to resolving personal conflicts between the team and the individual athlete. “As a sports manager,” says Denise Stern, “you’ll be making deals with owners and players while keeping budget constraints in mind.”

The duties of a sports manager

The manager is also a spokesperson for their client and they make sure all their needs are met and that they’re in the best possible position to do well. They will also have to sort out any conflicts between the athlete and the media to ensure the former maintains a good public image.

When a sports manager is the manager of an entire team, the duties can be quite different:

  • The sports manager will work with an entire organisation and they will ensure that the network required for everything to run smoothly is well organised and is a well-oiled machine. This will involve working between the owners of the organisation or club and the players as well as liasing with the marketing department to ensure the team carries a positive image.

Requirements

There are many avenues you could take to become a sports manager but you cannot go wrong with Trifocus Fitness Academy. As mentioned earlier, a certification in sports management is required to become a sports manager and other courses in business or marketing are encouraged. A lot of sports managers will start out as interns in an organisation before becoming actual managers. (To find out more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Sports Management Certification, follow this link.)

Trifocus Fitness Academy offers many courses other than sports management making it possible to turn your passion into your career today! Doing what you love means you will never work another day in your life.

The post What a sports manager does appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/duties-of-a-sports-manager/feed/ 0
Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise/#respond Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise/ Boxing is a phenomenal form of exercise. According to expert martial artist, Jake Wayne: “A 155-lb. boxer will burn between 420 and 650 calories in a 60-minute boxing workout, depending on the exact activities in a given session. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to find out about the other benefits...

The post Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Boxing is a phenomenal form of exercise. According to expert martial artist, Jake Wayne: “A 155-lb. boxer will burn between 420 and 650 calories in a 60-minute boxing workout, depending on the exact activities in a given session. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to find out about the other benefits you can get from boxing.

Enhanced cardiovascular health

Cardio exercise will protect you from heart disease and maintain your weight. Cardio doesn’t have to involve boring exercises like running on a treadmill.

The point of cardio exercise is to put a controlled amount of stress on your heart and lungs so that they are exercised enough to make adaptions to support a higher level of physical activity.

How you choose to place stress on your heart and lungs is entirely up to you. The important thing to do is to keep your heart rate up during your workout. Boxing will definitely keep it up there.

Improved total-body strength

Punching and kicking a bag requires a strong core and a surprising amount of strength is actually required, the pros make it look like a bag weighs almost nothing.

Punching and kicking will use all your muscle groups which means you will be exercising your upper and lower body at the same time. Most boxing gyms will also incorporate other strength and conditioning training into their regime.

The benefits of boxing

Better hand-eye coordination

Hand-eye coordination is really important to maintain total health and it plays an important role in a person’s motor skills. People who have good coordination will often have faster reflexes which will help when you are older because your coordination starts to slip. This could lead to falls.

Boxing will help hone your hand-eye coordination. When you are punching a speed bag or sparring with a partner, you need to be able to see the target and hit it while it is moving around. Practice makes perfect and your coordination will improve pretty quickly.

Decreased stress

Most forms or moderate and intense workouts will decrease stress. Physical activity will increase endorphins so boosting boosting your mood. It works as a form of meditation and it improves sleep. All of those things will decrease the stress in your life.

A simple walk around the block will not help you to forget about your stressors and it sometimes good to get it all out on the field or in the boxing gym.

Once you have realised the health benefits of boxing, you may want to share that knowledge with other people so they can also be happier, enjoy better health and have an improved overall body condition. You can study a boxing instructor course at Trifocus Fitness Academy where you will be equipped with all the necessary skills to become the best boxing instructor you can be. Follow this link to find out more.

The post Benefits of boxing as a form of exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/sports-course-blog/benefits-of-boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise/feed/ 0
The Roll Up https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/the-roll-up/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/the-roll-up/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-roll-up/ In the never-ending quest for the oh-so-enviable, perfect wash-board abs, we are often asked which exercises will achieve this desired look. While nutrition will be a huge factor here, you still need to put in the time and sweat on your mat at home, or in your Pilates studio, to get the results you seek. Within the...

The post The Roll Up appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
In the never-ending quest for the oh-so-enviable, perfect wash-board abs, we are often asked which exercises will achieve this desired look. While nutrition will be a huge factor here, you still need to put in the time and sweat on your mat at home, or in your Pilates studio, to get the results you seek. Within the Pilates method, there are specific exercises that isolate and target the abdominal muscles in a way that no other exercise regime can rival. It is for this very reason we are great fans of the Roll Up.

Known to be at least 30% more effective than a regular stomach crunch, with six regular sit-ups equating to one Pilates Roll Up, we single out the Roll Up because of its efficacy in stomach sculpting and overall strength-building prowess.

 How To

  • Begin lying supine.
  • Legs are extended out straight and adducted, with toes plantar flexed.
  • Arms extended straight above your shoulders and fingers together.
  • Ensure your pelvis is in neutral. At this point your pubic bone and hip bones will be on the same plane.
  • Draw in your abdominal muscles, with a scooping in and upwards movement, as if you were trying to get your belly button to touch your spine.  This concept can be simply phrased as ‘naval to spine’.

Breathing Sequence

  • Inhale: Float your arms up to the sky until these are in line with your ears. Make sure to keep your shoulder blades (scapulae) flat and settled on the mat.
  • Exhale: Bring your chin towards your chest as if you are nodding your head,  squeeze your abdominals tightly and start rolling your entire body up articulating vertebrae by vertebrae working your way up from the neck (cervical spine) through to the mid back (thoracic spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine), until you are sitting up onto your sitting bones. Your arms travel with you as you roll up through each section of the spine.
  • Stretching from the base of your spine, reach towards your toes in an up and over motion, ensuring your head stays down with relaxed shoulders that are far away from your ears.  Keep shoulder blades settled on your back as you stretch forward. Focus on the deep pull in your hamstrings and back muscles.
  • Inhale: Hold position.
  • Exhale: Slowly roll your torso back down onto your mat, stacking each vertebrae one ontop of the other as you start to lower your spine, working back through to the cervical spine (neck) and head, floating your arms along with you as you pass through each region of the spine ending off with your arms extended behind your head.


Body Benefits

  • Promoting stability and strengthening  of the abdominal muscles (large group of muscles located in the front of the abdomen between the ribs and the pelvis, consisting of the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques and tranverse abdominis).
  • Stretching of the hamstrings.
  • Encourages spinal strength, mobility and articulation.

Points to Ponder

  • Squeeze your bum, keep legs together and give a deep exhale in order to help initiate getting you up off the mat.
  • Keep your shoulders depressed throughout this exercise. Have a tall giraffe as a visual when you think about your shoulders. You want them far away from the neck, make sure your shoulders don’t round. Focus on their stabilisation.
  • Keep abdominals tight contacted and connected throughout  the entire exercise.
  • Focus on spinal articulation working through every region of the spine when lowering and lifting the torso.
  • To increase or decrease level of difficulty within this exercise would depend on changing your leg position. An example of this would be to bend your knees for a weaker or injured person versus straight legs for someone stronger.
  • Repeat the exercise six times.
  • A follow-on exercise from here would be to the more advanced exercise called the neck pull.

If you are interested in starting an exciting career as a Pilates instructor Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Course is just for you! On it you’ll learn basic mat, ball and band exercises IN ADDITION TO the more advanced cadillac and reformer exercises. Click here to find out more.

 

The post The Roll Up appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/fitness-sport-management-blog/the-roll-up/feed/ 0
8 training techniques for fat burning https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/8-training-techniques-fat-burning/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/8-training-techniques-fat-burning/#respond Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/8-training-techniques-fat-burning/ If you are serious about fat burning, first make time in your daily schedule for proper nutrition. People often tend to try and lose weight by only doing intense metabolic resistance training and high intensity interval training (HITT). The key is to switch consistently between different strategies. Keep the following training techniques in mind when...

The post 8 training techniques for fat burning appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are serious about fat burning, first make time in your daily schedule for proper nutrition. People often tend to try and lose weight by only doing intense metabolic resistance training and high intensity interval training (HITT). The key is to switch consistently between different strategies.

Keep the following training techniques in mind when planning your fat-burning exercise programme.

Choose the correct exercises

No matter what your goals are, the effectiveness of any training programme starts with choosing the correct exercises. The exercises that have compound movements are the ones you should be doing to increase your rate of fat burning.

Get stronger 

When your goal is fat loss, you want to burn as much fat as possible.  The stronger you get with strength training, the more weight you can lift and the more energy it takes out of you. This will allow you to do all your other forms of training (metabolic resistance training, conditioning) at a much higher and faster level which makes these even more effective for getting rid of unwanted body fat.

Build more muscle

When one as more lean muscle, more calories are burned. So even when you are trying to loose fat you still need to gain some muscle mass.

 

Rotate between different strategies

With fat-loss programmes, switch as needed to different strategies such as the following

  • Metabolic resistance training: Use moderate weights for moderate reps while alternating upper/lower-body exercises or doing whole body circuits.
  • Strength training: Use more traditional strength training methods to allow you to lift more weight when you return to metabolic resistance training.
  • Bodybuilding: Focus on building lean muscle to raise your metabolic rate and doing brisk walking to burn a few extra calories.
  • Strength plus conditioning: Focus on getting stronger in the weight room and doing challenging forms of conditioning to boost EPOC (that after-burn effect).
  • Allow sufficient time between different stressors: When designing a weekly plan for your training, consider how the different styles affect different systems (nervous system stressors, joint stressors, spinal compression, and metabolic stressors) that affect recovery.
  • Get outside: We are made to be outdoors, but running sprints at the track, finding a hill and doing sprints, push and pulling a sled can help your fat burning. You can also try outdoor activities and sports that will help you have fun, reduce stress and burn the extra calories.
  • Focus on the target areas: When you target certain areas with continuous, high-rep training and followed by a 30-minute cardio sessions, you can mobilise more fat from that area.
  • Do cardio bursts: This is one great way to get the fat burning faster is adding intense bouts of cardio throughout your workout.

Do you have a passion for exercise and teaching people how to train their bodies correctly? Why not sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma? You’ll get the the most in-depth personal training education out there.

The post 8 training techniques for fat burning appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/8-training-techniques-fat-burning/feed/ 0
Why Yoga can help to keep your stress levels low https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/yoga-can-help-keep-stress-levels-low/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/yoga-can-help-keep-stress-levels-low/#respond Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-can-help-keep-stress-levels-low/ Yoga is a discipline that brings together the physical, spiritual and mental. The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to unite, bring together or integrate. Central to the practice of Yoga are meditation and breathing. Experts have found that regular meditation and deep breathing will help in busting stress and increasing...

The post Why Yoga can help to keep your stress levels low appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Yoga is a discipline that brings together the physical, spiritual and mental. The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to unite, bring together or integrate. Central to the practice of Yoga are meditation and breathing. Experts have found that regular meditation and deep breathing will help in busting stress and increasing your sense of relaxation. Take a look.

Learn how to meditate

Meditation has been around for thousands of years and those who practise its gentle art form will be quick to rave about its powers to quieten your mind, find inner peace and to make a connection with your inner self.

Before you throw up your hands and protest loudly that you don’t have time to meditate, think again!

Meditation isn’t just about sitting cross-legged in your lounge for half an hour a day, while chanting “ohm”.

Meditation is all about becoming aware and focusing on something in particular in order to clear your mind of the ‘busy-ness’ that plagues our everyday lives.

A tried-and-trusted technique that Yogis recommend for people who are too busy to meditate, yet want to meditate, is walking meditation.

How would I practise walking meditation?

When you walk, for example, from your car into the office, instead of running through all the things that you’ve got to do at the office during that day, rather take the time to focus on the actual process of getting out your car and walking to your office. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other, keeping an eagle eye out for anything that might disrupt your path to the office. Be aware of other cars in the parking lot, look out for possible obstacles in your path that you could trip over. By the time that you reach your desk, chances are very good that you’ll feel focused and ready to tackle your tasks for the day!

Take a deep breath

When you’re stressed, adrenaline pumps through your body, causing your heart rate to sky rocket. This is due to the fight-or-flight syndrome as your brain tells your body that you’re in immediate danger so the adrenaline courses through your blood stream, literally pumping you up and getting you ready to go – in a hurry.

By taking a few deep breaths – inhaling through your nose, holding it and then exhaling through your mouth – you’ll slow your heart beat down and will start to feel relaxed. This type of deep breathing is a staple of Yoga practice, which is why practising Yoga regularly will slash your stress levels into ribbons!

Are you already familiar with the stress-busting properties that Yoga provides? Are you keen to let others in on the secret? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Yoga Course is something that you need to check out. Follow this link to learn more.

The post Why Yoga can help to keep your stress levels low appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/yoga-can-help-keep-stress-levels-low/feed/ 0
The most important difference between simple and complex carbohydrates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/simple-complex-carbohydrates/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/simple-complex-carbohydrates/#respond Sun, 04 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/simple-complex-carbohydrates/ Carbohydrates are not made equal. They come in two forms: simple and complex. And essentially, the difference between the two lies in the way each is digested and absorbed by your body. Understanding the difference between the two means you’re able to make better choices about your nutrition. Let’s take a closer look. Simple carbohydrates...

The post The most important difference between simple and complex carbohydrates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Carbohydrates are not made equal. They come in two forms: simple and complex. And essentially, the difference between the two lies in the way each is digested and absorbed by your body.

Understanding the difference between the two means you’re able to make better choices about your nutrition.

Let’s take a closer look.

Simple carbohydrates

A simple carbohydrate comprises just one or two sugar molecules (hence why it’s also called a simple sugar). Because of its simple structure, it’s digested quickly and easily. So your body is able to turn it into energy fast. They offer you no nutritional value. Think sugar, corn syrup, honey and syrup.

What happens when you eat or drink a simple sugar?

The sugar is digested and absorbed fast and you’ll feel the boost in energy and alertness. Your pancreas will release a dose of insulin to help your body get rid of the excess sugar and reduce the amount of glucagon it’s producing (and glucagon is that wonderful hormone that releases the body fat you have stored up, to be burned for energy).

This dose of insulin leaves you feeling like you’ve got low blood sugar – like you’re in a slump – so you crave more sugar. Which in turn, causes the release of more insulin and the suppression of glucagon. And eventually, your body isn’t burning fat anymore – it’s just burning through the sugar you eat, as and when you eat it.

In a complex carbohydrate, there are a number of sugar molecules coiled together. This means it takes your body longer to break it down during digestion. These carbohydrates also tend to have a high fibre content.

And since a lot of the complex carbohydrates are plant-based, they often carry vitamins and minerals too.
For example:

  • Green veggies,
  • Beans and peas,
  • Whole grains and
  • Starchy vegetables.

What happens when you eat or drink a complex sugar?

During digestion, these carbohydrates are slowly broken down into their individual glucose molecules and are either used up as fuel (if you need it) or stored in your muscles and your liver in the form of glycogen (an easy-to-use form of sugar).

Read the labels and make healthy choices

It’s clear to see that the only time simple sugars are useful to you is when you’re running a marathon and need a boost.

Otherwise, they kill your body’s in-built fat burning mechanisms, while making you dependent on them for that fleeting high.

If you want to avoid this, learn to read food labels carefully. Learn to spot the sugars (these are the ingredients that end in “-ose”), and learn to differentiate between the simple and complex forms. Try to choose whole foods over processed foods, where sugars are easily hidden in a long list of ingredients.

Understanding the role of nutrition in your longevity and wellness is critical. And if you’re interested in learning more (and helping others improve their own nutrition), check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Certificate.

The post The most important difference between simple and complex carbohydrates appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/simple-complex-carbohydrates/feed/ 0
Four formidable ways exercise will keep you younger https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-keep-you-younger/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-keep-you-younger/#respond Sat, 03 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/exercises-to-keep-you-younger/ Many of us exercise in the pursuit of a particular physique to prevent weight gain or to keep fit. And of course because we know that regular exercise is key to good health. And arguably, good health is all about longevity and long-lasting youthfulness, right? Take a look at this – it’ll make you want...

The post Four formidable ways exercise will keep you younger appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Many of us exercise in the pursuit of a particular physique to prevent weight gain or to keep fit. And of course because we know that regular exercise is key to good health.

And arguably, good health is all about longevity and long-lasting youthfulness, right?

Take a look at this – it’ll make you want to get moving right away!

1. Longer telomeres mean you slow down ageing

Scientists have identified the part of your DNA that’s responsible for ageing – the grey hairs, the wrinkles, the achy joints… They’re called telomeres.

Telomeres are the caps on the ends of your chromosomes (which carry your genes). Every time a cell in your body divides, the telomeres shorten a little. Eventually, that cell runs out of telomere and it can’t divide anymore. It dies.

Scientists have found that exercise can actually lengthen your telomeres and slow ageing! This is especially so if you combine this exercise with a healthy diet and good stress management.

2. Your heart will thank you

There’s a good reason why your doctor takes your pulse when you go for a check-up: he wants to see what your resting heart rate is. This tells him how hard your heart has to work to get oxygenated blood to the rest of your body. The higher the resting heart rate, the harder your heart is working to pump oxygenated blood to your body.

The average resting heart rate for an adult is somewhere between 70 and 75 beats per minute. If you’re unfit, this will be higher – around 80 to 90 beats per minute. If you’re fit, it will be in the 50s and 60s.
Regular exercise (especially aerobic or cardio) lowers your resting heart rate. And doctors believe that this lengthens your life.

3. Your immune system will thank you

Regular exercise stimulates the body’s production of white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing bacteria and viruses from entering the body.

Plus, when you exercise, your lymph nodes (the little glands that move lymph around the body to collect and remove toxins) are stimulated to remove more toxins, faster.

Once your body has rid itself of toxins, it’ll function better for longer.

4. You’ll sleep better

Getting a good night’s sleep is not only good for your body in terms of recovery from exertion. It also means your body’s hormones are in balance. After all, if your levels of stress hormone are too high, you’ll battle to wind down and fall asleep (and your quality of sleep will be poor).

Exercise is a powerful way to rid the body of excess cortisol (among others). And this facilitates healthy sleep cycles. Which in turn promotes good health and longevity.

If you’ve always understood the power of exercise, and now want to help others enjoy this power too, consider a career as a personal trainer. Check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification offered by Trifocus Fitness Academy.

The post Four formidable ways exercise will keep you younger appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-keep-you-younger/feed/ 0
Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-you-should-be-supplementing-with-creatine/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-you-should-be-supplementing-with-creatine/#respond Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/creatine/ For most of us, the supplements lining the shelves of our local gym shop are intimidating. They promise to make us leaner, faster, harder and stronger… And it seems there are dozens upon dozens of supplements available.  All you need to know is that there’s one supplement in there that you SHOULD be taking if...

The post Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
For most of us, the supplements lining the shelves of our local gym shop are intimidating. They promise to make us leaner, faster, harder and stronger… And it seems there are dozens upon dozens of supplements available.  All you need to know is that there’s one supplement in there that you SHOULD be taking if you work out at all. It’s called creatine monohydrate. And contrary to popular myth, it doesn’t destroy your kidneys, your liver or your heart.

But it has been proven – scientifically – to deliver on its promise. Quite remarkably, too!

1. Your body produces it, naturally

Your body makes and stores it. And you also get it from food- primarily meat and animal products (i.e. cheese, milk, eggs). It’s made up of three amino acids, namely glycine, methionine and arginine.

Your muscles store creatine for use when you engage in physical activity. The thing is, if you’re doing something that’s physically strenuous, your stores will be depleted, resulting in that feeling of fatigue.
By supplementing with creatine, you make sure that your body’s stores are saturated, with plenty to spare.

2. It gives your muscles energy faster than glucose does

Creatine monohydrate increases the amount of creatine phosphate in your body. This molecule is like the dynamite of energy sources:

  • It gives your muscles – specifically the fast-twitch fibres in the muscle – energy faster than glucose does.
  • And this makes it easier for you to perform short, intense workouts without tiring. Which, in turn, strengthens the muscle fibres, allowing you to run faster, lift more weight or perform more reps.

3. So you gain more muscle mass

Because creatine allows you to handle a bigger workload at the gym (be it running faster, lifting more, etc), you build more muscle mass.

It is also responsible for an increase in the amount of water inside your muscles cells. This water exerts a pressure force on the membranes of your muscle cells. And this is what makes your muscle cells grow through a process called protein synthesis.

What’s more, creatine kicks your muscular stem cells into action. And this also results in muscle growth and repair too.

4. A spoonful of sugar helps it go down

No, you didn’t read it wrong… Most creatine supplements come in powder form, for you to mix into a drink. We suggest you mix it with a sugary drink since the resulting insulin spike is what helps the muscles take up more creatine.

5. It helps your muscles recover better (and your bones stay strong)

Tests have found that creatine reduces the damage and inflammation that’s inevitable in muscle cells after strenuous physical activity.

Plus, it’s found to strengthen the bones, preventing conditions like osteoporosis, and bone regeneration. So if you’ve suffered a bone fracture, supplementing with creatine may well help you heal quicker and better.

How to supplement with creatine

6. It boosts neurological performance too

Researchers have found the Creatine also benefits brain function, improving memory and response time, for example. It also helps the part of the brain that handles problem-solving.

7. It kicks diabetes down

Creatine improves glucose tolerance, which in turn, combats diabetes.

8. Creatine slows the ageing of muscles

As we grow older, our muscle fibres age and slowly degenerate too. Creatine, because of its action in enhancing the performance of these fibres, helps to slow this natural ageing process. Which means you keep more healthy muscle for longer.

9. It does all of this – ONLY if you do the work

Let’s be clear: There are no short-cuts to a lean, muscular, strong, fit body. If you think that by taking creatine, you’ll reap the benefits while you sit on the couch munching snacks, you’re wrong.

To see the benefits, you still need to work out regularly, eat nutritious food and get enough rest.

If you’ve been preaching the benefits of creatine to your friends, your granny and the dude who sits next to you at work, maybe your calling is a career as a personal trainer? Check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy today!

The post Nine reasons why you should be supplementing with creatine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-you-should-be-supplementing-with-creatine/feed/ 0
Tips to motivate you for that 10km run https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-motivate-10km-run/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-motivate-10km-run/#respond Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/tips-motivate-10km-run/ Do you look at distance runners with envy? Wish you too could run 10km? You can – and don’t need a personal trainer to help you. Read on to find out more. 1. Invest in a good pair of running shoes If you’ve never run before, then you’ve never experienced the pain of runners’ injuries (shin...

The post Tips to motivate you for that 10km run appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Do you look at distance runners with envy? Wish you too could run 10km? You can – and don’t need a personal trainer to help you. Read on to find out more.

1. Invest in a good pair of running shoes

If you’ve never run before, then you’ve never experienced the pain of runners’ injuries (shin splints and torn ligaments). You can prevent these sorts of injuries by wearing shoes designed specifically for running and that will offer you protection and comfort. However, buying the right pair of running shoes is critical. After all, no two runners’ feet strike the ground and move through the running gait, in the same way.

2. Enter a 10km race or fun run to cement your goals

By entering a race (even a non-competitive one), you’re making a commitment. This will keep you motivated and on track. Plus, it gives you a timeline for your training – you can’t take it too easy if you know you only have a month until race day, for example.

3. Find a training programme that suits you

You may be a raw beginner, with zero running experience. Perhaps you’re comfortable with a 5km trot and are looking for a new challenge. Possibly you have the time to run and train every day, or maybe you can only train four times a week. These are just a few of the considerations that will inform the kind of programme you should look for. There are loads of programmes available online, for example, and in running magazines.

You can also design your own programme. Here’s how:

  • Set a goal date (maybe the day of your fun run).  Count back how many weeks between today and race day.
  • Decide how many days of the week you will dedicate to your running (three days a week is a good starting point).  Make sure each week you do one short, medium-fast paced run, one endurance run and one session of intervals (e.g. two minutes running, one minute rest, repeated). Make sure you have a rest day after the endurance run. In addition, make sure each week, you take it up a notch by running a little further, faster or longer.
  • If you’re new to running, ensure you pick a pace and an interval set that are appropriate to your level of fitness and endurance.

4. Join a running club

Social running clubs are a great place for you to get your training done! Surrounding yourself with like-minded runners means you’re more likely to stay motivated and meet your goals. Plus, you’ll get advice and support from more seasoned runners.

5. Drop a kilo or two to save your knees

Running is a high-impact sport and while 10km isn’t technically considered an endurance distance, it’s still pretty long. Losing one or two kilos means you don’t have to work as hard, physically, to make the distance more easily. Plus, it reduces the impact stress on joints.

If you’re already pretty good at running, but you’d like to help more people find joy in running, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Comprehensive Personal Trainer Certification.

The post Tips to motivate you for that 10km run appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-motivate-10km-run/feed/ 0
12 calorie-burning exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-calorie-burning-exercises/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-calorie-burning-exercises/#respond Thu, 24 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-best-calorie-burning-exercises/ If it’s your mission to burn away fat, then you should be signing up for calorie-burning exercises. Here’s a roundup of the 12 exercises that yield the highest burn. Incorporate them into your workouts and you’ll soon see the results. 1. Kettlebells There’s a reason why the original Russian kettlebell swingers boasted a very low body...

The post 12 calorie-burning exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If it’s your mission to burn away fat, then you should be signing up for calorie-burning exercises.
Here’s a roundup of the 12 exercises that yield the highest burn. Incorporate them into your workouts and you’ll soon see the results.

1. Kettlebells

There’s a reason why the original Russian kettlebell swingers boasted a very low body fat percentage: kettlebell training burns about 400 calories in just 20 minutes so it’s one of those super duper calorie-burning exercises. The combination of weight training, plus compound movements means you get an incredible workout.

2. Running

Jogging will burn between 800 and 900 calories per hour. Running burns between 900 and 1500 calories. Need another excuse to lace up your running shoes today and take part in one of the world’s best calorie-burning exercises?

3. Skipping

Here’s an excellent reason to borrow your daughter’s skipping rope: You’ll burn around 800 calories in an hour! It’s easy to incorporate skipping into your daily schedule since you get a fabulous workout in just 20 minutes with the rope.

4. Soccer

Ever seen a chunky soccer player? That’s because an hour on the pitch fries anywhere between 900 and 1400 calories.

5. High intensity interval training (HIIT)

You’ll burn around 300 calories in just 20 minutes.

6. Plyometrics

Box jumps, burpees and rabbit hops. Do these for half an hour, and you’ll feel the burn.

7. Zumba

If dancing’s your passion, then zumba is a fabulous choice – it burns between 400 and 700 calories per hour.

8. Superset weight training

The resistance training element of supersets ramps up your heart rate and burns more calories than regular weight training sets. Add some skipping in between sets and you’ll be on the money.

9. Cycling

It’s not just the lycra shorts that make cyclists look lean. Their sport burns about 800 calories an hour.

10. Climbing stairs

Rocky Balboa knew it. Running up and down stairs burns anywhere between 650 and 900 calories an hour.

11. Racket sports

Tennis and squash are excellent calorie-burning exercises, at between 600 and 900 calories burned in an hour.

12. Swimming

You don’t have to sweat to burn calories! Get into the pool and you could burn between 700 and 850 calories in an hour.

Remember that when you’re trying to lose weight, burning calories at the gym is just one half of the effort. Your diet must encourage the calorie burn too!

If you already lead a physically active, healthy lifestyle, then you’re already achieving something amazing. But maybe it’s not enough? Maybe you want to inspire others to do the same, to be their best? Sign up today for a Comprehensive Personal Training Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy, and realise your dreams.

The post 12 calorie-burning exercises appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-calorie-burning-exercises/feed/ 0
Here’s the reason why you can’t seem to get six-pack abs https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/six-pack-abs/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/six-pack-abs/#respond Wed, 23 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/six-pack-abs/ Walk into any gym, and you’ll likely see someone doing crunches. Because crunches are the only way to get six-pack abs, right? Wrong!  So how do you get amazing abs? Simple: You need to make your body – especially your belly – as lean and strong as possible. Your abdominal muscles sit behind a layer of...

The post Here’s the reason why you can’t seem to get six-pack abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Walk into any gym, and you’ll likely see someone doing crunches. Because crunches are the only way to get six-pack abs, right? Wrong!  So how do you get amazing abs? Simple: You need to make your body – especially your belly – as lean and strong as possible. Your abdominal muscles sit behind a layer of fat that was put there to protect your organs and help keep you warm. So if you want to see your abs, you need to make this layer of fat as lean and tight as possible.

To achieve this, you have to:

1. Clean up your diet

Your granny was right: You are what you eat. So if you keep eating koeksisters and burgers, no amount of crunches is going to make you lean.

Focus on a diet that’s low in carbohydrates, refined foods and sugars. Opt for meals with a moderate amount of protein, and an abundance of healthy fats (like avocado, extra virgin olive oil, etc) and fibre (hello, green leafy veggies!).

The trick with diets is to turn them into a lifestyle and you can’t do this if your chosen diet is not sustainable. So avoid fad diets that promise great results but will leave you feeling ill, weak or just plain frustrated. Keep it simple: Eat whole foods – the right ones.

2. Get the right exercise

Running on the treadmill for three hours every day, chasing the six-pack abs dream is NOT going to give you that six-pack. Too much high-intensity exercise could result in a nasty injury.

Plus, there’s plenty of evidence that cardio training alone is less effective than a mix of cardio and strength training. What’s more, you need overall body strength – not just abdominal strength – to get closer to the six-pack abs  you’re after.

We recommend you create a workout schedule that offers you a mix of interval training, including weights/strength training, as well as cardio exercise. And don’t forget that a rest day once or twice a week is also beneficial. You could use those rest days to stretch, or engage in say, team sports that get you moving and keep you engaged with your goals.

Oh, and keep in mind that functional abdominal exercises will be more useful than regular old crunches (which ca hurt your lower back).

How to get those six-pack abs

3. Give it time

Getting lean takes time. You won’t see huge changes in your abdominals in one week, or two. It may take months before you start to “see” your six-pack abs. So be patient and just keep up the hard work. Remember that, once you start getting lean, you have to work harder to see big losses.

Also, keep in mind that every body is different. In fact, science has shown us that men lose body fat easier and quicker than women (women need to have a higher body fat percentage for normal bodily function). So be realistic in your goals from the start. Some of the bodies you see in music videos and on magazine covers have been made with the help of chemicals and drugs.

If you own more gym pants than jeans, and your friends regularly ask you for workout advice, maybe you’re destined to be the next superstar personal trainer? Sign up today for a Comprehensive Personal Training Certificate from Trifocus Fitness Academy and make it a reality!

The post Here’s the reason why you can’t seem to get six-pack abs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/six-pack-abs/feed/ 0
The truth about your genetics and your weight https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-genetics-weight-2/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-genetics-weight-2/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/truth-genetics-weight/ So you’ve been working out hard, for months. And you haven’t let one “bad” food past your lips. But you aren’t shedding the weight. Not as fast as you’d hoped. And now you’re watching your dad gardening. And he’s a little pudgy. And it occurs to you, your weight – and the way you just...

The post The truth about your genetics and your weight appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
So you’ve been working out hard, for months. And you haven’t let one “bad” food past your lips. But you aren’t shedding the weight. Not as fast as you’d hoped. And now you’re watching your dad gardening. And he’s a little pudgy. And it occurs to you, your weight – and the way you just can’t seem to shift it – is written into your genes… Is your genetics sabotaging your weight loss? Do your genes control your cravings on a cellular level?

Yes – your genes may be responsible for your weight…

Yes. Maybe.

Scientists have discovered that there are mutations in genetics and also specific genes that play a role in our weight gain and could be responsible for obesity in families. For example, there’s a genetic mutation that runs in families that prevents fat loss. When members of these families are paired against members of other families that lack this mutation in an environment where their diet and exercise is controlled, the family with the mutation don’t burn fat at the same rate as the other family.

There are also specific genes that have been found to increase fatty food cravings, like one called Ghrelin (which is prevalent in people who are sleep deprived,  by the way).

And then there’s Leptin, which is produced by your body’s fat cells. When your Leptin level falls below a specific and individual level, your body programmes you to want more food. If you’re healthy, then you stop craving food (or crave less food) when your Leptin levels reach a certain threshold. But if you’re leptin resistant, you’ll keep eating high-calorie foods, even when your Leptin levels have exceeded that threshold.

But you’re responsible for your weight too

But in spite of these findings, scientists insist that individuals can change their behaviour to take control of their weight.

You could come from a family that has one of the genetic mutations we talked about earlier. But you could be strict about eating the right foods, in the right quantities, and getting sufficient exercise to control weight gain. And in so doing, you won’t fall victim to your genetics.

The truth about your genetics and your weight

Don’t get overweight in the first place

There’s also new research emerging, which points to the fact that once you’ve gained too much weight, losing it gets tougher and tougher. Scientists are finding that once you have to lose a lot of weight, keeping that weight off means you have to eat even less and exercise even more to maintain the lower weight, than someone who didn’t gain as much weight as you (but is the same height and age and gender as you).

These scientists have found that your body (your metabolism, and the hunger mechanisms of your body) want to return to that heavier physique, which means you have to work harder at your diet and exercise routine, to avoid that boomerang.

Essentially, if you want to look good in your favourite pair of jeans or that bikini, then you can’t simply hope to lose 5kg a few weeks before beach season. You have to pursue a healthy lifestyle. And you know what that means: Avoiding high-calorie foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, etc. You have to motivate yourself constantly to avoid weight gain.

If learning about good nutrition and wellness make you feel inspired and motivated, maybe you’re destined to become a star nutritionist. Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Certification today!

The post The truth about your genetics and your weight appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/truth-genetics-weight-2/feed/ 0
How to find the best running shoes for your feet https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-shoes/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-shoes/#respond Sat, 19 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/running-shoes/ Even if you take a short jog now and then, it’s important that you do so in a pair of running shoes that fits your foot properly. Many running-related injuries can be avoided simply by wearing the right running shoes.  We’ll explain how to find out what your feet need out of a running shoe...

The post How to find the best running shoes for your feet appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Even if you take a short jog now and then, it’s important that you do so in a pair of running shoes that fits your foot properly. Many running-related injuries can be avoided simply by wearing the right running shoes.  We’ll explain how to find out what your feet need out of a running shoe so you know what to look for in a pair of shoes.

Study the way your foot strikes the ground

Open your bedroom cupboard and pick up a pair of shoes you’ve worn to do any running (or lots of walking). Turn them over and look at the soles, closely, to see where they’ve been worn down through the strike action of your foot as it comes down during the running motion.

Wherever the sole of the shoe is worn down the most is where you will need a little more cushioning in your new running shoes. This wear pattern may also shed some light on the way your foot pronates (we’ll explain that in a minute).

 

 

Take the wet feet test to find out how your feet pronate

First, let’s discuss the different kinds of pronation – or motion mechanics – of your feet:

  • Pronation is when the middle of your foot turns inwards and downwards during walking or running. This movement allows for shock absorption.
  • Overpronation is when your pronation is extreme so that your foot rolls inwards during movement and you push off using your big toe.
  • Underpronation (or supination) is when your foot doesn’t roll in (or when it rolls out, so that you push off using the exterior side of the foot).

The pronation of your feet will inform the kind of running shoes you buy.

Submerge your feet in a tub of water. Climb out of the tub and step onto a piece of thick paper or cardboard. Now look closely at the wet print left by your feet. Specifically, look at the arch of your foot:

  •  You can’t see a definitely discernible arch in your wet print: You have flat feet. This means you overpronate so you need shoes that are structured to offer great stability, particularly in the mid-sole.
  • You can see the ball of the foot and the heel in the wet print but the arch is a very thin line: You have high arches. This means you underpronate. You need shoes that have flexible soles (especially in the middle) and that absorb shock. Also, be aware that regular running will eventually push your arches flatter and this might cause your feet to spread (i.e. get longer). So be sure to check your shoe size periodically.
  • You see an arch in the wet print but it’s neither thin nor thick: You have neutral feet so you pronate within the normal range. You can buy pretty much any running shoe but avoid those that are built to give you stability since this will actually throw your foot off its neutral pronation.

Take this information with you to a running shoe store (and perhaps take the worn out old pair of shoes you examined earlier to identify your strike pattern) and consult an experienced shoe salesperson.
And if the science behind movement is what fascinates you, then check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Exercise Science Certification. And make a career out of your passion!

The post How to find the best running shoes for your feet appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/running-shoes/feed/ 0
5 Reasons why you haven’t been able to stick to your exercise goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-stick-to-exercise-goals/ Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-stick-to-exercise-goals/ We all go to bed on New Year’s Eve (or New Year’s morning…) vowing to lose weight, exercise and get fit – with or without a personal trainer. To exercise regularly, to eat more healthily. To quit smoking or to break up with sugar .  Unfortunately, only a few of us actually follow through with these...

The post 5 Reasons why you haven’t been able to stick to your exercise goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We all go to bed on New Year’s Eve (or New Year’s morning…) vowing to lose weight, exercise and get fit – with or without a personal trainer. To exercise regularly, to eat more healthily. To quit smoking or to break up with sugar .  Unfortunately, only a few of us actually follow through with these goals, beyond, say, the first month or two. Why do we fail to achieve our goals? Why do we lack motivation to go to gym?

1. We set unrealistic or overly difficult goals

We’re not saying you shouldn’t aim high but setting goals that are very far out of reach means that achieving them is very difficult. “The University of New Hampshire explains that goal setters can use the SMART acronym to develop goals. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable and relevant. They should also have a specific time frame for completion,” says Leigh Ann Morgan.

2. We try to fly solo

Researchers have found that one of the single most important factors in the success of any long-term plan is your support network. So if your plan is to be able to run a 5km race, don’t take up the training alone – get a friend to join you  or enlist the help of a personal trainer. Their support, motivation and encouragement will make you far more likely to make it to race day – and beyond!

3. The path toward the goal isn’t clear enough

Your resolution is to lose 5kgs by the time your best friend’s wedding rolls around but you don’t create a plan to lose the weight. So what happens? You eat salad for a week and go to every spinning class your gym offers, and then fall off the bike (so to speak) and the “plan” goes out the window. Any major goal needs a clear plan in place, outlining exactly what you’ll do, how, when and where to get there.

4. We don’t make the time

It’s the modern condition: being sooo busy… Shopping for healthy foods (and cooking them!) is time consuming. Likewise, getting fit means making it to the gym five (or six) days a week. The existing demands on your time aren’t going to disappear just because you’ve resolved to lose weight and get fit. You still have to fit in work, sleep, bathing the kids, socialising, traffic time, and so on.

Start by understanding how much free time you ACTUALLY have to dedicate to your exercise goals. Then make sure you aren’t trying to do too much in that time (because if you are, it won’t be long before you get frustrated and quit).

5. We get bummed out and give up when we hit a speedbump

Sticking to your fitness goals and committing to an exercise plan isn’t always easy. Life sometimes gets in the way and we fall off the wagon. This is when we get despondent and we give up. Even if we do try to get back on track, we find it very difficult to stay focused.

First, cut yourself some slack. Second, make sure you set a few milestones on the path to your goals; at each milestone, there’s a great opportunity to congratulate yourself (hello, new shoes!) for your achievements thus far.  Take another good look at the goal – remember why you want to achieve it, and why it means so much to you. Stay positive!

If you think you have what it takes to be an amazing personal trainer – the kind that gets clients to their fitness goals effortlessly – then check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy today. Follow this link to find out more.

The post 5 Reasons why you haven’t been able to stick to your exercise goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Dangers of too much exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/dangers-of-too-much-exercise/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/dangers-of-too-much-exercise/#respond Sat, 12 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/dangers-of-too-much-exercise/ If you are a hard core fitness junkie, you will most likely feel that unless you kill every workout, each day – if not twice a day – you are just not doing it right. With the growing popularity of high-intensity exercise, there is an increasing number of people joining in bootcamps, crossfit and other...

The post Dangers of too much exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
If you are a hard core fitness junkie, you will most likely feel that unless you kill every workout, each day – if not twice a day – you are just not doing it right. With the growing popularity of high-intensity exercise, there is an increasing number of people joining in bootcamps, crossfit and other forms of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programmes. So we run, cycle, lift, jump and push ourselves to the point of exhaustion in our never-ending quest to attain the perfect body. Could you be hindering your progress, weight loss and muscle gains – and undoing any good work that any personal trainer could ever do with you – by clinging to this notion? How much exercise is too much exercise?

What part does the endocrine system play in training?

The endocrine system plays a key role in exercise, and it is important to understand its function for you to get the correct hormone response so you can achieve your goal.

Firstly let’s take a look at cortisol. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, both mental and physical (yes that includes all forms of exercise, both aerobic and weight training). Its main function is to maintain homeostasis within the body.

When there are prolonged, elevated levels of cortisol in the body, the following occurs:

  • Muscle wasting,
  • An increase in abdominal fat,
  • Water retention,
  • Impairment of the immune system,
  • Suppression of anabolic hormones, for example testosterone, insulin and growth hormone, and
  • Memory problems.

To right your cortisol levels, get enough rest between exercise sessions. Do this and any personal trainer will be proud of you!

Dangers of too much exercise

Too much exercise could wreak havoc with your diet

In many instances, overtraining is often accompanied by a diet that is so low in calories that the body is unable to recover from exercise. Your body also will not be able to recover fully from exercise if you do not eat enough protein. To correct this, consume glutamine, BCAAs or carbohydrates directly after your workout.

Overtraining could equal more injuries

Another frequent occurrence with overtraining is overstressing muscles, tendons, joints and bones. This could lead to muscle tears, tendon rupture, joint degeneration and stress fractures.

People who increase the intensity of their training suddenly are also at risk of suffering from these injuries. This means that it is imperative that a strength balance be maintained between opposing muscle groups and overall conditioning be included in any training programme.

So how can you tell if you are doing too much exercise?

Have a look at the list of symptoms below:

  1. Continued muscle soreness  and fatigue,
  2. Elevated resting heart rate (RHR),
  3. Increased incidence of infection,
  4. Frequent injuries,
  5. Irritability,
  6. Insomnia,
  7. Depression,
  8. Continually feeling run down,
  9. Decreased strength and performance, and
  10. Absence of menstrual cycle.

It’s a personal trainer’s job to make sure that their clients do not overtrain. Want to help people see the dangers of too much exercise? You will learn this – and a lot more about persona training – on Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certificate. Click here for more information.

The post Dangers of too much exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/dangers-of-too-much-exercise/feed/ 0
5 Ways Suspension Training Can Improve Your Overall Endurance https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-suspension-training-can-improve-your-endurance/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-suspension-training-can-improve-your-endurance/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/suspension-training/ Suspension training isn’t just a passing fad. It’s proven to develop strength, stability and flexibility, all through the use of functional movements and compound exercises. Suspension training can also improve your endurance. Suspension training is quickly rising in popularity as the ultimate workout for bettering an athlete’s core strength, flexibility and balance. Perhaps one of...

The post 5 Ways Suspension Training Can Improve Your Overall Endurance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Suspension training isn’t just a passing fad. It’s proven to develop strength, stability and flexibility, all through the use of functional movements and compound exercises. Suspension training can also improve your endurance.

Suspension training is quickly rising in popularity as the ultimate workout for bettering an athlete’s core strength, flexibility and balance. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that it can be done just about anywhere with enough space and with minimal investment into equipment, to provide better and faster results than many other, much lauded exercise routines.  But what exactly is it? What are its benefits and where does it come from? If you are interested in finding out more about this highly effective exercise routine, then here are some answers to what it is, how it works, and why you should do it.

What is Suspension Training and how can it Help You Reach your Fitness Goals?

1. It works you core

Suspension workouts activate your core. So even if you’re performing an exercise designed to target the muscles of the arms and shoulders, your core will work hard to stabilise your movements. When you have a strong core, you’re less likely to suffer injuries. Which means you can train harder and train for longer to build your endurance.

Suspension training requires participants to perform moves that puts their sense of balance and stability to the test, and generally even takes it much further. Mid-air horizontal planks and challenging positions make short work of developing a participant’s sense and strength in balance, while increasing muscle endurance.

2. It builds muscle endurance

During suspension training, you train with your own body weight. And this builds strength. Once you have the strength to perform the exercises, you add more reps to the workout (and perhaps also increase the speed or rate of exercise). And this, in turn, improves your muscle endurance. According to a study done by the American Council on Exercise – on 16 healthy men and women – looking at the health benefits of suspension training, among others people improved their muscle strength and endurance, including significant improvemens in leg press, bench press, curl-up, and push-up tests.

3. It’s all about functional exercise

Functional exercise mirrors the natural movements you’d make every day when you climb out of your car, pick up the grocery bags or heft your toddler onto your hip. When you work on your functional strength, you gain strength and balance. And this goes a long way to building up your overall endurance. You’ll be able to lift more weight or run a little further without tiring (thanks to this new functional strength). And you’ll avoid injuries too!


4. It can boost cardio fitness

Suspension exercises aren’t limited to slower, technical and form-reliant movements. Once you’ve got exercise form right (and feel strong), you can increase the speed of your repetitions, or work in intervals to challenge your cardiovascular system. This will improve your fitness and endurance.


5. It improves flexibility

Suspension training is shown to improve flexibility. But there’s plenty of support for joints and muscles, so there’s less risk of injury. When you improve your flexibility, your muscles and joints are healthier. You can develop muscle endurance more easily!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So don’t pass up on suspension training. It could be just what you needed to take your endurance to the next level. Want to learn more techniques to up your endurance? Why not sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma. On this course, you’ll get an in-depth view into what it takes to become a personal trainer!

pt button

The post 5 Ways Suspension Training Can Improve Your Overall Endurance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-suspension-training-can-improve-your-endurance/feed/ 0
5 Benefits of working out with an exercise ball https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-benefits-working-exercise-ball/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-benefits-working-exercise-ball/#respond Thu, 27 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/5-benefits-working-exercise-ball/ The humble exercise ball doesn’t look half as hardcore as the machines and equipment that you work out with so often at the gym with your personal trainer. It’s soft. It’s filled with air – and very often it comes in pink. However, there are some serious benefits to working out with an exercise ball, proving...

The post 5 Benefits of working out with an exercise ball appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The humble exercise ball doesn’t look half as hardcore as the machines and equipment that you work out with so often at the gym with your personal trainer. It’s soft. It’s filled with air – and very often it comes in pink. However, there are some serious benefits to working out with an exercise ball, proving that it shouldn’t be under-estimated. Let’s take a look.

1. Improved balance and posture

The ball isn’t as stable as a chair so sitting on it requires two things: good posture and a stable core. The most comfortable position to sit in on the ball is one with good posture or alignment. You’ll find you naturally sit well on the ball and, in turn, this good posture will help prevent injury. Plus, maintaining that comfortable seat requires your body to use its stabiliser muscles – the ones that run through your core and along your spine. This improves your balance.

2. Engages your core better

As we just mentioned, your core – your abdominals and the lower back muscles that run along the spine – must work a harder when you sit on the ball. This means your core gets a good workout whenever you use the ball, even if it’s to do other exercises.

3. The exercise ball teaches you how to perform better

The exercise ball will roll out from under you if you don’t maintain the good posture and core engagement we spoke about earlier. This constant focus on the body’s balance, position and stability makes you more aware of your movements. Through this increased awareness of your body, you’ll perform better as an athlete (or a regular gym-goer!), getting even more out of your workouts. Plus, you’re less likely to suffer the injuries borne of poor form and technique.

4. You don’t need any fancy equipment

Most commercial gyms will have at least one exercise ball available for you to use and you don’t need a personal trainer to tell you how to use it. But if not, these balls are available at most sports equipment stores and are affordable. Once you have a ball, you can use it to work out at home. You don’t need any extra weights or equipment since there are dozens of exercises you can do with the exercise ball alone. In fact, the only piece of equipment you need is your body!


5. It’s versatile

Gym equipment is not versatile if you consider that one machine generally performs one or two exercises and works a few muscles at a time. The exercise ball, on the other hand, is incredibly flexible as you can use it to stretch and improve your flexibility and you can also use it as a training tool to target just about every muscle in the body since there are loads of exercises you can perform on the ball.

If you already know all of this because exercise and fitness are your passion – so much so that your friends recruit you to be their unofficial personal trainer – then maybe it’s time you make a career out of your passion. Check out the Trifocus Fitness Academy Personal Training Certification,which will equip you to train others on the exercise ball. Find out more here.

The post 5 Benefits of working out with an exercise ball appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-benefits-working-exercise-ball/feed/ 0
Five types of exercise that beat depression in children https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/how-to-beat-depression-in-children/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/how-to-beat-depression-in-children/#respond Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-beat-depression-in-children/ We like to think that children (and teens) are content and playful. But they are as likely to suffer from depression as any adult. In fact, experts say depression affects 20% of our population at some point in their lives. And it can be debilitating for kids. Symptoms include a persistent sad or anxious mood;...

The post Five types of exercise that beat depression in children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We like to think that children (and teens) are content and playful. But they are as likely to suffer from depression as any adult. In fact, experts say depression affects 20% of our population at some point in their lives. And it can be debilitating for kids. Symptoms include a persistent sad or anxious mood; loss of interest in their otherwise favourite activities; insomnia, or over-sleeping; feelings of worthlessness; either a complete loss of appetite, or “emotional” over-eating; and a deterioration of their friendships and other social relationships.

We know that exercise is a simple but very powerful tool for managing or preventing depression. It releases endorphins (the body’s natural happy hormones) and purges the body of toxins that are believed to cause depression. It sets the stage for a good night’s sleep, too; and it boosts self-esteem.

The question is, what kind of exercise should you sign your kid up for, if you suspect he’s depressed?
Here’s what our experts recommend:

1. Team sports

If you’ve ever played a team sport of any kind, then you understand the cameraderie that goes with it. Your team mates easily become friends – a very powerful support network. And consider this fact: This specific support network values you for your skills, talents and contributions.  “In combating symptoms of depression,” says Dr Catherine Sabiston, “there are clear positive benefits from team sports like basketball, soccer, football, and hockey.”

2. Yoga

Researchers have found that the meditative nature of Yoga is effective in managing depression. It’s also very good at bashing down stress, which can make depression that much worse.

3. Dancing

If you’ve ever danced around in your underwear, to a favourite tune, then you know the feeling of euphoria that dancing can evoke. Dancing also gives the dancer a more positive body image (hello, self-esteem!).

Why exercise will help children beat depression

4. Running

Heard of runners “high”? It’s real. And it has to do with the heart-pumping release of endorphins that are part and parcel of a good run. Says Dr Mercola: “rRegular exercise is one of the “secret weapons” to overcoming depression. It works so well because it helps to normalize insulin resistance while boosting “feel good” hormones in your brain.”

5. Martial arts

Here’s a sport that calls for serious discipline and self-control, as well as plenty of self-respect. This sport is shown to boost self-esteem and mental health. Because you can’t really be depressed when you finally achieve black belt status, right?

Many of these sports are accessible at a local gym, recreation centre (or perhaps you child’s school).
If you’re passionate about the magical role that sports and exercise plays in the lives of children, then consider a career as a specialist sports coach for kids. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers a Comprehensive Certification in Exercise for Children. Click here to find out more.

The post Five types of exercise that beat depression in children appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/special-populations-blog/how-to-beat-depression-in-children/feed/ 0
Differences between aerobic and anaerobic workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/differences-aerobic-anaerobic-workouts/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/differences-aerobic-anaerobic-workouts/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/differences-aerobic-anaerobic-workouts/ When considering which exercise would be most beneficial, we often tend to think about aerobic exercises merely because we tend to find those types of workouts more often in a commercial gym. At first you need to understand the difference between ‘aerobic’ and ‘anaerobic’ exercises. Anaerobic vs Aerobic exercise To define these terms in the...

The post Differences between aerobic and anaerobic workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When considering which exercise would be most beneficial, we often tend to think about aerobic exercises merely because we tend to find those types of workouts more often in a commercial gym. At first you need to understand the difference between ‘aerobic’ and ‘anaerobic’ exercises.

Anaerobic vs Aerobic exercise

To define these terms in the simplest way, it comes down to oxygen usage.  As any personal trainer will tell you, when we talk about aerobic exercises it means oxygen is carried to the muscles supplying them with the energy to endure the work. Conversely, oxygen is not present with anaerobic work.

Let’s now look into the differences between aerobic and anaerobic workouts in more detail.

Aerobic workouts

These are exercises/workouts that require energy. The energy store that is being used in our bodies is glycogen and fat as the main fuel source.  The excretion of this energy is at a low-to-moderate level which implies that it will be sustained over long periods of time.

Except for the fact that aerobic work will improve overall health and quality of life, this will also extend your life. Other benefits include:

  • Burning fat,
  • Strengthening the heart and lungs,
  • Reducing the risk of diabetes, and
  •  Improving overall mood due because of hormones called endorphins.

Types of aerobic exercises include activities like brisk walking, running at a comfortable pace, swimming, biking, skipping, dancing, calisthenics and most aerobic classes presented at commercial gyms.

Anaerobic workouts

When you workout anaerobically, glycogen will be used as fuel source. Only when the glycogen stores have been depleted will you experience the feeling of hitting that “wall” – also called lactic acid (which causes fatigue and discomfort in the muscles). This implies that “oxygen” is not present with anaerobic exercise.

The benefits of anaerobic work are to help:

  •  Build an muscle mass – calories are burned more efficiently in humans who have more muscle.
  • With weight management, and
  • With building endurance and fitness levels and strengthening bones.

Types of anaerobic work include short burst activities at a very high intensity or at maximal level of exertion. For example:

  • Sprinting (all-out effort that is sustained for a short period of time),
  • Weight lifting (free weights, weight machines, resistance tubing, or body weight),
  • Jumping,
  • Plyometrics,
  • Hill climbing, and
  • Isometrics.

This image depicts a woman lifting weights, which is an anaerobic exercise

Why balance aerobic and anaerobic workouts?

After considering all the benefits that go hand in hand with both workouts, personal trainers advise to include more time on aerobic than anaerobic workouts.  According to the American Council on Exercise they recommend that you schedule aerobic exercises three to five days a week for at least 30 minutes; however, for weight-loss you will need to exercise five to six days a week for at least 45 minutes or longer.

It will be important then to set aside resting days. You can get away with spending less time in the gym doing anaerobic work. Keep in mind you will be working at a greater intensity. Try to incorporate one set of exercises for each major muscle groups (do not favour only a certain group) at least 2-3 times a week. Workout within your comfort zone and progress the amount of weight and repetitions as you get stronger.

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification.

The post Differences between aerobic and anaerobic workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/differences-aerobic-anaerobic-workouts/feed/ 0
Carmen Crous: #TrifocusBrandAmbassador and Face of Fitness entrant https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/general-articles/carmen-crous/ Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/carmen-crous/ Carmen Crous is one busy lady! Not only is she a medical sales rep, she also runs her own make-up business, is a #TrifocusBrandAmbassador, and has also entered this year’s USN Face of Fitness. We caught up with her to find out what keeps her going. I believe in balance For Carmen, balance – in...

The post Carmen Crous: #TrifocusBrandAmbassador and Face of Fitness entrant appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Carmen Crous is one busy lady! Not only is she a medical sales rep, she also runs her own make-up business, is a #TrifocusBrandAmbassador, and has also entered this year’s USN Face of Fitness. We caught up with her to find out what keeps her going.

I believe in balance

For Carmen, balance – in all aspects of her life – is vital. “Health comes first and we often regrettably tend not to listen to what our bodies are saying,” she says. Her advice, to people who want to embark on their own fitness journey, is to be in tune with oneself. If this happens, the results will be 100 times better than if this hadn’t been the case.


Why Carmen Crous entered the Face of Fitness

Carmen entered this competition as she felt that it would be a great building block for her fitness career. “It has given me an opportunity to connect with girls who’ve had the same struggles as I have,” she says. “I’ve also been able to share tools – which I’ve used – to overcome their struggles and come out stronger, and wiser. The Face of Fitness is the perfect platform to inspire, love and encourage other women!”

What being a #TrifocusBrandAmbassador means to Carmen

“The Trifocus team has been absolutely amazing! To be part of this family is honestly such a blessing in my life. Being able to learn, and to share that knowledge, is something that money can’t buy. They’ve been so helpful and encouraging during my transformation, and I will forever be grateful. Trifocus isn’t just another educational institution: they build your future, they believe in you and your dreams when no one else does,” Carmen finishes off.

We, at Trifocus Fitness Academy, are 100% behind Carmen Crous and the other Face of Fitness entrants. Best of luck ladies!

The post Carmen Crous: #TrifocusBrandAmbassador and Face of Fitness entrant appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Endorphins and exercise: The drug of choice https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/endorphins-and-exercising/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/endorphins-and-exercising/#respond Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/endorphins-and-exercising/ You’ve heard it said that engaging in regular exercise is a powerful way to feel good, to stave off depression and to tackle the effects of stress. Ever wondered why? Specifically, it’s because when you exercise, the hypothalamus (in your brain) triggers the release of endorphins from the cells containing them. In a nutshell, endorphins...

The post Endorphins and exercise: The drug of choice appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You’ve heard it said that engaging in regular exercise is a powerful way to feel good, to stave off depression and to tackle the effects of stress. Ever wondered why? Specifically, it’s because when you exercise, the hypothalamus (in your brain) triggers the release of endorphins from the cells containing them.

In a nutshell, endorphins are neurotransmitters – chemicals that are able to pass through the tiny gaps between neurons in your nervous system. When they’re set to work, these endorphins find the opioid receptor cells in your body where they obstruct pain signals and make you feel fabulous! (This is why you don’t notice it when your personal trainer pushes you.)

Physical exercise is one way to trigger the release of these neurotransmitters in your body. It also releases other feel-good chemicals, like serotonin (responsible for balancing your mood) and dopamine (controls the parts of the brain that deal with reward and pleasure).

Even a few minutes of moderate exercise – a walk around the block – will lift your mood. However, if you really want to benefit from the body’s natural high, experts suggest you engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time. At the 2012 annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in San Francisco, it was stated that people who exercised moderately, running one to 20 miles per week at a pace of about 10-11 minute miles (a jogging rate), had an even lower risk of dying than those who ran more than 20 miles a week or at a pace faster than seven miles per hour.

Need any more incentive to get exercising? Take a look at this:

1. Boost your immune system

That’s right: The endorphins released by exercise can help you keep bugs at bay.

2. Keep your appetite in check

That’s a fancy way of saying that endorphins regulate your appetite so you are less likely to overindulge or eat the wrong foods.

3. Help you manage the effects of stress

If you’re feeling the effects of stress, such as high blood pressure, then you’ll be glad to hear that endorphins help your body to cope better. Also, because you’ll be less stressed you won’t be tempted to stress eat.

4. May encourage you to keep exercising

An endorphin rush makes you feel fabulous. While endorphins aren’t addictive, you’ll find yourself wanting to experience their “natural high” again and again. So if you’re getting your endorphin fix from exercise, then you’re more likely to stick to your exercise programme.

5. Nature’s painkiller

We’ve mentioned it already, but it’s worth talking about again. Some doctors will tell you that endorphins are as powerful as morphine for treating pain.

6. Powerful anti-depressants

As we’ve stated briefly, the release of endorphins through exercise is usually accompanied by a release of serotonin and dopamine. All of these chemicals are powerful mood regulators. The best part is, your body can make them for you.

As you can see, exercise doesn’t just have physical benefits. The emotional benefits are pretty awesome too!

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification. Find out more here.

The post Endorphins and exercise: The drug of choice appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/endorphins-and-exercising/feed/ 0
Why it’s difficult to tone your calves – part 2 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-difficult-to-grow-your-calves-part-2/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-difficult-to-grow-your-calves-part-2/#respond Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-its-difficult-to-grow-your-calves-part-2/ Last week, #TrifocusBrandAmbassador – Ashleigh Frost – chatted to us about why your calves are the most difficult muscle – in your body – to tone. This week, she’ll be talking to us about the anatomy of the calves. Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of the calf muscles: The lower leg (below...

The post Why it’s difficult to tone your calves – part 2 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Last week, #TrifocusBrandAmbassador – Ashleigh Frost – chatted to us about why your calves are the most difficult muscle – in your body – to tone. This week, she’ll be talking to us about the anatomy of the calves.

Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of the calf muscles:

The lower leg (below the knee) is made up of essentially 10 major muscles. The calves are not only made up of the Soleus and Gastrocnemius as so many people believe. These major muscles include:

  • On the front of the leg, the Tibialis Anterior, Peroneus Longus, Peroneus Brevis, Extensor Digitorum Longus, Extensor Hallicus Longus, and
  • At the back the Soleus. Gastrocnemius, Posterior Tibialis, Flexor Hallicus Longus and Flexor D0igitorum Longus.

Now I know alot of these names are Greek to you if you are not versed in anatomy but I have included a diagram for you to follow:

I am going to focus on the Soleus and Gastrocnemius as well as the Peroneus Longus and the Anterior Tibialis muscles.

Gastrocnemius and Soleus

The Gastrocnemius is the larger of the two calf muscles. It is the visible ‘bulge’ beneath the skin:

  • The Gastrocnemius has two heads, which create that beautiful diamond shape.
  • The Soleus is smaller and flatter, and lies under the Gastrocnemius.

Although it is obvious that the Soleus and Gastrocnemius make up the bulk of the calf muscle, it is important to keep in mind the other smaller surrounding muscles as well as the dynamics of the ankle joint if you want to target the calf muscles correctly.

If you take a second to think about the movement of the ankle, you will know that you can point your toes (plantar flexion), flex your foot up towards the knee (dorsiflexion) as well as rotate the bottom of your foot inwards (inversion) as well as outwards (eversion). These are all movements that we are blissfully unaware of that we do in everyday life, however, the action of plantar flexion and inversion are the only two movements that use the bulk of the calf muscle (the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus). The other movements use the aforementioned (and other) smaller muscles, which include the:

  •  Tibialis Anterior,
  • Extensor Hallicus Longus,
  • Extensor Digitorum Longus,
  • Peroneus Longus, and
  • Peroneus brevis.

So it is vital to know how to target ALL of these muscles in order to achieve optimal calf development as well as joint stability.

Catch Ashleigh – and the other #TrifocusBrandAmbassadors – on the #TrifocusFitApp which is avaiable for Android and iOS.

 

 

 

The post Why it’s difficult to tone your calves – part 2 appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-difficult-to-grow-your-calves-part-2/feed/ 0
Entrepreneurship Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/courses/entrepreneurship-course/ Mon, 29 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/product/entrepreneurship-course/ Our Fitness Entrepreneur Course will teach you ins and outs of the fitness industry and how to start and run your own fitness business. Register online now!

The post Entrepreneurship Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There is nothing greater than running your own business – you are the master of your own destiny. In the fitness industry, one of the most fulfilling routes that you can take is to start up – and run – your own business. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Entrepreneurship Course will help you get on your feet. On this course, you’ll learn how to draw up a business plan, attract customers, workout your financials – basically everything you need to know to make a success of your business.

With Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Entrepreneurship Course, you will be ready to tackle the business side of the sports and fitness industry head on with absolute confidence. The course will educate you on all business-related matters that you will encounter. 

The post Entrepreneurship Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Is Pilates beneficial for men too? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-beneficial-men/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-beneficial-men/#respond Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/pilates-beneficial-men/ Is Pilates beneficial for men? Think about this: it was developed by a man called Joseph Pilates; it has been used as a training vehicle for top athletes, both men and women, for over 50 years; and men have been seen prominently as trainers and publicists of the method throughout its history. Even though men...

The post Is Pilates beneficial for men too? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Is Pilates beneficial for men? Think about this: it was developed by a man called Joseph Pilates; it has been used as a training vehicle for top athletes, both men and women, for over 50 years; and men have been seen prominently as trainers and publicists of the method throughout its history. Even though men have always been on the scene, the growth in popularity that this exercise has seen in recent years has been driven to a greater extent by an upsurge of female members and instructors, leaving some people with the impression that this type of training is more for women.

Pilates is certainly one of the fastest-developing fitness trends around the world, and men are definitely capitalising on the advantages that this exercise has to offer:

  • Core strength, suppleness, balance and efficient movement patterns are all hallmarks of the exercise and exceedingly relevant to men’s health and fitness. The integrative element of Pilates can be specifically beneficial for men, whose exercises often highlights a step-by-step approach to muscular growth, which occurs in weight-lifting, for example.
  • This exercise emphasises moving from the centre of the body – the core – and developing fundamental strength in the deep muscles of the centre to stabilise the trunk and protect the back and lower back. This type of core training makes Pilates a superb system for whole-body fitness, as well as a basis for cross training with other types of sports and exercise.
  • Increasing flexibility is an objective that is targeted in a manner in which men can feel at ease. Pilates also works toward functional fitness, which is the capacity to have the strength, balance and flexibility that lets one carry out daily tasks with ease and style. In this respect, Pilates exercises seek to increase your flexibility and range of motion, but you will not find the sort of ‘pretzel stretches’ here that you’d find in gymnastics or yoga.
  • Pilates is a mind and body exercise where part of the movement is to focus one’s full awareness on every single movement. Also, exacting alignment and core muscle training, that goes above and beyond the apparent muscles, necessitate more delicate attention and micro-adjustments than some men are accustomed to finding in an exercise session. There is none of the “just push through” kind of approach that men would probably be used to from their time in the gym. This often becomes most apparent when working with the specialised equipment, which – though it is resistance equipment – is not really aimed at being overpowered. In reality, at times the lightest setting on a piece of equipment is the most stimulating for the core muscles. Well-measured, well-aligned movement is the key to a deeper level of fitness.

In conclusion, Pilates is a strength and flexibility exercise that mainly targets the core muscles. Its primary focus is on refining posture, the strengthening and reinforcement of your back, as well as the firming up of abdominal muscles.  Trifocus Fitness Academy not only teaches you the ins-and-outs of the world of Pilates, but also equips you with the necessary knowledge of being an accredited Pilates instructor. Our objective in this regard accommodates both men and women. So if you are someone who sees themselves having a career as a Pilates instructor, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy’s website to see how you can enrol and fulfil your dream of becoming a Pilates guru.

The post Is Pilates beneficial for men too? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/pilates-beneficial-men/feed/ 0
Is tomato juice the forgotten health elixir? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tomato-juice-forgotten-health-elixir/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tomato-juice-forgotten-health-elixir/#respond Mon, 08 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/tomato-juice-forgotten-health-elixir/ Your crazy aunt – the one who drinks litres of tomato juice every week – may be a whole lot smarter than you thought…  Why? Tomatoes are among the most nutritious fruits on the planet. Unlike some other “superfoods” that you have to hunt down at tiny, pricy, health food stores, tomatoes are usually in abundance...

The post Is tomato juice the forgotten health elixir? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Your crazy aunt – the one who drinks litres of tomato juice every week – may be a whole lot smarter than you thought…  Why? Tomatoes are among the most nutritious fruits on the planet. Unlike some other “superfoods” that you have to hunt down at tiny, pricy, health food stores, tomatoes are usually in abundance at your local greengrocer. Drinking tomato juice is profoundly good for you and, in the old days, it was considered medicinal. Here’s why.

1. Tomatoes – and by extension tomato juice – are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that actively and directly fights cancer. In particular, it fights off colon cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer – and others. Plus, lycopene protects you against heart disease.

2. Tomatoes are high in fibre, meaning that they stimulate regular, healthy bowel movements. In addition, they make you feel fuller for longer so they’ll help prevent snack attacks that could otherwise ruin your healthy diet and good nutrition practices.

3. Tomato juice is rich in vitamins, namely vitamins A, K, B1, B3, B5, B6 and B7, as well as vitamin C. This means they’re an excellent food source for maintaining good health.

 

4. Tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients, including iron, potassium, magnesium, chromium and choline, zinc and phosphorous. Your body relies on these nutrients to function well. All those nutrients, in one fruit!

5. Tomatoes contain a wide range of powerful phytonutrients. While these aren’t essential to your body’s functioning, they certainly give you a formidable health boost. They help your body fight off disease, prevent stress damage and slow ageing.

The best way to get the most out of your tomatoes

Raw tomatoes are healthy for you but cooked tomatoes are even healthier! Scientists have noted that the lycopene in tomatoes (you know, the cancer-fighting chemical) is more bioavailable when the tomatoes have been cooked gently. This means the lycopene is more easily absorbed by your body during digestion and, in turn, you absorb more of it.

Watch out for the sodium!

Before you run out to buy a few kilos of tomatoes, consider this one caveat: tomatoes are naturally high in sodium. Your body needs a certain amount of sodium to help keep nerves functioning optimally and to regulate your blood pressure. However, too much sodium is dangerous since it could elevate your blood pressure to unhealthy levels. So if you’re making your own tomato juice, make sure you reduce your sodium intake elsewhere in your diet. If you buy tomato juice, look for a brand that offers you a reduced sodium option.

If nourishment means more to you than just a meal, and you want to help others find their best selves through nutrition, consider a career as a nutritionist. Trifocus Fitness Academy offers you a Specialised Nutrition Certification that will give you all the tools you need! Follow this link to learn more.

The post Is tomato juice the forgotten health elixir? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tomato-juice-forgotten-health-elixir/feed/ 0
Is Your Athlete Mentally Well Conditioned? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/athlete-mentally-well-conditioned/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/athlete-mentally-well-conditioned/#respond Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/athlete-mentally-well-conditioned/ Your athlete shouldn’t be limited to physical conditioning alone. To be mentally well conditioned is just as important. Sally Tamarkin agrees. “Being mentally tough means that no matter how brutal the circumstances—whether it’s your 14th hour running through a desert in high temperatures  or you’re halfway through a 400-rep workout that includes pull-ups and single-leg squats—you’re able to...

The post Is Your Athlete Mentally Well Conditioned? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Your athlete shouldn’t be limited to physical conditioning alone. To be mentally well conditioned is just as important. Sally Tamarkin agrees. “Being mentally tough means that no matter how brutal the circumstances—whether it’s your 14th hour running through a desert in high temperatures  or you’re halfway through a 400-rep workout that includes pull-ups and single-leg squats—you’re able to withstand the pain and suffering and perform to the best of your skills and talents, with a good time, high place, or even a win.”

On the day of the race, match or competition, your athlete has a head full of emotions, ideas, thoughts, fears and goals. If he is well conditioned mentally, he’ll know how to think and feel. This, coupled with his physical preparedness, will make him a winner.

In fact, if you ask expert trainers (and athletes), they’ll admit that the losses or failures are not always physical. Quite often, the athlete’s “mental game” is lacking somehow. So how do you know if your athlete is well conditioned, mentally?

Indicators that an athlete is mentally well conditioned

1. Set high (but realistic) goals

The athlete has both short- and long-term goals that are realistic and can be measured. They know well what their performance levels are, and have a plan for how to achieve their goals (and it’s specific!).
They also demonstrate serious commitment to this plan, their goals, and their training.

2. Are very self-motivated

The athlete has a strong sense of purpose in his sport. He’s not in it solely for the glory – he understands that the journey is as important (and as rewarding) as the destination. Says Dr Jack Lesyk:

“Successful athletes:

  • Are aware of the rewards and benefits that they expect to experience through their sports participation.
  • Are able to persist through difficult tasks and difficult times, even when these rewards and benefits are not immediately forthcoming.
  • Realize that many of the benefits come from their participation, not the outcome.”

3. Have a positive attitude

The athlete is generally positive. He sees his failures as opportunities for learning. His sport is where his passion and his talents collide, and he pursues excellence here. He is balanced, however, rather than taking his training to extremes that are not sustainable.

4. Have a high emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is about being able to identify one’s emotions, and then manage these effectively. A mentally conditioned athlete can identify his emotions, accept them and control them. This means even the strong emotions don’t get to him (and don’t spoil his game!).

5. Are able to visualise their success

This is a product of all the points we’ve just discussed. Essentially, it talks to the athlete’s ability to imagine themselves performing at their best. These visualisations are specific, and don’t just focus on the glory of winning. These also include the athlete’s strategy for dealing with errors or failures.

6. Don’t let anxiety get them

Everybody gets a little anxious in a stadium full of cheering fans… However, a mentally powerful athlete recognises and accepts the anxiety, and instead of allowing it to take over, they know how to manage it. They also know how to channel it, so it helps them perform better.

7. Can concentrate and focus

A mentally adept athlete has practised mindfulness, or the ability to be in there ‘here and now’. With this skill, they’re able to focus on the present action. They know how to resist distractions, and how to focus on the elements that need their attention. They can set aside all the other stuff, to give their sport their full attention.

If your athlete has all these abilities an qualities, then he’s a superstar! If not, then consider spending more time on his mental abilities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re considering a career as a sports coach, then keep in mind that becoming a sports coach requires specialised knowledge and a multitude of expert skills. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Coaching Science Certificate offers a scientifically-based, integrated approach to coaching that will help you to develop top sports performers and master the science behind sports coaching. Want to learn more?

The post Is Your Athlete Mentally Well Conditioned? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/athlete-mentally-well-conditioned/feed/ 0
7 Benefits of Skipping https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-benefits-skipping/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-benefits-skipping/#respond Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/7-benefits-skipping/ Skipping is a simple but yet complex exercise that improves your cardiovascular fitness in as little as few minutes. “Jumping rope is a great calorie-burner. You’d have to run an eight-minute mile to work off more calories than you’d burn jumping rope,” says  Leanna Skarnulis.  Here are seven benefits to including this exercise in your regular workout...

The post 7 Benefits of Skipping appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Skipping is a simple but yet complex exercise that improves your cardiovascular fitness in as little as few minutes. “Jumping rope is a great calorie-burner. You’d have to run an eight-minute mile to work off more calories than you’d burn jumping rope,” says  Leanna Skarnulis.  Here are seven benefits to including this exercise in your regular workout regime.

How skipping will benefit you

1. Both women and men will benefit

For busy moms, it is a great idea to get your kids involved in this exercise. To gain the most of benefits from skipping, you will need to work on your ability to jump rope consistently at a high pace for an extended amount of time. When you build up to 10 minutes of non-stop jumping at 120 repetitions per minute, it can provide you with the same benefits as 30 minutes of jogging or 30 minutes of racquet sports.

2. Skipping also develops the left and right hemispheres of the brain

This improves spacial awareness, reading skills, memory and mental awareness. It also improves dynamic balance, coordination, reflexes, bone density and muscular endurance.

3. Cardiovascular workouts – which include skipping – are good for building stamina

They also help to strengthen your lung capacity to distribute oxygen efficiently to your muscles. By skipping, you raise your heartbeat to get the blood circulating faster to supply oxygen to your cells.

4. It’s a great method for losing weight

This is because the cells of the body are able to burn more energy at a quicker pace to maintain the higher rate of work.

5. Almost any one is able to skip

However, skipping is a skill that needs to be developed. During this process, you will improve your sense of balance. It will take practice and patience, and loads of energy.

6. Skipping helps you to coordinate and tone muscles

In the process you burn fat, improve on endurance and become leaner. Says Kim Nunley: “Participating in consistent jump rope sessions significantly burns calories and will engage your core — so jumping rope will allow you to lose fat all over your body, including your belly.”

7. You do not need any fancy equipment to start

You can take your skipping rope with you anywhere and anytime. It is a lot of fun to get up and skip! Skipping is fast to do so when your excuse not to exercise includes not having time, skipping will solve your problems.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification.

pt button

The post 7 Benefits of Skipping appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-benefits-skipping/feed/ 0
Avoid These Abdominal Exercises To Eliminate Back Pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/seven-abdominal-exercises-avoid-bad-back/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/seven-abdominal-exercises-avoid-bad-back/#respond Sat, 16 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/seven-abdominal-exercises-avoid-bad-back/ We know that one way to prevent back pain is to build a strong set of abdominal muscles. After all, these muscles are directly responsible for supporting the spinal column. However, what if your back is already bad – weak, painful, injured and vulnerable to further injury? In this case, you have to avoid the abdominal...

The post Avoid These Abdominal Exercises To Eliminate Back Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
We know that one way to prevent back pain is to build a strong set of abdominal muscles. After all, these muscles are directly responsible for supporting the spinal column. However, what if your back is already bad – weak, painful, injured and vulnerable to further injury? In this case, you have to avoid the abdominal exercises that put your back at risk of further injury. Here are seven such exercises to avoid.

Ab exercises which put strain on the back

1. Sit-ups

These are bad even for healthy backs. The optimal range of motion for your abdominalss is actually quite short. So once you’ve raised your back off the floor just a little, you’ve reached the end of that optimal range. After this you simply go into “spine compression danger zone”, risking serious injuries, like a slipped or a bulging disc.

2. Crunches

Again, these do very little good even for a healthy back. It’s too easy to take the strain into your neck, as well as compress the lower back. Just forget about these.

3. Double-leg lifts

You know this one – you lie on your back and then lift both legs off the floor to “activate” your lower abdominals. The only thing it does is add stress to the lumbar spine (i.e. lower back). Oh, and remember that your lower and upper abs actually work best together. So don’t be tricked by exercises that promise to target one or the other.

4. Leg throws

You lie on your back and lift your legs into the air. Your training buddy stands at your feet and tries to push them down to the ground on either side of him. Again, these promise to target the lower abdominals. As for the double-leg lifts, the only promise is that the movement will stress the lower back and cause a nasty injury.

5. Plank

Now here’s one that’s a brilliant ab workout for someone with a healthy back. However, when your back is already weak or injured, avoid it, since it compresses the spine far too much.

6. Standing toe touches

If you are a fit, strong and flexible individual, then these toe touches will deliver a great stretch to your lower back and your hamstrings. Be careful: they are also very good for putting spinal discs under tremendous pressure (hello, slipped discs…) and causing over-stretched ligaments in the spine and hamstrings.

7. Torso twist

The torso twist machine is bad news since the movement of twisting the upper body in a different direction from the lower body (especially with weight behind it!) can result in serious nerve damage.   Says personal trainer, Rebecca Woll: “Rotating the spine while keeping the hips in alignment with the machine goes against my number-one rule on most other machines: the back must be flat against the bench.”

The best ab exercises, say the experts, are those that give your lower belly true strength and help support your spine. They work the pelvic floor as well as the deeper abdominal muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

A great option for strengthening your abdominal muscles is Pilates, since it builds the core muscles correctly. So sign up for classes with a qualified instructor or get certified as a Comprehensive Pilates Instructor with Trifocus Fitness Academy, and help others build powerful abs and ditch back pain.

 

The post Avoid These Abdominal Exercises To Eliminate Back Pain appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/seven-abdominal-exercises-avoid-bad-back/feed/ 0
3 Benefits of Rowing https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-rowing/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-rowing/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/benefits-of-rowing/ Often when we walk into the gym, we’ll see the bicycles and treadmills are fully occupied with people waiting in cues to use them. In reality, the piece of equipment that gives the most awesome cardio exercise ever is one at the bottom of the cardio food chain … the rowing machine. Read more about the benefits...

The post 3 Benefits of Rowing appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Often when we walk into the gym, we’ll see the bicycles and treadmills are fully occupied with people waiting in cues to use them. In reality, the piece of equipment that gives the most awesome cardio exercise ever is one at the bottom of the cardio food chain … the rowing machine. Read more about the benefits of rowing.

Why is rowing such a good exercise?

Rowing provides a remarkable, calorie-incinerating, cardiovascular workout. This is why it makes ita worthwhile addition to your fat-burning, muscle-building resource.  Indeed, rowing is the best exercise when it comes to weight loss as well as attaining overall physical fitness. Let’s look at the specifics.

Cardio rowing helps strengthening the cardiovascular system.

Yes, the rowing machine is a cardiovascular exercise, which means that it affects the cardiovascular system in several ways, which include:

  • Strengthening of the cardiac muscle. When doing any form of cardiovascular workout your heart rate is raised which will cause more blood to circulate. This  will improve your health.
  • Improving the strength of your heart will also lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate. It will raise you energy levels substantially.

Rowing burns calories – fast

When you row for 30 minutes, you will burn approximately 100 to 200 calories. You need to keep in mind that calories burned are affected by your gender, weight, fitness level, resistance level, pace, etc.

Cardio Rowing tends to burn calories at a faster pace in certain areas like your abdomen, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, back and arms. While rowing is an all-body workout, it helps to get rid of the extra calories. This means you get to do more of a workout in less time.

Rowing can help with rehabilitation

Injuries can happen at any point in time and often happen when you least expect them. Rowing might just be your saving grace. According to The Complete Guide to Indoor Rowing by Jim Flood and Charles Simpson, rowing machines were used for rehabilitation of patients in hospitals from as far back as the 1930s as this exercise impacts your joints less than other exercises such as running.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you excited about learning how exercise equipment – such as the rowing machine – could benefit you and others? If you answered a resounding “yes!”, then Trifocus Fitness Academy‘s Personal Training Certification is right up your alley!

pt button

The post 3 Benefits of Rowing appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-rowing/feed/ 0
Why You Need to Strengthen your Adductors – and How To Do This https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-need-to-strengthen-your-adductors-and-how-to-do-this/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-need-to-strengthen-your-adductors-and-how-to-do-this/#respond Sat, 11 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-you-need-to-strengthen-your-adductors-and-how-to-do-this/ The adductor group is located on the inner part of your thigh and is made up of the following muscles: pectineus, the adductor magnus, the gracilis, the adductor brevis and the adductor longus. The adductors play a vital role in everyday activities such as running and sitting. The slightest injury to these muscles will have...

The post Why You Need to Strengthen your Adductors – and How To Do This appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The adductor group is located on the inner part of your thigh and is made up of the following muscles: pectineus, the adductor magnus, the gracilis, the adductor brevis and the adductor longus. The adductors play a vital role in everyday activities such as running and sitting. The slightest injury to these muscles will have you hobbling along for weeks to come as this type of injury could lead to an injury of your knee, hip, back, shoulder and neck. Read on to find out how to avoid these types of injuries.

Importance of training adductors

Who is particularly prone to adductor injuries?

If you’re a runner, you need to make sure that you don’t neglect your adductors as overdeveloped quadriceps and underdeveloped adductors can lead to knee and hip problems. Tennis players and golf players can suffer the detrimental effects of underdeveloped adductors.

How to strengthen your adductors

Adductor Squeeze (Crook Lying)

Lie on your back with your feet on the floor. Put a rolled-up towel or small ball between your knees. Squeeze the ball or towel using your inner thigh muscles and hold for six seconds and then release. Repeat ten times.

Adductor Squeeze (Supine)

This is very similar to the previous exercise, the only difference is that instead of lying on your back with your feet on the floor, lie with your feet stretched out in front of you. Put the ball or rolled-up towel between your thighs and squeeze it using your adductors.

Resistance Band Hip Adduction

Stand up straight and put a resistance band around your ankles, standing with your feet slightly apart. Hold onto a table or chair for balance. Move your outer foot as far away as possible from the foot you are standing on, without feeling any pain. It is advised to perform three sets of 10 reps each, and to perform these on both legs.

Lunge

The lunge is also very effective at strengthening your adductors. Stand up straight with your one leg out in front of you and the other leg straight out behind you. Make sure that the distance is comfortable. Slowly bend your front leg so that it is at a right angle to the floor and at the same time, bend your back leg so that the knee goes towards the floor. Slowly come up again. Do 10 reps – 3 sets each – on either leg.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you passionate about fitness? Are you psyched to let others into the secret about what being fit can do for you? Why not sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification – it’ll be the best decision you’ve made in a while!

pt button

 

The post Why You Need to Strengthen your Adductors – and How To Do This appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-need-to-strengthen-your-adductors-and-how-to-do-this/feed/ 0
Things You Should Know Before Offering Pregnancy Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/things-you-should-know-before-offering-pregnancy-exercise/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/things-you-should-know-before-offering-pregnancy-exercise/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/things-you-should-know-before-offering-pregnancy-exercise/ Pregnant women want to be fit and healthy too! But before you start adding pregnancy exercise to your repertoire, consider the following five expert tips. Pregnancy exercise No two pregnancies are the same Every pregnancy is unique – even the second or third pregnancy of an individual woman will be different to her first. Say...

The post Things You Should Know Before Offering Pregnancy Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Pregnant women want to be fit and healthy too! But before you start adding pregnancy exercise to your repertoire, consider the following five expert tips.

Pregnancy exercise

  1. No two pregnancies are the same

Every pregnancy is unique – even the second or third pregnancy of an individual woman will be different to her first. Say birthing experts: “When it comes down to it, there really is no predicting what any particular pregnancy will be like.” What this means is that you can’t adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. And you can’t expect every woman who signs up for pregnancy personal training with you to behave or respond the same way to your training programme. The experts agree: it’s key to rely on the individual’s cues and her verbal feedback during each workout.

  1. Get her doctor’s approval

Generally, gynaecologists and obstetricians are happy for their patients to stay active during their pregnancies, and enrol in pregnancy exercise and personal training, since there are so many benefits for mom and baby. But it’s wise for you to get in touch with her doctor and get his approval.

  1. Avoid dangerous or risky exercises

During the first trimester, especially, be sure to keep her heart rate in a moderate range as a high heart rate can trigger risks. Also, make sure she doesn’t overheat.  Studies have shown that if a mom’s temperature rises above 38 degrees this can be fatal for her and the baby. Also, make a note to avoid exercises that are considered risky. These include supine exercises (i.e. done lying flat on her back), crunches or sit-ups and plyometrics (i.e. explosive movements, like burpees).  Also, be aware that because of the hormonal changes in her body, her tendons and ligaments will be more flexible, and there is the risk that she’ll over-stretch. Take care to limit deep stretches.

  1. Lower weights, but do more reps

Weight training used to be considered dangerous for pregnant women. But these days, it’s considered incredibly beneficial3 since it can strengthen the mom’s body and prepare her for the delivery, while also benefitting baby’s development. That said, too much weight is bad! If your client can’t lift her weight without, say, holding her breath or tensing up so much she loses her balance, then it’s too much weight. Rather switch down to a lower weight, but do more reps.

  1. Brief and de-brief every day

Check in with your pregnant client each time you see her, before the workout. Ask her how she’s feeling, whether she has any aches or pains, how she slept, what she’s eating and how energetic she feels. This way, you’ll know if she’s feeling more tired than usual, or if her pelvis is aching and you need to change some elements of the workout. Make sure to de-brief at the end of the workout too, to make sure she feels well.

If training pregnant women is something you’re passionate about, check out the specialised pregnancy personal training certification on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy.

 

The post Things You Should Know Before Offering Pregnancy Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/things-you-should-know-before-offering-pregnancy-exercise/feed/ 0
How To Get The World’s Best Obliques! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-the-worlds-best-obliques/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-the-worlds-best-obliques/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/how-to-get-the-worlds-best-obliques/ When you’re training for a mid-section that everyone envies, most people forget to train their obliques. These long muscles – when well trained and when your body fat is low – fully frame your rectus abdominis and give your waist a more tapered look. In terms of how often to do abdominal workouts, Judy Bruen...

The post How To Get The World’s Best Obliques! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When you’re training for a mid-section that everyone envies, most people forget to train their obliques. These long muscles – when well trained and when your body fat is low – fully frame your rectus abdominis and give your waist a more tapered look. In terms of how often to do abdominal workouts, Judy Bruen says that: “The American Council on Exercise recommends resting a day in between abdominal workouts to allow for muscular recovery and growth.” Here are 10 oblique exercises that will do the trick.

Oblique exercises

  1. Cross-body mountain climber – Get into a push-up position. Raise your right knee toward your left elbow and lower. Raise your left knee towards your right elbow and lower. As you practise this exercise, increase your speed.
  2. Side plank – Lie on your side with your legs straight and prop your upper body up on your forearm. Raise your hips so your body forms a straight line. If you want to make the exercise more difficult, elevate your feet or add a torso rotation. Heather Hitchcock says: “Side planks and side plank raises are among the best exercises for strengthening your obliques and your internal core muscles.”
  3. Bicycle crunch – Lie face up with your hips and knees bent to 90 degrees so that the lower parts of your legs are parallel to the floor. Place your fingers at the sides of your forehead and lift your shoulders off the floor. Twist your upper body to the right as you pull your right knee into your torso – as fast as you can – until it touches your left wrist. Simultaneously straighten your left leg. Return to your starting position and repeat on the right.
  4.  “T” rotation – Get into a push-up position. Shift your weight into your left arm and rotate your torso up and to the right until you’re facing the side. Pause for 3 seconds before reversing the movement and repeating on the opposite side.
  5. Medicine ball rotational toss – Grab a medicine ball and stand sideways, about 3 feet away from a solid wall. Your left side should be close to the wall and your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and hold the ball at chest level with your arms straight and parallel to the floor. Rotate your torso to the right and release the ball. Catch it as it bounces back and return to your starting position.

 

 

  1. Off-set dumbbell squat – Grab a medium-weight dumbbell with one hand and hold it in the racked position so that one end rests at your shoulder with your elbow bent. Lower your hips until your quads are at least parallel to the floor. Pause, and then slowly return to a standing position. Keep your back upright. Once you’ve performed all the reps on one side, switch hands and repeat.
  2. Hanging oblique raise – Take hold of a pull-up bar with an overhand grip and hang from it at arm’s length. Lift your legs until your hips and knees are bent at 90 degrees. Raise your right hip toward your right armpit. Pause, and then return to the starting position.
  3. Hip-up – Lie on your left side, with your right arm extended so that it’s perpendicular to the floor. Prop yourself up on your left forearm and raise your hips so your body is straight. Lower your left hip, and then raise it again until it’s in line with your body. Finish all your reps on your left side before switching to the right.
  4. Band-resisted anti-rotational press – Grab a continuous-loop exercise band and tie it around a vertical post — the inside of a squat rack works well — so it’s just below shoulder height. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with the right side of your body facing the post. Pull the band in front of you so it’s in line with the middle of your chest. Holding it in your hands, take a step or two away from the post to create more tension in the band. Extend your arms out in front of you, pressing the band away from your body. Pause, and then reverse the movement to return to your starting position.
  5. Bear crunch – Get down on all fours. Your hands must be directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Dig your toes into the floor and raise your knees slightly so they hover just a few inches above the ground.  Simultaneously rotate your torso to the right and drive your left knee and your right elbow toward each other so they meet in front of your chest. Pause, and then reverse the movement. Perform the movement on either side during each rep.

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise and help others sculpt their bodies, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification.

pt button

The post How To Get The World’s Best Obliques! appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-the-worlds-best-obliques/feed/ 0
Inside success secrets to the whole-body Pilates workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/inside-success-secrets-to-the-whole-body-pilates-workout/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/inside-success-secrets-to-the-whole-body-pilates-workout/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/inside-success-secrets-to-the-whole-body-pilates-workout/ You don’t have to set foot in a gym. You don’t need any fancy machines. Just get your Pilates ball ready, and reap the rewards of this total body workout in just five moves! Five whole-body workout Pilates exercises Ball push-ups Works the arms, shoulders, core and chest. Pilates expert, Marguerite Ogle, provides some watchpoints:...

The post Inside success secrets to the whole-body Pilates workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
You don’t have to set foot in a gym. You don’t need any fancy machines. Just get your Pilates ball ready, and reap the rewards of this total body workout in just five moves!

Five whole-body workout Pilates exercises

  1. Ball push-ups

Works the arms, shoulders, core and chest. Pilates expert, Marguerite Ogle, provides some watchpoints: “The Pilates push-up is an advanced move. You can start working on it now, but just know that it takes a while to build up the core strength, arm strength and stability required to fully do this exercise.”

Lie with your stomach on the ball. Now lean forward to touch the floor, and walk your hands forward until the ball is underneath your thighs. Start by engaging your core and keeping your elbows soft. Now lower your upper body to the floor slowly. Pause when you’ve reached the bottom of the movement (but don’t rest on the floor!). Slowly push up, but make sure you don’t lock your elbows out completely.

  1. Ball squeeze

Works your hips, lower back and inner thighs.

Stand and place the ball between your knees, making sure the ball doesn’t touch the floor. Now squat down until your knees form a 90-degree angles. You’ll have to squeeze the ball to avoid falling over!

Hold the position for a while before slowly returning to the start position. If you find that you really can’t keep the correct form, you can hold onto the back of a chair lightly with your hands (but don’t cheat and use it to support your weight).

  1. Overhead ball squats

Works your quadriceps and your glutes.

Hold an exercise ball – or a medicine ball – in both hands, and stand with your legs hip-width apart. Now raise the ball over your head; keep your arms long and close to your ears (but don’t scrunch up your shoulders). Squat own, keeping your arms extended and focusing on holding your weight in your heels. Hold the squat for a few moments before slowly standing up.

  1. Back extensions

Works the back muscles.

Start with your stomach and hips resting on the ball. Your legs should be extending behind you, with your toes resting on the ground. Use your hands to balance yourself on the ball as you raise your chest as high as possible. Now pause, and bring your hands to the back of your head. Hold the position for a few moments before returning to a resting position on the ball.

  1. Knee tucks

Works your abdominals.

Lie face-down, in a push-up position, with your hands shoulder-width apart. Rest your lower legs on the top of the ball, making sure that your legs are straight behind. Keep your back straight and still as you pull your knees towards your chest. The ball will roll under your ankles. Pause, and then slowly straighten your legs again, rolling the ball back to its starting position under your shins.

If you’re at your happiest on the Pilates ball, maybe you’re destined to be a superstar Pilates instructor! Check out the Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certification on offer at Trifocus Fitness Academy.

whole-body pilates

The post Inside success secrets to the whole-body Pilates workout appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/inside-success-secrets-to-the-whole-body-pilates-workout/feed/ 0
Why the Rectus Abdominis is as Important as the Erector Spinae https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-rectus-abdominis-is-as-important-as-the-erector-spinae/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-rectus-abdominis-is-as-important-as-the-erector-spinae/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/why-the-rectus-abdominis-is-as-important-as-the-erector-spinae/ The rectus abdominis and the erector spinae are both extremely important muscles in your body and, as such, it is vital for you to keep them supple and as toned as possible. Says M. Gideon Hoyle: “The primary purpose of the rectus abdominis is to allow you to move the portion of your body between...

The post Why the Rectus Abdominis is as Important as the Erector Spinae appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The rectus abdominis and the erector spinae are both extremely important muscles in your body and, as such, it is vital for you to keep them supple and as toned as possible. Says M. Gideon Hoyle: “The primary purpose of the rectus abdominis is to allow you to move the portion of your body between your pelvis and ribcage.” The erector spinae, says Nick Ng, works to extend your torso and plays a part in lateral flexion. In this article, we’ll look at the functions of each of these muscle groups and exercises that you can do in order to keep them ship shape!

Rectus Amdominis vs Erector Spinae

Where is the rectus abdominis located in your body?

The rectus abdominis is found in your abdominal region connecting your pubic bone to your sternum. This is the muscle that is responsible for you having a toned look to your abdomen as the rectus abdominis is activated when you perform crunches.

Where is the erector spinae located in your body?

Whereas the rectus abdominis is located to the front of your body, the erector spinae is located towards your back. It runs on either side of your vertebrae and connects the base of your skull to your pelvis. The erector spinae plays a crucial part in helping you to bend forward as well as returning you to an upright position.

Exercises to work the rectus abdominis

The crunch

The crunch is a classic exercise that works the rectus abdominis. To perform this exercise, you would lie on the floor, on your back with your hands behind your head and your feet on the floor. Engage your abdominals and lift your shoulder blades off the floor. There are a number of variations that are possible to make to the crunch that will ensure this exercise is even more effective, such as twisting your torso as you come up.

Exercises to work the erector spinae

Bird Dog

Get down on the floor on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders. Your feet must be the same distance apart as your hands. Slowly lift your right arm out in front of you with your right thumb pointing at the ceiling. At the same time lift you left leg out behind you so that it is parallel to the floor. Hold for two counts and repeat on the other side. It is advised to repeat this exercise eight to 12 times.

Prone Superman

Lie on the floor on your stomach. Slowly lift your arms and legs together, using your back muscles to do the lifting. If you can’t lift all of your limbs together, start by lifting one arm and one leg at the same time and then work up to lifting both arms and legs together.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about exercisers such as this? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma. It’s your entry ticket into the exciting world of fitness!

pt button

 

 

The post Why the Rectus Abdominis is as Important as the Erector Spinae appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-rectus-abdominis-is-as-important-as-the-erector-spinae/feed/ 0
The Power Of Plyometric Exercises For Upper Body Strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-of-plyometrics-as-exercises-for-upper-body-strength/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-of-plyometrics-as-exercises-for-upper-body-strength/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/power-of-plyometrics-as-exercises-for-upper-body-strength/ Many people have used plyometric exercises as a method of training to enhance power. To grasp the potential benefits of plyometric training requires careful attention to the technique used during the drill or exercise. Says Lee Boyce: “The goal is to train for maximum force production in the smallest period of time, so reps are...

The post The Power Of Plyometric Exercises For Upper Body Strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Many people have used plyometric exercises as a method of training to enhance power. To grasp the potential benefits of plyometric training requires careful attention to the technique used during the drill or exercise. Says Lee Boyce: “The goal is to train for maximum force production in the smallest period of time, so reps are kept low and the intensity and effort is high.”

The advantage of plyometric training is that if you improve your rate of force development, you inevitably improve neural recruitment, which means you’ll activate muscle fibres more efficiently and effectively. This means when you do pure strength or hypertrophy-type training, you’ll activate more muscle fibres and increase muscular size. Increasing power will help you through training plateaus.

If you are well trained and looking to give your workout that extra push, then you might enjoy the challenge of plyometric exercises.  It is great to add to your training if you into high-impact sports that involve a lot of jumping and running. When starting out, it is advised to work with an experienced personal trainer – who’s been through an accredited personal trainer course – who can show you how to do plyometrics safely. Experts advise that you warm up, before plyometric exercises, by stretching or jogging. Always start off slowly by adding some plyometric moves to your regular workout.

Perform five to six short (five to eight reps) sets of plyometric exercise. Rest between sets should be at least 90 seconds. The best plyometric exercises are done with body weight (if you can you can add additional resistance). Some plyometric movements include box jumps, squat jumps, depth jumps, lunge thrusts and push-ups, which are great exercises for upper body strength. Create an exercise that is specific to the event and involves the correct muscular action. Remember specificity and ensure there is a pre-stretch first then the only limit is your imagination.

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Trainer Certification course.

pt button

The post The Power Of Plyometric Exercises For Upper Body Strength appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/power-of-plyometrics-as-exercises-for-upper-body-strength/feed/ 0
The Truth About Pre-Workout Supplements https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-truth-about-pre-workout-supplements/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-truth-about-pre-workout-supplements/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/the-truth-about-pre-workout-supplements/ Waking up early isn’t fun. Waking up early to get to the gym is a whole lot less fun since we seldom have the energy required to get excited about the workout (never mind actually doing the workout…). Enter the pre-workout supplement – that magic stuff that promises to wake your body up, priming it...

The post The Truth About Pre-Workout Supplements appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Waking up early isn’t fun. Waking up early to get to the gym is a whole lot less fun since we seldom have the energy required to get excited about the workout (never mind actually doing the workout…). Enter the pre-workout supplement – that magic stuff that promises to wake your body up, priming it for an awesome workout. Most pre-workout supplements tell you they’ll give you a boost of energy so you can work out harder for longer. But if you’ve ever read the labels on the tubs of pre-workout supplements, you’ve probably wondered if some of the ingredients are safe to consume regularly. Knowledge is power, so let’s take a closer look at what’s inside pre-workout supplements and what the potential side effects could be.

More on Pre-workout supplements

What’s in a typical pre-workout supplement?

Most pre-workout supplements will contain some (or all of) the following ingredients:

  • Caffeine: No surprises here! Caffeine is a stimulant, giving you energy and also making you feel more mentally alert.
  • Arginine: It plays a role in the production of nitric oxide, which is a powerful vasodilator. It helps more blood get to your muscles, so you can DO more. It also plays a role in protein synthesis – a process that’s very important in muscle growth and repair post-workout.
  • Creatine: This is a fuel for your body’s primary high-intensity energy system. It increases the amount of creatine phosphate in your body. This gives your muscles energy faster than glucose would which means you can perform intense workouts without tiring. It’s most quickly absorbed when it’s consumed in conjunction with a sugar, which is why most pre-workout supplements will also contain some sort of glucose.
  • Beta alanine: This amino acid boosts the carnosine levels in your muscles. Carnosine in turn has been shown to stop the chemical changes in your muscle cells that result in muscle fatigue. The more carnosine you have, the longer you can work out for before your muscles will tire.
  • Dimethylamylamine: This is a stimulant that increases your heart rate. But it’s a potentially dangerous chemical – in the USA, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has issued a warning, after an Army Private collapsed and died shortly after taking it in his pre-workout drink, that it could cause cardiac arrest.

What are the potential side effects of pre-workout supplements?

Pre-workout supplements make you feel more energised. They also make you tire less quickly so you can get in a few extra sets, lift heavier weights or run a bit further. They can also help to reduce the oxidative stress that’s the natural result of an intense workout.

The danger of pre-workouts is that they can raise your heart rate. So if you’re doing a strenuous workout, this could put excessive strain on your heart. If you have a history of heart illness, or are just starting out as an athlete, chat to your doctor before you start gulping down pre-workouts.

Another risk is the caffeine in the pre-workout. If you’re a heavy coffee or tea drinker, make sure you cut back a bit when you start taking pre-workout supplements. Otherwise you may end up consuming too much caffeine.

Also, be aware that some people experience a tingling or prickling sensation in their skin after taking the pre-workout supplements. This is a side-effect of the beta alanine – it stimulates the nerve endings in the skin.

Another consideration is the other ingredients in the supplement. These might include sweeteners, artificial flavourants, preservatives and colours. These can cause headaches or diarrhoea if you’re sensitive to them.

The advice from the pros is to invest in high-quality pre-workout supplements that has very few “funny” additives. And then chat to an expert to find out how much you should be taking (and how often), as well as how to make room for the pre-workout supplement in your regular diet.

If you’re nuts about fitness and wellness, then turn it into your career and help others to live their best life. Check out the Comprehensive Personal Training Certification at Trifocus Fitness Academy.

pt button

The post The Truth About Pre-Workout Supplements appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-truth-about-pre-workout-supplements/feed/ 0
Athletic Nutrition Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/courses/athletic-nutrition-course/ Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/product/athletic-nutrition-course/ Our Athlete Nutrition course is for anyone aiming to gain skills in becoming an athlete nutrition/diet instructor. Apply for our Athletic Nutrition course online!

The post Athletic Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
For any athlete, their physical health is key to an active lifestyle. They depend on strength, skill, and endurance if they’re going for the ball or making that final push across the finish line. For an athlete, being their best takes time, training, and patience. An athlete’s body won’t run without the correct fuel. They need to take special care to get sufficient amounts of calories, vitamins, and other nutrients which provide energy.

Athletic nutrition is not much different than that of any person who is striving to be healthy. They have to include selections from each of the healthy food groups. However, athletes may very well need to eat more or less of particular foods depending on:

  • The type of sport.
  • The amount of training that they do.
  • The amount of time that they spend in training.

So, to learn about how any athlete needs to be fuelling their bodies they should be doing an Athletic Nutrition Course.

Who Can Do An Athlete Nutrition Course?

Someone who is interested in becoming an athletic nutritionist should do this course. Also, athletes who want to improve their knowledge of what they should be eating should do an Athletic Nutrition Course.

What Does The Athletic Nutrition Course Include?

Modules for the Athletic Nutrition Course include the following:

  • Understanding the different nutrients and the roles that these play
  • Understanding the importance of a balanced diet that has correct portion sizes
  • Discussing the body’s energy systems
  • Understanding the body’s energy needs and expenditure
  • Understanding dietary guidelines, food pyramids, and food labels

Where Can I Work With An Athletic Nutrition Qualification?

An athletic nutritionist is a nutritionist who works specifically with athletes. These professionals create comprehensive nutritional plans that can boost their clients’ health, optimise their athletic performance and assist them with managing medical conditions as well as recovering from injuries.

When working with individuals, athletic nutritionists start by assessing the athlete’s needs and goals, such as muscle gain or weight loss. After this they devise a dietary strategy, which may be adjusted over time based upon the athlete’s progress and/or their competitions schedule. In addition to assisting individual athletes with meeting their goals, athletic nutritionists may also develop far more general meal plans for groups of athletes, such as players at training camps.

How To Register for the Online Athletic Nutrition Course?

If you would like to become an athletic nutritionist then you need to register for the Online Athletic Nutrition. Fill in the registration form to the right of this page to register.

The post Athletic Nutrition Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/courses/fundamentals-of-a-fitness-business-course/ Fri, 10 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/product/fundamentals-of-a-fitness-business-course/ Register for the fitness business management course to learn the skills of running a fitness business with insight knowledge of the fitness industry. Enquire now!

The post Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
There are a number of fundamentals to starting a fitness business, no matter what your is niche. You have to market your brand to potential clients, manage your schedule of classes and perhaps even shoot workout videos in order to promote your services or train clients virtually.

A successful fitness business can take many formats. A fitness business is any company that offers a fitness service, either in person or online or – alternatively – both. Very popular fitness businesses include yoga or Pilates studios, CrossFit boxes as well as kickboxing gyms. If you’re a personal trainer or are the owner of a gym or studio, you have the ability to make your fitness business very much your own.

If you’re starting up your own fitness business then you should do a Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course.

Who Can Do The Fundamentals Of A Fitness Business Course?

Anyone who would like to start up their own fitness business should do a Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course.

What Does The Fundamentals Of A Fitness Business Course Include?

The Starting a Fitness Business Course includes the following modules:

  • How to develop a CRM strategy for your business
  • How to identify your most profitable clients
  • How to segment your client base for more effective relationship management
  • How to achieve product excellence
  • How to achieve customer service excellence
  • How to achieve marketing and communications excellence
  • How to measure the efficiency of your customer retention

What Can I Do After Completing The Fundamentals Of A Fitness Business Course?

After completing the Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course you will be able to successfully start and run your own fitness business.

If you build it, fitness clients may not come. The presence of a marketing strategy is one of the tell-tale signs of whether or not a business will make it.

Marketing spans everything from finding prospects to upselling new products and services to loyal customers. Marketing is about getting the right message to the right people at the right time.

How To Register For The Fundamentals Of A Fitness Business Course?

To register for the Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course, fill in the registration form to the right-hand-side of this page.

The post Fundamentals of a Fitness Business Course appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
Rope Cable Attachments for Muscle Activation https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rope-cable-attachments/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rope-cable-attachments/#respond Sat, 04 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/rope-cable-attachments-for-muscle-activation/ The rope cable attachments are versatile, adaptable and very resourceful.  If you are looking to gain maximum muscle mass then rope cable attachments are the way to go. The rope cable also gives you free movement and will allow for full range of motion. With that said, you can go further with the rope than...

The post Rope Cable Attachments for Muscle Activation appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
The rope cable attachments are versatile, adaptable and very resourceful.  If you are looking to gain maximum muscle mass then rope cable attachments are the way to go. The rope cable also gives you free movement and will allow for full range of motion. With that said, you can go further with the rope than with a normal straight bar as you will recruit additional muscle fibres during your weight training, which leads to so much more power. With the rope cable attachment, you can perform exercises unilaterally by using the one end of the rope.  You can even add a twist at the end of an exercise to give it more intensity.

Why training with rope cable attachments can be excellent for muscle activation

How to use the rope cable attachments correctly

When we want to move into targeted, single joint exercise (like bicep curls or shoulder raises), the cable station is definitely under-utilised. The cable offers substantial benefits as compared to dumbbells and barbells. Mike Everett lists some of these: “The cable machines are easy to use, and provide you proper technique and form. You can isolate one muscle at a time for an intense workout. Cable machines allow you a fluid movement with proper form through the full range of motion.” However, the biggest benefit is the continuous tension during the entire range of motion.  If we had to take an arm curl, for example, if you were doing them with dumbbells the resistance provided would be the gravitational pull of the dumbbells towards the ground.

 

The force of the resistance is perpendicular to the ground during the entire movement.  The resistance on the arm muscles (flexors) will be at a maximum when the arm is at 90 degrees but will decrease when the arm flexes – or extends – past this point. When compared with a cable (pulley), the resistance is constant throughout the entire exercise motion. The angle of resistance is switched from the gravitational pull of the weight to that of the cable pulley, which is more aligned to the exercise movement.

The benefits of using a rope attachments with the cable pulley

The rope attachment offers a great level of resourcefulness when it comes to using a cable pulley. The rope is also an amazing option for bodybuilders who suffer from wrist and forearm injuries because this piece of equipment offers a greater level of freedom when compared to a straight handle attachment. Some examples of exercises that can be done using a rope cable attachment include straight arm pull-downs, tricep push-downs, hammer curls, overhead triceps extensions, rows, front raises, supinated curls, straight arm pull-downs as well as abdominal cable crunches.

If you think you could make a successful career out of your passion for exercise (and help others get the endorphin rush they need), sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification. Find out more here.

The post Rope Cable Attachments for Muscle Activation appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/rope-cable-attachments/feed/ 0
Why Smith Machine Squats Are The Perfect Building Blocks For Squats https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/smith-machine-squats/ https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/smith-machine-squats/#respond Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/smith-machine-squats-building-blocks-for-squats/ When we do squats, we tend to be more effective in gaining overall strength since it is a full-body compound exercise.  It works more muscles, with heavier weights, than more popular exercises such as – for example – the bench press. But if you’re performing squats for the first time, proper technique is very important...

The post Why Smith Machine Squats Are The Perfect Building Blocks For Squats appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
When we do squats, we tend to be more effective in gaining overall strength since it is a full-body compound exercise.  It works more muscles, with heavier weights, than more popular exercises such as – for example – the bench press. But if you’re performing squats for the first time, proper technique is very important so that you don’t injure your knees and back – this is where Smith Machine squats are the perfect building blocks for squats.

How the Smith Machine Assists with Squats

The squat is not an exercise to be taken lightly

Mark Rippetoe – powerlifter, coach and author – says that: “There is nothing harmful about either assuming a squatting position – whether sitting down in a chair or into an unsupported squat – or returning to a standing position afterwards.” However, even if you have a healthy back, when you perform squats ensure that your form is perfect and never slouch your back forward as this can cause back injury. Also be cautious with the weights you use. If you’re not sure, use a lighter rather than a heavier one.

The smith machine can be used as an alternative exercise to the barbell squats for developing the quadriceps and gluteus maximus. For first timers, the smith machine can be used to familiarise oneself with the squat movement, particularly with a personal trainer’s assistance.

3 Reasons why smith machine squats will help you perfect your technique

  • Smith machine squats are safe because they allow you to squat without a spotter. If you do not have a personal trainer or training partner with you in the gym, you don’t have to skip squats – you can easily do them on your own.
  • Smith machine squats are good for those starting out and don’t know how to squat properly. If you have been taught how to squat correctly the first time, you will be very safe on the smith machine since the bar will be guided during your movement and will allow you to use more weight than you would have used starting out with normal squats.
  • Smith machine squats are only slightly different to squats with a real barbell. While the movements are the same, you use less core to stabilise than with normal squats.

Here is the correct exercise procedure for smith machine squats:

  • Rest the bar on your lower trapezius and rear shoulders. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Grasp the bar with a wide, evenly spaced grip and unrack the weight by pushing up and twisting the hooks off their resting post.
  • With your head up, lower back arched and abdominals tight, begin the movement by bending at your knees and squatting towards the ground.
  • Continue to lower yourself, while inhaling, until your thighs are just below parallel to the floor.
  • Drive the weight, while exhaling, up until you’re in a standing position. Don’t lock your knees.
  • Repeat the movement until you’ve completed your desired number of reps. Re-rack the bar by twisting the hooks and putting it back on their post.

The smith machine squat can be a great addition to your daily workout routine – Dr Jim Stoppani recommends using both smith machine and barbell squats in your workout. The suspended barbell that moves on steel runners with safety pegs makes the smith machine a great choice for those who want to work on their technique and strength.

To learn more about similar exercises, sign up for Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training certification. Follow this link for more information. ​

The post Why Smith Machine Squats Are The Perfect Building Blocks For Squats appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

]]>
https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/smith-machine-squats/feed/ 0