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CHAARG seeks to unite fitness and friendship | Arts & Culture | dailyemerald.com – Oregon Daily Emerald
550 miles separate UO junior Lexi Stevens from her home in the Bay Area. Like many first-year students, Stevens struggled to find community at UO when she arrived two years ago. That changed when she came across CHAARG, a club committed to combining friendship and fitness for college-aged women.
There are more than 110 chapters of CHAARG, or Changing Health, Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls, on college campuses nationwide. The organization's mission is to unite women through a wide variety of workout classes, as well as social events and small groups.
CHAARG members will participate in one workout class a week, trying out local studios from Glow Yoga to the Downtown Athletic Club. Additionally, members will join a small group of eight to ten women that will meet for coffee, go for walks or hit the gym. There are also multiple socials a term, with activities fit for that given season. Last term included a cookie decorating event.
Stevens and her friend Natasha Carrillo, a fellow UO junior, joined the group together in 2021. The two now serve as vice president of media and president & ambassador, respectively.
Stevens is responsible for running all of CHAARG's social media channels, which includes creating graphics and edits. Carrillo acts as the liaison between CHAARG's UO chapter and Nationals.
"It's just been an amazing experience to not only grow it with her and grow it with all of our other amazing exec members but to just be a part of something so moving and such a warm and welcoming community," Stevens said in reference to working with Carrillo.
Anna Carpenter, a sophomore at UO, discovered CHAARG at last year's Flock Party. Carpenter, who always had a passion for fitness, was immediately drawn to the community that CHAARG offered. When a spot opened on the group's executive board, she ran for and won the position of vice president of membership.
"I've met some of my closest friends through CHAARG," Carpenter said. "Every time I go to a workout, I'm just so happy to work out with the people next to me. Everyone is so positive. We do CrossFit sometimes, and I mean, it's hard. But having everyone to motivate you and give you positive feedback is really helpful."
Carrillo said that while going to the gym at UO can be intimidating, CHAARG has helped create a welcoming and inclusive space for her and others.
"My favorite part of CHAARG is creating that safe space for girls, Carrillo said. My freshman year, it was hard to find clubs that I was interested in, and now I feel like we've established ourselves pretty well known on campus. Hearing so much of the positive feedback from some of the girls is the most amazing aspect of it."
To learn more about CHAARG and how to become a member, check out @oregon_inchaarg on Instagram.
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CHAARG seeks to unite fitness and friendship | Arts & Culture | dailyemerald.com - Oregon Daily Emerald
13 Best Fitness Gadgets to Optimize Your Routine – Esquire
The wearable market has sort of rifted into two camps. In one, you have smartwatchessupplements for a smartphone, easy to setup and use. In the other, you have dedicated fitness wearables, almost all of which require some stupid subscription plan.
In the middle, you've got the OG. The Fitbit.
Among other wearableswhich are worth it, if you want to payFitbit stands out because it's just as good with or without its premium subscription. The premium subscription gives you access to data that you don't necessarily need, like sleep scores. Sans subscription, the Fitbit gives you all the vitals you need, with plenty of pre-loaded workout modes for tracking (think distance run, walk, swim, or climb). It can connect to your smartphoneiPhone includedto deal with maps, music, and notification. If you want to wear it all the time, it'll passively monitor your heart rate for anything concerning, and it'll record your sleep quality. Like I said, everything you need in the most affordable package out there.
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13 Best Fitness Gadgets to Optimize Your Routine - Esquire
Peloton is getting rid of Apple Watch GymKit support – The Verge
In an email sent to users Monday evening, Peloton revealed that starting February 27th, it will start transitioning Apple Watch users from GymKit to Peloton One-Tap tracking.
GymKit integration was once marketed by Peloton as an exclusive perk of its more expensive Bike Plus, but its become less of a draw in recent years. The company launched an Apple Watch integration in 2022 that brought Apple Watch calorie and heart-rate tracking to any Peloton machine, similar to many other fitness apps.
As a result, if you linked your Peloton to an Apple Watch more recently, you may not even notice the change. The company has been directing users to only use GymKit if they havent installed the latest software updates on their machines.
Like GymKit, Pelotons app integrates data from each workout to Apples Health app. As with GymKit, you can still track distance and pace and see your heart rate metrics on screen. Its just not using Apples proprietary fitness equipment API, so if you have the latest updates installed, things shouldnt change much.However, its still understandable that people who bought the more expensive Bike Plus for GymKit integration thats now disappearing will feel upset about the change.
As Victoria Song explains here, metrics like calorie burn can vary widely depending on the user and the type of exercise, so changes to the accuracy of the data provided may not be significant. Even though users can input their weight, gender, activity level, and other variables that affect the number of calories burned, wearables like the Apple Watch are providing an educated guess, at best.
But some fitness enthusiasts still enjoy tracking their workouts over time and seeing their aggregated health data on Apples Health app and now the only way to do that will be through Pelotons app.
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Peloton is getting rid of Apple Watch GymKit support - The Verge
Analyzing Age and Cognitive Decline in Presidential Fitness – Medriva
In recent years, the issue of age and cognitive decline in relation to presidential fitness has become a prevalent topic of discussion. This concern has been amplified as two of the frontrunner candidates for the 2024 election are nearing or exceeding the age of 80. Yet, should old age be a disqualifying factor for a president? As history shows us, and as mental health experts argue, the answer is not so straightforward.
Its a fact that a decline in cognitive abilities is a normal part of healthy aging. Our overall cognition peaks in our 30s and gradually declines over time. Common changes in thinking as people age include slower word and name recall, difficulty with multitasking, and mild decreases in attention span. Natural changes happen in the brain as someone ages, with certain parts important to learning and other complex mental activities shrinking, connectivity between neurons becoming less effective, blood flow decreasing, and inflammation increasing.
However, its crucial to note that there is vast variation in how people age, and chronological age does not necessarily reflect biological age. Therefore, mixing up names or having difficulty retrieving names, especially if the names are similar in structure, is not necessarily unusual as we get older.
While the brain undergoes changes as it ages, there are also benefits such as wisdom, judgment, and neuroplasticity that often come with age. This brings into question the true prerequisites for presidential fitness. Is it more about mental arithmetic, or is judgment more important? The role of the president requires wisdom and discernment, skills often honed over many years of life experiences. Therefore, age alone should not be a cause for concern.
Historical examples of presidents facing similar accusations of cognitive decline include Ronald Reagan. Yet, as history shows, cognitive decline does not necessarily lead to catastrophic decision-making. Its worth noting that the real test of a presidents fitness is their conduct in office, and that elections are the best way to evaluate a candidates suitability.
Public perception, however, can often be influenced by ageist stereotypes. An NBC News poll found that three-quarters of voters, including half of Democrats, have concerns about President Joe Bidens mental and physical health. These concerns about age and mental fitness have been a recurring theme through the past two presidencies. However, its essential to focus on mindset and cognitive screenings rather than focusing solely on age. Assessing cognition can be difficult even for doctors, and they employ a few different methods to determine whether someone has cognitive problems that fall outside the realm of normal aging.
As the debate continues, its vital to remember that there is a slight reduction in memory with age, but forgetting names is not necessarily a sign of a serious cognitive problem. Moreover, the benefits of normal aging and the experience-based wisdom that comes with it should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, while age and cognitive decline are important considerations, they should not be the sole determining factors in evaluating a presidential candidates fitness for office. The real test of a presidents fitness is their conduct in office, their ability to make sound judgments, and their ability to lead the nation effectively.
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Analyzing Age and Cognitive Decline in Presidential Fitness - Medriva
The Best Exercises to Burn Belly Fat and Improve Overall Fitness – Medriva
Struggling with stubborn belly fat? Worry not, you are not alone. Many people grapple with losing weight, particularly in the abdominal area. However, not all exercises are created equal when it comes to burning belly fat. There are specific types of exercises that have proven more effective in burning belly fat and enhancing overall fitness. This article will illuminate these exercises, the benefits of targeting belly fat, and the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to complement your fitness routine.
Often dubbed as the king of abdominal exercises, crunches top the list of exercises specifically targeted at burning belly fat. They primarily work the rectus abdominis muscle and the obliques, helping you get rid of that troublesome belly fat while strengthening your core. The key to performing effective crunches lies in maintaining the correct form and controlling your movements, rather than rushing through the exercise.
Planks are another excellent exercise for burning belly fat. They work your entire core and help enhance your overall strength and stability. Besides burning abdominal fat, planks also help improve your posture and flexibility. The beauty of planks is that they can be done anywhere and require no equipment. However, maintaining the correct form is crucial to reaping the full benefits of this exercise.
Mountain climbers are a fantastic full-body workout, not only helping you burn belly fat but also improving your cardiovascular fitness, agility, and strength. This exercise targets several muscles simultaneously, making it a highly effective fat-burning exercise. As with any exercise, ensuring proper form and controlling your movements are key to maximizing its effectiveness.
Burpees are a high-intensity exercise that can help burn belly fat while enhancing overall fitness. They involve the entire body, which means they burn a lot of calories and help improve your strength, endurance, and coordination. Burpees can be challenging, but they are undoubtedly one of the most effective exercises for burning belly fat.
While these exercises are highly effective at burning belly fat, they must be complemented with a healthy diet for optimal results. Consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help fuel your workouts and aid in fat loss. Reducing the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods is also crucial.
Lastly, its essential to understand that burning belly fat is not just about exercising and eating right. It also involves making overall lifestyle changes. This includes getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and quitting unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to burning belly fat and improving overall fitness.
In conclusion, while there are numerous exercises out there, crunches, planks, mountain climbers, and burpees have proven highly effective in burning belly fat. However, these should be paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle for optimal results. Remember, the journey to fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. So, take one step at a time, and youll get there.
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The Best Exercises to Burn Belly Fat and Improve Overall Fitness - Medriva
Biden erupts over special counsel report on his mental fitness. Here’s what happened. – Yahoo News
A special counsel report released Thursday found that President Biden should not face charges for willfully retaining and sharing highly classified information, but also described the 81-year-old as "an elderly man with a poor memory" prompting an angry response from the president.
What happened
After a yearlong investigation, special counsel Robert Hur released a 388-page report on Biden's mishandling of classified documents from his time as a senator and as vice president. Hur found evidence that the president willfully held on to and shared classified information with Mark Zwonitzer, a ghostwriter who worked with Biden on two memoirs. While Hur concluded that criminal charges were not warranted, he also questioned Biden's mental acuity.
Biden's response
At a hastily arranged press conference at the White House Thursday evening, Biden exploded over Hur and his report.
"I'm 'well-meaning' and I'm 'an elderly man' and I know what the hell I'm doing," Biden told reporters. "I've been president and I put this country back on its feet. I don't need his recommendation."
Biden was particularly angered that the special counsel's report mentioned that the president didn't remember the year of his son Beau's death. (Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015.)
"How in the hell dare he raise that," Biden said, adding that he didn't believe it was any of Hur's business. At a Democratic retreat in Virginia earlier in the day, an incredulous Biden said to a group of lawmakers, "You think I would f***ing forget the day my son died?"
Biden insisted "my memory is fine" and then referred to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi as the president of Mexico when talking about the war in Gaza. Earlier in the week, the president made similar gaffes, referring to Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996, instead of French President Emmanuel Macron, and the late Helmut Kohl instead of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Why it matters
The episode has sparked fresh concern about the president's mental fitness as he seeks a second term in office.
The big picture
Both Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 77, his likely opponent in the general election this fall, have faced questions about their mental acuity over their noticeable flubs.
At a campaign rally last month, Trump confused his Republican challenger Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He criticized Haley for her handling of security at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Haley was not in charge of security the day the Capitol was attacked.
On Thursday night, during a speech in Las Vegas following his victory in the Nevada caucuses, Trump referred to Viktor Orbn as the "leader of Turkey." Orbn is Hungary's authoritarian leader.
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Biden erupts over special counsel report on his mental fitness. Here's what happened. - Yahoo News
‘Beyond Devastating’: Assessment of Biden’s Mental Fitness Triggers Democrat Panic | texasinsider – Texas Insider
Biden"reinforces,"makes "problem" of incompetency & fitness for another 4-Year Term worse
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Texas Insider Report) This is beyond devastating, said one Democrat operative, speaking on the condition of anonymity to be able to talk candidly about Joe Bidens increasingly visible mental shortcomings.In deciding not to charge President Biden with any crimes for repeatedly mishandling Top Secret & Classified Documuents over a period of decades, Special Counsel Robert Hur wrote that in a potential trial:
As a result, said the Report, we would not be able to "establish Mr. Biden's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."
The portrait of a man, and President, who couldnt remember when he served as Barack Obamas Vice President or the year when his beloved son Beau died dealt a blow to Bidens argument that his mental faculties are still fit enough to serve another four-year term.
Special Counsel Hur wrote there was evidence Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified material after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen.
It was tough enough for Biden to reassure voters about his health before Hurs "Investigation Into Unauthorized Removal, Retention & Disclosure of Classified Documents by Joseph R. Biden, Jr." Report, but now that the report has been released, its prompting members of his own Democrat Party to question whether he should or even could remain the nominee in November. Polling has long shown that questions of his mental decline were growing, and looms as Bidens greatest liability in his expected November rematch with former President Donald Trump.
In his remarks Thursday night defending his competency, while talking about the war in Gaza, he referred to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi as being the head of Mexico.
While White House press aides have downplayed such lapses as the sort of mistake anyone in public life can make, the Hur Report strips away the defenses that Bidens press operation has used to protect him and raises fresh doubts about whether Biden is up to the rigors of the presidency, Democratic strategists said in interviews.
Asked if Hurs report changes the calculus for Democrats who expect Biden to be the partys nominee, this person said:
How the f--- does it not?
But Mr. Biden grew emotional when invoking the part of the report addressing the date of his son's death.
"How in the hell dare you raise that?" Biden said. "Frankly, when I was asked the question I thought to myself, 'It wasn't any of their damn business.' "
Beyond Devastating
Another Biden ally called it the worst day of his presidency, saying I think he needs to show us this is a demonstrably false characterization of him, and that he has what it takes to win and govern.
Biden, however, clashed with several reporters, was clearly confused about and referenced the presidents of Egypt and Mexico inappropriately when answering a question about the Middle-East situation, and struck a defiant tone by declaring that he was the most qualified person for the presidency.
Former Obama advisor andCNN Senior Political AnalystDavid Axelrod (left,) said Biden's hastily-called Thursday evening Press Conference "reinforces the meme" that Biden is too old.
Axelrod said that Bidens response simply did not solve the "problem" of the majority of voters thinking hes too old and too incompetent for the job.
While Biden was fortunate to escape indictment, the Special Rounsel report is expected to give Mr. Trump additional fodder as he fights charges for allegedly mishandling classified records at his Mar-a-Lago social club. Republicans are already accusing Biden of benefiting from adouble standard.
Trump will likely brandish the Hur Report as proof that Biden has weaponized the Justice Department for political advantage.
Whats more, Democrats will now be hard-pressed to capitalize on Trumps indictment over retaining classified records.
Before Hurs report, Democrats argued that the two cases were very different. Whereas Trump failed to turn over classified records even after he was asked to do so, Biden willingly cooperated with authorities and relinquished all the material he had, Biden's allies had argued.
Special Counsel Hur's Report, however, mentions at least one instance in February 2017 when Biden was no longer vice president when Biden read notes containing classified information nearly verbatim to a ghostwriter helping him with his book, Promise Me, Dad.
What will stick in the American Voters minds is the public confirmation of Mr. Bidens rapidly declining ability to serve another term as president.
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'Beyond Devastating': Assessment of Biden's Mental Fitness Triggers Democrat Panic | texasinsider - Texas Insider
VASA Fitness on Indy’s west side reopens Saturday following double shooting – WRTV Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS A gym on the citys west side is once again welcoming clients after gunfire rang out inside the facility on Tuesday night, injuring two people.
The shooting occurred just inside the front doors of VASA Fitness, located at 6965 W. 38th St., at around 9 p.m.
Two victims, a juvenile and an adult, were shot but are expected to make a full recovery.
The gym reopened for the first time since the shooting on Saturday morning. Management says they are doing everything they can to make their staff and clients feel as comfortable as possible.
We feel we are an extremely safe environment, and we are partnering with local law enforcement so they can keep our community safe, Layne Nordquist, VASA Fitness Regional Director, said.
Nordquist says VASA employees go through extensive emergency training to help them prepare for any crises that may occur.
If clients are feeling uneasy about returning to the gym, Nordquist says employees will give them a tour of the gym and discuss the facilitys safety plans with them.
Police are still searching for the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477 (TIPS).
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VASA Fitness on Indy's west side reopens Saturday following double shooting - WRTV Indianapolis
The Beauty And Fitness Routine Jennifer Aniston Follows To Look That Luminous – Vogue
Two men have been ever present in Anistons professional lifefrom the days of the Rachel to nowher hairstylist, Chris McMillan, and colorist Michael Canal. McMillan is the man behind that infamous hairstyle some 28 years ago, and he still cuts and styles her hair now. Likewise, Canal still works his honey-caramel, sun-kissed magic on the actors famous mane to this day.
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Like so many fellow A-listers, Jennifer Lopez included, Aniston sees the queen of the Hollywood power brow, Anastasia Soare, founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills, to keep her arches in check. In an interview with Vogue, Soare previously likened the effects of her treatments to a mini facelift.
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The woman behind Anistons luminous makeup is Angela Levin, whose signature is natural glam. Levin also works with everyone from Michelle Williams and Reese Witherspoon to Glenn Close.
Like anyone else who remains so lean, lithe and toned in their fifties, Aniston works hard to achieve that body. The good news is that she enjoys exercise, and has previously said she feels really beautiful post workout, because Ive taken care of my body, my endorphins are going, my blood is pumping. Im taking care of the one body I have. To that end, she mixes it up with boxing, yoga and cardio, which she does for at least 20 minutes each day, and keeps a treadmill, and spin and elliptical bikes at home. She finishes her workouts with an infrared sauna.
Her trainer, Leyon Azubuike, founder of the US boxing gym Gloveworx, also puts her through her paces. Their sessions start with a 15 minute yoga warm-up and incorporate everything from skipping rope to jumping jacks and lots of core work yep, those defined abs are courtesy of lots of planking.
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The Beauty And Fitness Routine Jennifer Aniston Follows To Look That Luminous - Vogue
Guide To Continuing Education For Fitness Professionals – Muscle & Fitness
Ive worked alongside trainers who, when he moment they completed their exercise-related degree was the moment they stopped investing any effort in continuing education. They decided they knew enough and didnt think that there was a need for continuing education for fitness professionalsand it showed in their eventual career struggles, lack of skills evolution, and disengagement in the field to the point they instead poured time into multilevel marketing schemes in the false hope of retiring by age 35.
For the majority of us whove invested in making others better, resting on our laurels isnt an option.
Butdo you need an advanced degree (or even a degree) in exercise science, nutrition, or related fields to have a successful career in fitness? The short answer is no.
The long answer is also no, though such a degree can open valuable doors and set you up for success. Look no further than Dr Mike Israetel, PhD in Sports Physiology and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization. Mike may also be one of the most well-educated people in nutrition, yet holds no formal degrees in nutrition or dietetics. Contrast this with Mikes partner Nick Shaw, the CEO of RP, highly knowledgeable and successful in his own right who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management.
For many coaches, pursuing a degree or adding an advanced degree in fitness or nutrition is time and cost prohibitive. Thankfully we have a rich array of free, low cost, and high value moderate cost options available to allow coaches to grow and thrive. Continuing education for fitness professionals should be a bedrock of any successful career.
Heres a breakdown of some of the best resources for continuing education for fitness professionals.
Most coaches dont start with the disposable income to pile on seminars and certifications. Fortunately most information exists free on the internet. Early in my career I read the library of strength and conditioning, nutrition, and muscle building articles on T-Nation, Muscle and Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, and Precision Nutrition. I poured over the websites of their regular writers for more articles, like Tony Gentilcore, Ben Bruno, Christian Thibaudeau, Lee Boyce, and Krista Scott-Dixon. Their examples inspired me to start writing.
Early in my career I found Dr. Layne Norton and binged his early YouTube videos on nutrition and found his old podcast Physique Science Radio with cohost Sohee Lee. This led to Jeff Nippards podcasts, Danny Lennons Sigma Nutrition Radio, Kevin Larrabees FitCast, and later Luka Hocevars Vigor Life Podcast. Sigma and Vigor are still going strong to this day and Ive even appeared as a guest on Vigor. Jordan Syatt and Mike Vacantis How to Become a Personal Trainer, is a must listen for aspiring coaches. I loved podcasts so much I founded one with a friend over six years ago and it carries on today as The Lift Free and Diet Hard Podcast.
While much of YouTube is sensational info-tainmentlong on entertainment and short on education (think CT Fletcher, Rich Piana (RIP), and BroScience/Dom Mazzetti)many credible evidence-based fitness professionals have a strong foothold on YouTube. Luka Hocevar, Jeff Nippard, Renaissance Periodization, and many other fitness professionals and brands have grown successful channels, driving substantial business their way.
YouTube is also a goldmine for the business and media skills many coaches neglect. A deep dive into Alex and Leila Hormozis podcasts and YouTube might alone be a more surgical business education than a four-year degree (speaking from experience with my Bachelor of Commerce).
This should also get every fitness professional thinking about creating their own long-form content, whether writing articles, hosting a podcast, or filming YouTube. This can open incredible doors to brand development and a foundation for social media growth. Writing for my own website led to numerous published writing opportunities, evidenced here.
Not everything is free and people dont always value free things. Just ask any trainer whos offered free programs to friends. Adherence rates are mediocre at best. It helps to have a little skin in the game.
Buying booksyes, booksis one of your best investments. Less expensive than most formal course, books, however, require the investment of time. Audiobooks, like podcasts, will turn your daily commute and cooking time into an ongoing university style education. I reserve my limited physical reading time for textbooks and other resources I cant consume on audio, or for content creation like writing, recording, or presentations. This leaves audiobooks as my main outlet for averaging around 80 books a year (work up to listening on faster speeds). Books advance your education in sales, business, marketing, communication, coaching, philosophy, public speaking, writing, productivity, nutrition, and a wide array of other valuable skills for a successful career.
Some of my top recommendations for any fitness professional include:
(Theres many more educational books out there. Please shoot me a message on Instagram and Ill personally recommend books to suit your current needs.@andrewcoatesfitness.
As your business grows and you have more disposable income, its wise to invest back into your skills and career growth. Theres a strong argument that investment in skills that increase your earning potential is a better investment than the stock market. This isnt advice against regularly putting away savings for your retirement, but accelerating your income growth puts you on a faster road to financial freedom down the road.
Carefully selecting courses, seminars, and certifications can be a valuable and surgical way to attain critical knowledge.
Many trainers begin by added deeper nutrition knowledge to broaden the depth of service they offer for clients. Some trainers want to feel confident and qualified to discuss general nutrition with clients while others wish to add formal nutrition coaching to their offering. Some of the most popular and reputable nutrition courses include Precision Nutrition Level 1 and Martin MacDonalds Mac-Nutrition Uni.
Chasing certifications for the sake of pulling up more credentials is a fools errand and poor use of your time and money, but carefully chosen certifications can provide important skills to distinguish you as a caring, confident, and skilled coach.
Some the best certifications Ive personally taken include:
A certification is wise when its the most efficient road to acquiring important skills.
One of the most uniquely high leverage ways to thrive in the industry is to attend seminars and industry conferences. While you can gain knowledge and skill, perhaps even more fulfilling is the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and like-minded peers on the same journey you are.
Some of the most valuable opportunities in my career have come from meeting and supporting other coaches in my travels. Ive made a point of flying out from the frozen north of Edmonton Canada at least a few times a year to surround myself with new and old industry friends.
Im slated to speak at Raise the Bar in Dallas, Texas Feb 23-24, alongside a lineup of industry leaders including Molly Galbraith, Luka Hocevar, Nick Shaw, Jordan Syatt, and Kelsey Heenan.
Also on the near horizon, The Real Coaches Summit in Las Vegas, where Im returning to support my friend the host Aram Grigorian and spend time with many industry friends.
These events changed my life by connecting me with like-minded peers whove become lifelong friends, while also getting quality time with industry leaders. I spent six years working in a commercial gym under their rigid systems. Being surrounded by different coaches with different business structures helped shed restrictive thinking and grow in ways I didnt understand where possible. Some of those connections led to great podcast guests, invitations to appear on podcastrs, invitations to write for big publications, and public speaking opportunities.
Coaches can also hire mentors to accelerate their development. Mentorship programs are more prevalent than ever with many being outrageously expensive and not always delivering on value. A great mentor can warp you ahead on important business and career choices and systems, while a bad one can drain your coffers and leave you discouraged. Take your time to find the right mentor or program that aligns with your values and offers the specific skills you need. Youre paying a premium price to bypass a lot of time consuming and potentially inefficient self exploration.
One lifetime can barely scratch the surface of all the things we could possibly know about health, muscle building, fat loss, human psychology, and all the other important career skills we believe we need. Then consider the complex depth of coaching in various niches like training and nutrition in sports, combat sports, military and paramilitary organizations, special forces, bodybuilding, powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and more.
The smartest PhDs are still learning. New research emerges and old beliefs are challenged and refined or discarded with new information. All the while even the most trusted evidence based academics and coaches dont agree with each other on 100% of all details. If we wait to have all the answers before we begin helping people, we would never start. Experience is also one of the best teachers.
You can study with every waking hour and be useless to help others without practical experience. Experience takes time and opportunity. The opportunity cost of gaining experience may be earning lower hourly rates in the short term. The goal is gain as much experience as possible as quickly as possible so you out yourself in a position to earn a greater livelihood and have more resources for life and to invest back into your education.
Great coaches never stop learning.
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Guide To Continuing Education For Fitness Professionals - Muscle & Fitness