CANCER RECOVERY & EXERCISE - RHABDOMYOLYSIS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - MICROBIOME - NASM Blog
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®
EARN AFAA-NASM CEUS:
CANCER
RECOVERY
& EXERCISE
MICROBIOME
MATTERS
AN OUTDOOR
SPIN ON
INDOOR
CYCLING
RHABDOMYOLYSIS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SUMMER 2019
001 AFM Summer19_vF.indd 1 6/6/19 4:41 PM
002-003 AFM TOC Summer19_vF.indd 2 6/5/19 8:41 PM
SUMMER
V OL U ME THI RTY- S EV EN // N U M BER T H REE
2019
ON THE COVER
32 GAME CHANGER
Michael Piercy has a game
plan for all his clients—
from aspiring athletes to
all-star pros.
BY SHIRLEY ARCHER, JD, MA
16
PHOTO: VERONICA CRUZ
COVER PHOTO
B Y V E RO N IC A CRUZ 57
RESEARCH, INDUSTRY FEATURES GROUP EXERCISE RESTORATIVE
NEWS, BUSINESS TIPS MOVEMENT
20 CEU CORNER: EXERCISE AND 12 THE PATH TO PRESENTING
BREAST CANCER RECOVERY. BY SARAH SCHRENK, MS
07 TRAINING EDGE: INDUSTRY NEWS, RESTORING QUALITY OF 66 YOUR MOST IMPORTANT
INSIGHTS & TOOLS LIFE TO PEOPLE IN CANCER 52 AN OUTDOOR SPIN ON CLIENT? YOU!
BY LAURA QUAGLIO TREATMENT AND BEYOND. INDOOR CYCLING BY LAWRENCE BISCONTINI, MA
BY LAURA QUAGLIO WITH BY KRISTA POPOWYCH
16 PROGRAMMING’S BEST
QUESTION: “WHY?”
ANDREA LEONARD &
AFAA-NASM
BY RYAN HALVORSON
ANNA L. SCHWARTZ, PHD
NUTRITION NEWS & VIEWS
40 RHABDO: WHEN OVERTRAINING
70 Q+A: YOU ASK, WE ANSWER CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING
BY TONY NUÑEZ, PHD 57 FOOD NEWS & FACTS
BY JOE CANNON, MS
BY ALEXANDRA WILLIAMS, MA 04 CONNECT
62 GUT HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING 05 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
PERSONAL TRAINING YOUR MICROBIOME
BY JOSEPH WEISS, MD,
47 PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD & DANIELLE WEISS, MD
WITH THE NASM OPT™ MODEL
BY KYLE STULL, DHSC, MS
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 3
002-003 AFM TOC Summer19_vF.indd 3 6/5/19 8:41 PM
CONNECT
AMERICAN FITNESS
EXECUTIVE TEAM
PRESID ENT AND PUB LISH ER
Laurie McCartney
GENERAL M ANAGER O F INT ERNAT IO NAL FIT NESS
Brad Tucker
V I C E PRESID ENT O F SALES AND B USINESS D EVELO PM ENT
David Correia
V I CE PRESID ENT O F O PERAT IO NS AND ANALY T ICS
Luis Guzman
EDITORIAL STAFF
CON TE N T AN D COMMU N ICAT IO NS M ANAGER Greg Esposito
DI RE C TOR OF C USTO M PUB LISH ING Sandy Todd Webster
ED ITO R IN CH IEF Joy Keller
ART D IRECTO R Annie Morley
E XE C U TI VE M ANAGING ED ITO R Kate Watson
P RO D UCT IO N ED ITO R Judy Minich
E DITO RIAL A SSISTANT Sarah Kolvas
PRO D UCT IO N Patrick Sternkopf
CON TRIB UT ING ED ITO RS Megan Hard
Tom Mangan
Pat Ryan, MS
Laura Quaglio
CON TRIB UT ING WRIT ERS Shirley Archer, JD, MA Laura Quaglio
Lawrence Biscontini, MA Sarah Schrenk, MS
Joe Cannon, MS Anna L. Schwartz, PhD
Ryan Halvorson Kyle Stull, DHSc
Andrea Leonard Danielle Weiss, MD
Tony Nuñez, PhD Joseph Weiss, MD
Krista Popowych Alexandra Williams, MA
ATHLETI C S A N D FI TN ES S A S S O C I ATI O N O F A M E R I CA ( AFA A) NAT I ONAL ACAD E M Y OF S PORT S M E D I CI NE ( NA S M)
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Please tell us more about your topic, why it would be relevant to the health and fitness within articles, features, columns and advertisements of this magazine are not neces-
community, areas covered, and your qualifications to write the piece. Your query will sarily those of the publisher, AFAA, NASM or their parent corporations or affiliates.
be reviewed for timeliness, relevancy and accuracy. If we feel it will be valuable for The publisher and contributors cannot guarantee such materials are safe and proper
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COPYRIGHT © 2019 ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AMERICAN FITNESS (ISSN 0893-5238) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ATHLETICS AND FITNESS ASSOCIATION OF
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AMERICAN FITNESS, 1750 E. NORTHROP BLVD., STE. 200, CHANDLER, AZ 85286. VOLUME 37, NUMBER 3.
4 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
004 AFM Connect Summer19 vF.indd 4 6/5/19 8:42 PM
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SHINING YOUR LIGHT
Oh, the joys of summer! The days are longer, MS, touches on this idea as he reviews the
the weather is welcoming, and the season is lower kinetic chain and how a simple step-by-
right for fun vacations and relaxed attitudes. step approach to assessment and corrective
At the same time, your clients are count- programming can make all the difference.
LAURIE McCARTNEY, PRESIDENT ing on you to keep them on track with the Look for this article on page 47 and imple-
healthy changes you’ve helped them make ment the strategies with your clients.
since the start of the year. As an educated When it comes to shining brightly and
TAKE FIVE fitness professional, you are
ready to motivate!
In this issue, we have sev- “FITNESS IS TOO
fully showing up, Michael
Piercy, MS, the subject of this
issue’s cover story, is a stellar
eral in-depth articles that IMPORTANT TO BE example and a respected leader.
CHECK OUT FIVE OF give you the keys you need “Fitness is too important to
OUR FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS to help your clients achieve BORING. BREAK DOWN be boring,” he says (page 32).
FROM THIS ISSUE! their wide-ranging goals. WALLS BY CREATING “Break down walls by creat-
Rhabdomyolysis expert Joe ing laughter and joy.” Piercy
16 CONNECT TO THE “WHY”
OF PROGRAMMING
Find out how to keep clients
Cannon, MS, explains why
there is such a thing as too
much intensity (page 40), and
LAUGHTER AND JOY.” has reinvented himself sev-
— MICHAEL PIERCY, MS
eral times, and his insatiable
hunger for knowledge—and
fully engaged.
we explore the many reasons for sharing that knowledge
why you need to keep current with your with clients and other fitness professionals
20
CEU CORNER:
EXERCISE AND BREAST continuing education, especially when —fuels his passion.
CANCER RECOVERY working with special populations. We know you are also passionate about
Experts share how to help In our newest CEU Corner, “Working your purpose, and we remain committed to
clients return to structured Th rough Cancer: Exercise as a Part of Re- providing you with top-tier education and
movement.
covery” (page 20), we talk to experts about support. Share your success stories with us!
the right ways to engage and motivate clients
32 ON THE COVER:
MICHAEL PIERCY
Lifelong learning is the
who are recovering from breast cancer. Re- Yours in health,
search verifies that exercise can help those
coming back from this insidious disease, but
key to success.
it’s crucial to know your limitations and be
fully present. If you want to work with this
40 RHABDOMYOLYSIS: WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW
How much effort is too much?
population, it’s essential to pursue a solid Laurie McCartney
education in the fi ner points of cancer, its President – Global Fitness & Wellness Solutions
treatment, and its effects on the body, both
short- and long-term.
47 FEET: THE BASE
OF SUPPORT
Help clients avoid low
On the business side, we explain why
it’s important to be mindful and measured
when introducing your clients to the latest
facebook.com/personaltrainers/
facebook.com/afaa.fit/
arches and plantar
fasciitis with the NASM and greatest techniques (page 16). The point
OPT™ model. is to train the individual in front of you. instagram.com/nasm_fitness/
NASM Master Trainer Kyle Stull, DHSC, instagram.com/afaa_certified/
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 5
005 AFM Pres_Summer19 vF.indd 5 6/5/19 8:43 PM
I
Expires 8/31/2019
SIGN UP TODAY! 1-800-460-6276 | Learn more at NASM.org/CPT
*Terms and conditions apply.
006-011 AFM Training Edge News Summer19 vF.indd 6 6/5/19 8:43 PM
BY LAURA QUAGLIO
Training Edge [ INDUSTRY NEWS, INSIGHTS & TOOLS ]
Build Neck
I Strength
n recent news published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Phys-
ical Therapy, researchers who examined previous studies on concus-
sion concluded that increasing neck strength “could substantially
reduce risk or severity of injury or outcomes” (2019; 49 [3], 202–8). to Lower
Concussion
“A concussion is when the head gets rattled like a little bobble doll,”
says NASM Master Instructor Fabio Comana, MA, MS, NASM-CPT, CES, PES.
Risk
“If I have strong muscles stabilizing the head, like when heading a soccer ball
or during a collision, it doesn’t bobble as much.”
Though Comana agrees with the research team’s recommendations to do a
pain screen, postural assessments and neck exercises, he suggests adding a
step. “Depending on the assessments, you may need to do corrective exercise USE A TECH TOOL TO
CHECK FORM. NASM
before you go to strengthening,” he says. Here is his recommendation, based
MASTER INSTRUCTOR
on the NASM corrective exercise approach: FABIO COMANA USES AN
Assess for pain. Cue the client with these moves: Sit upright and APP CALLED COACH’S EYE
lower the chin to touch the chest, then tilt the head back (face TO SNAP A PICTURE OF
nearly parallel to floor); bring the head back to neutral and THE CLIENT’S POSTURE,
EVEN WHEN IN MOTION.
turn once to each side (chin to collarbone). Clients who
“THE APP ALLOWS ME TO
have pain with any of these motions should see a physi-
DRAW LINES AND SHOW
cal therapist or a physician. THE ANGLE OF THE HEAD
Assess posture. Have the client stand with the back TO THE BACK,” HE SAYS.
against a wall and pull the shoulder blades back so they are flat, opening AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF
up the chest. Now look at the person from the side. The mastoid process CORRECTIVE EXERCISE,
COMANA CAN SHOW
(the bone right behind the ear) should align directly over the acromion process
CLIENTS THEIR PROGRESS.
(the bump at the end of the clavicle or shoulder blade).
“Many people have a forward-head position,” says Comana. If so,
corrective exercise should be performed to restore balance in the postural
muscles before moving on to strengthening.
Recommend corrective exercise as needed. A simple exercise
Comana recommends is to tell the client to pretend you accidentally got
dog poo on your hand—and then put your hand in front of the client’s nose.
The person will instinctively pull back the head into proper alignment. “This
[movement] should be done repeatedly throughout the day; not just once and
done,” he adds. Comana has clients put a checkmark in a notepad every time
they do this exercise between sessions. (Additional moves are detailed in the
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization program.)
Build neck strength. Rather than doing “neck exercises,” which often
don’t involve much range of motion, Comana suggests focusing on compound
lifts that happen to build neck strength, such as the deadlift and shoulder
press. As always, following the NASM OPT™ model, Comana recommends
“unloaded then loaded then exploded” training. “Don’t progress clients unless
they earn the right to progress,” he says.
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 7
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TRAINING EDGE INDUSTRY NEWS, INSIGHTS & TOOLS
FORM FIX-UP WITH MIKE FANTIGRASSI
AB WORKOUTS SAMPLE ABS
S
ummertime often means more people if hip flexors are tight from too much sit-
PROGRESSION VIA THE
are in pursuit of the elusive “six-pack.” ting, full situps will engage those muscles
There are a few problems with that, more than the abs. And clients whose hip
NASM OPT™ MODEL
Below is a progressive core-exercise
says Mike Fantigrassi, NASM-CPT flexors are already strong, such as cyclists,
program based on guidelines in the NASM
and Master Instructor. “One of the don’t need to strengthen them further. Optimum Performance Training™ model:
sayings is ‘Abs are made in the kitchen,’ Exercise selection. As with any
CORE STABILIZATION
and it’s really true. To see your abs, it boils other move, consider what muscles you plank
down to nutrition. Clients need to know want to target. Many people focus too dead bug
that.” Here are a few other things to keep in much on the rectus abdominis and the stability ball rollout or “stir the pot”
plank and saw motion with TRX®
mind when helping clients target their abs: “lower abs,” which they try to target with
Suspension Trainer™
Timing. Most people spend 15 leg levers and flutter kicks. Guide clients to
minutes on abs, when they only need to CORE STRENGTH
include moves that target the internal and
floor crunch or curl-up
devote 2 or 3. Also, they work the abs external obliques and transverse abdomi-
ball crunch
daily, which does not give muscles time nis, as well. reverse crunch
to recover. Lower-intensity exercises—like Cuing. If a client’s belly is puffing out cable rotation (twist)
planks—can be done daily or be used medicine ball twist (V seat)
during a crunching move, the client is not
in a warmup or active recovery between drawing the belly in. This drawing-in action CORE POWER
exercise sets, but the protocol for ab work has been shown to activate both local and floor or stability ball situp with medicine
ball throw
is 1–4 moves, 1–4 sets, 3 days a week. global stabilization systems in the body.
rotation chest pass
Assessment. Some ab exercises can Also check for a forward-protruding head medicine ball twist-and-slam
worsen muscle imbalances. For example, and cue for posture corrections. standing twist-and-throw (ball against wall)
NUTRITION
CERTIFICATION
FOR THE WIN
If abs are made in
the kitchen, serve up
results for your clients
by becoming an NASM
Certified Nutrition
Coach. In this state-
of-the-art interactive
program, you’ll learn
how to put your clients
on the healthiest route
toward their best
selves. Find out more
at nasm.org/cnc.
8 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
006-011 AFM Training Edge News Summer19 vF.indd 8 6/6/19 11:46 AM
A GYMNASTICS
BACKGROUND
HELPS DANIELLE
Why (and How) to Put More
STAND OUT FROM
THE CROWD.
“You” Into Your Business
“When you’re in busi- ent retention rates and
Danielle Gray, NASM- ness, you need a niche. referrals. Not everyone
CPT, knows what Many people are used may have quite so obvi-
it means to build a to ‘fitting in’ because ous a niche as she did,
business around a that means survival, but but she says all fit pros
personal passion. She in the business world, can differentiate them-
began gymnastics when you want to stand out. selves from the pack
she was 4 years old, Otherwise you get lost.” by tapping into their
competed on the Junior Though creating a truest selves.
Olympic team and later niche business may nar- “The first step is to
became a gymnastics row the types of clients think of how you train,”
coach. Today, her you work with, Gray she says. “Why do you
business—Train Like a says the payoff in work- train the way you do?
Gymnast—centers on ing with likeminded What do you love about
applying the lessons people is both personal it? You’ll have passion
she learned to clients and professional: She’s there because it’s what
with all types of fitness
interests and goals.
found that not only
does she feel more con-
you love to do. Spread
that joy!”
How Many
“Putting yourself
into your business can
nected to her clients,
but her authenticity has
To see how Gray
built upon her passion,
Minutes of Daily
equal success for many created a level of trust visit trainlikeagymnast Exercise Will Get
Big Head?
reasons,” she says. that has increased cli- .com.
You to Age 90?
Two researchers from the
Who’s Got a
Netherlands examined data from
the Netherlands Cohort Study,
specifically looking at 5,479
E
people born in 1916–1917.
Everyone! The average adult’s head The study kept tabs on
various factors, including
weighs 10–12 pounds. “It’s a big ball,
physical activity, from age 20
and the best place to balance until age 90 or death, whichever
it—the fulcrum—is over the C1 came first (1986–2007).
and C2 axis in the cervical The results, published in the
spine. If the head is off Journal of Epidemiology & Com-
munity Health, were different for
balance, shifted forward
women than for men. Men who
just 30 degrees, like from exercised for 90 or more minutes
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the a day were 39% more likely to
clock face, the head now reach age 90 than those doing
weighs 40 pounds,” says less than a half-hour. For men,
more exercise time meant better
NASM Master Instructor
odds. For women, though, 60
Fabio Comana. “That’s why a minutes a day seemed to be the
forward shift—as in upper sweet spot for becoming a nona-
crossed syndrome—can be genarian: Doing more or less was
very problematic.” associated with a lower likeli-
hood of reaching that milestone.
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 9
006-011 AFM Training Edge News Summer19 vF.indd 9 6/5/19 8:43 PM
TRAINING EDGE INDUSTRY NEWS, INSIGHTS & TOOLS
COULD AEROBIC EXERCISE
= GREATER COLLEGE SUCCESS?
In research published this year in Neurology, Columbia
University professor Yaakov Stern, PhD, et al. studied
a group of 132 adult men and women (2019; 92 [9]).
All were classified as “cognitively normal” and “below
median aerobic capacity.”
Participants were divided between two training
programs: One focused on aerobic exercise, and the
Brush Up on Kids’
other on stretching/toning. Both programs ran for
6 months, with workouts four times per week. Before
Physical Activity Guidelines
In the recently updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
and after the interventions, researchers measured a
(2018; 2nd ed.), published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
variety of factors, including cognitive function, aerobic
Services, Chapter 3 is dedicated to exercise for children and adoles-
capacity, body mass index and cortical thickness,
cents. As in the previous edition, guidelines are spelled out in terms of
which has been associated with higher general intel-
timing, intensity and duration. But a key component is not mentioned:
ligence scores (Intelligence, 2013; 41 [5], 597–606).
the importance of establishing a foundation of healthy movement
All ages of aerobic exercisers showed improve-
patterns, posture and exercise form, as recommended by the NASM
ments in cognition, which includes executive function,
Optimum Performance Training™ model.
episodic memory, processing speed, language and
How to adapt the model to kids? The NASM Youth Exercise Special-
attention. While the effect on executive function was
ization (YES) course (1.0 NASM CEUs) offers guidelines not only on doing
more pronounced with age, the researchers noted in
that but on adapting assessments, SAQ training and even motivational
their conclusion, “Increased cortical thickness sug-
approaches—all of which are a bit different for children.
gests that aerobic exercise contributes to brain health
Here, for example, are the guidelines for resistance training:
in individuals as young as age 20.”
For fitness professionals working to motivate RESISTANCE TRAINING GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN 6–19
college students, those who are GPA-focused could
Sets Reps Intensity Rest Interval
be interested in knowing they may perform better
stability 1–3 12–15 low 0–30 seconds
academically if they don’t skip workouts to study.
strength 1–3 6–15 moderate 30–90 seconds
(Perhaps an hour less of Netflix would be a better
tradeoff.) power 1–3 3–6 high 1.5–3 minutes
Danielle Gray, NASM-CPT, from Train Like a Gym- To learn more about the YES program, visit nasm.org/products/CEU142K.
nast, shares a strategy from her own college days
that may help keep students moving between training
sessions: Enroll in a physical education class each
semester. “I knew if I scheduled it into my courses,
I would make time for it,”
she says.
GX NEWS: TURN YOUR GYM TRIBE
INTO A ROWING CREW
R
Recently, Technogym®— With the UNITY™
an official supplier of SELF SKILLROW app
seven Olympic Games— and kiosk, instructors se-
reimagined indoor row- lect from a library of class
ing machines and came profiles or create their
up with SKILLROW™. own programs, adjusting
This innovative machine elements such as power,
can be used solo, of heart rate or strokes per
course, but Technogym minute. (The program
also created a SKILL- allows you to manage the
ROWING class program microphone and music,
that turns the activity into too.) Class members
a unique group experience. simply follow the rowing
10 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
006-011 AFM Training Edge News Summer19 vF.indd 10 6/5/19 8:44 PMGet ’Em
Electrify Your
sible, the Performance
Enhancement Special-
Back
Purpose at
ization offers protocols
in the to help you know when
Optima 2019
it’s safe to work the
Game . . . traumatized area and
Safely what to avoid when you
W
do. Also, the fitness pro As an NASM/AFAA fitness professional, you are
Working with competi- must work in close con- dedicated to helping people transform their
tion athletes who have cert with the athlete’s lives—but what about your own transformation?
been sidelined by an sports medicine staff Set aside a weekend this fall for the ultimate
injury can be tough. to ensure that training fitness education experience that will boost your
Psychologically, a certi- coordinates with treat- personal and professional growth to new levels.
fied trainer can help ment. Here’s a summary The NASM and AFAA Optima 2019 Conference is
them avoid negative of the stages: celebrating 5 years of delivering the finer details
thinking and remind Stage 1: The sports that make a fitness professional stand out among
them to focus on the performance profes- the crowd.
goals their doctor sug- sional only works on the “I think one of the wonderful things about
gests now. Physically, nontraumatized muscles Optima is the opportunity to network, to meet
it’s more complicated: using isolateral or The injury-recovery people like yourself, to learn from others, to get
“During this time, it is single-limb training. process is complete the very best access to education, and also to be a
important the sports Stage 2: After the when all of these apply: part of our product development team by inform-
performance profes- athlete regains pain- • Movement is ing and learning from each other [so we] take
sional not lose focus free range of motion in pain-free. NASM to the next level,” says Laurie McCartney,
on maintaining the the traumatized area • No swelling is president, Global Fitness & Wellness Solutions.
uninjured areas of the (and receives medical noticeable. Highlights from this year’s event:
athlete. Doing so can clearance), progressive • Full ROM of the • Keynote speaker Chris Powell, host of
lead to dysfunction strength training can joint/muscle is Extreme Weight Loss, who will share expert
and the potential for begin (with little stress restored. tips on “The Transformation of Coaching.”
injury to those adjacent on joints). • Strength reaches or • Morning workouts with top professionals in
body parts,” according Stage 3: The focus exceeds preinjury the industry.
to NASM Essentials changes to returning levels. • A chance to learn more about the latest in
of Sports Performance the athlete to baseline • Metabolic fitness health and fitness products, technology and
Training (Jones & (or better). Strength is reestablished apparel in the well-targeted expo hall.
Bartlett Learning 2019). exercises continue, and enough for the ath- • An opportunity to earn up to 2.0 NASM/15
To make this transi- metabolic conditioning lete to safely return AFAA continuing education credits (when
tion as safe as pos- begins. to play. attending the preconference sessions and
full 3-day conference).
• More than 60 breakout sessions that will
elevate your training and instructing game:
pace of the trainer. They ROW class a timely fit,” Topics will include metabolic adaptations,
can get individual feed- says Nerio Alessandri, training variability, corrective exercise
back or compete against CEO and founder of solutions, small-group business success
each other, watching Technogym. “This class and much more.
their progress by tracking allows users to achieve
real-time training data on their maximum poten- ADDITIONAL DETAILS
a large screen at the front tial by activating every When: September 26–29, 2019
of the room. The SKILL- muscle in the body.” Where: Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
ROW machines can also To learn more, visit Contact: NASMOptima.com
be used for athletic train- Technogym.com.
ing classes and athletic
performance circuits. LAURA QUAGLIO is kicking off summer with
“The growing passion a walking tour of Europe and is curious to see
for rowing, paired with just how many steps she’ll rack up on her Apple
our state-of-the art equip- Watch. She’s looking forward to her gym’s new
ment and technology, “Fresh Air” stationary bike class, held outside
makes adding a SKILL- a local mall. Pass the sunscreen, please!
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 11
006-011 AFM Training Edge News Summer19 vF.indd 11 6/5/19 8:44 PMINSTRUCTOR NOTES SHARPENING YOUR SKILLS
o u r
y ent
o n t
c ere
h
NAVIGATING THE PATH
TO FITNESS PRESENTER
Begin the journey by discovering the what, when, where and how
of sharing your expertise with fitness colleagues.
BY SARAH SCHRENK, MS
As a group fitness instructor, you excel at leading and educating. Have you ever fan- ADVANTAGES AND CONSIDERATIONS. After
tasized about taking your expertise beyond the confines of the studio? Take a moment thinking of what you can offer, give equal
weight to what you will gain and how
to recall an engaging presenter at the last fitness education event you attended. This
those advantages blend with your lifestyle.
person—probably a fitness industry veteran with a passion for educating fellow fitness Presenting can expand your network, build
professionals—had experience and credentials, communicated well, and captured the your resumé and develop your communi-
group’s attention. Did you walk away thinking you, too, might like to be a “trainer of the cation skills. Erin Scott, 2018 Beachbody®
LIVE Master Trainer of the Year, from
trainers”? Many fitness professionals easily envision themselves on the stage, but the
Fairhope, Alabama, gets to live her passion
path to making it a reality has many steps. of sharing fitness and building relation-
ships with new group fitness instructors.
First Steps evergreen topics such as step aerobics and “It’s an opportunity to educate the future
Begin the journey by reviewing your quali- indoor cycling. Is your knowledge appro- of fitness,” she says.
fications, along with the pros and cons of priate for those who are new to the fitness Fitness presenting often provides the
being a presenter or master trainer. industry, for seasoned pros or for both? opportunity to travel. It’s very exciting to
YOUR TOPICS AND QUALIFICATIONS. What Next, look at your qualifications. You visit new cities and experience different
do you want to present, and what, exactly, will need to have a current nationally fitness facilities. But a presenter is usually
is your area of expertise? Just about any recognized fitness certification—your paid only for the event, not for travel time
aspect of group fitness is fair game: func- NASM/AFAA certification is a perfect on either end. How far are you willing to
tional training, active aging, mind-body, ally. Sometimes you need a degree in your drive, or how many hours do you want to
recovery, prechoreographed programs, field of expertise or a minimum number spend in airports? Most fitness education
business, leadership, aquatic fitness, and of years in the fitness industry. events are held on the weekend. Contemplate
12 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
012-015 AFM Instr Notes Summer19 vF.indd 12 6/6/19 11:41 AMwhat you will miss doing with your family become a continuing education provider. Become a Representative
and friends, or what classes and clients you Develop clear objectives and an outline Presenting for an established fitness prod-
might have to give up if you’re no longer for each workshop. The content must be uct or brand is another option. Most of
available on Saturdays and Sundays. If credible and in a relevant subject area, the educational content is created by the
you work during the week, calculate the and the presenter needs to have appro- company or organization, not the presenter
number of hours presenting and travel priate credentials. Fitness or master trainer. The company has the
will add to your workload. certification agencies have intellectual property, the outline and the
One of the most provider applications on objectives and is usually approved as a
rewarding aspects of
What do you want their websites. Carefully continuing education provider. In addition,
presenting is meet- to present, and what, review the yearly fees the company often has name recognition,
ing many other fitness exactly, is your and the deadlines for which leads fitness professionals to register
professionals. They have each agency and type of for an event regardless of the presenter.
intriguing stories of fitness
area of workshop. You’ll need to renew Look for presenter requirements or
journeys and share a com- expertise? your status each year. You’ll also applications on company websites so you
mon interest with you. need to keep attendance records in can see what education or certification
You may also have repeat case participants lose their certificates is needed. It’s common for companies to
attendees, which can lead to an ex- of completion. require applicants to have completed the
panded network or even friendships. But Think about what you will charge. company’s education events, to have taught
what if you have an unhappy customer? You aren’t just covering the expenses of that modality for a minimum number of
Anticipate how you will handle a partici- the workshop and continuing education years and to submit a teaching video. After
pant who does not get what she expects credits; you also need to factor in hotels, you submit your application, you—along
from the event (but touch base with the flights, meals and rental cars or mileage. with likely hundreds of other fitness pro-
event organizer first). How do you put a price on your time? fessionals—can hope to be selected for an
Are you still in? You can present educa- Determine the overall return on invest- interview or audition. Organizations are
tion that you’ve created, or you can represent ment from the whole process. not looking for professionals who meet the
an established fitness product or brand.
Either approach may make you eligible
to present at a conference. Presenter
Readiness Checklist
Create Your Own Workshops
If you have a unique topic or unique intel- Advantages
lectual property, develop your own educa- • sharing your passion
tional offerings. Keep in mind, however, • meeting many fitness professionals
that you are responsible for every aspect, • expanding your network
from conception to presentation. How big • building your resumé
is your fitness network? Are there enough • developing your communication skills
places in a wide geographical area to hold • enjoying opportunities for travel
your events? There is a finite number of
fitness professionals in any one region, so Considerations
beware of oversaturating the market. In • subject expertise requirements
addition, how are your marketing skills? • need for “edutainer” skills
You need to spread the word about the • travel time without compensation
events and get people excited enough to • time away from family and friends
register. If you plan to present long-term, • hours added to current workload
you’ll need to continually develop new • unhappy customers
content to get repeat customers. • competition with other presenters
One way to reach more participants is
to offer web-based education in addition
to in-person events. You can develop a
webinar or an online program or offer a
live workshop that people participate in
virtually. Ponder whether you have the
technological skills and equipment to go
this route.
Fitness professionals are more likely to
register for an event if they get continuing
education credits, so the next step is to
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 13
012-015 AFM Instr Notes Summer19 vF.indd 13 6/5/19 8:48 PMINSTRUCTOR NOTES SHARPENING YOUR SKILLS
minimum requirements; they want people about hosting requirements, size of your network, your relationships
who shine. Do your ambition and desire types of certifications and with other fitness professionals and the
stand out? Can you “edutain”—meaning, workshops offered, and More number of other presenters who
can you offer excellent education while prospective dates. The live in the same region and
holding the audience’s attention? company assigns an avail- possibilities: Start a teach the same content
If you are chosen to apprentice, you’ll able presenter; someone YouTube channel, ask will affect your success
begin a process that can take several who is geographically to be a speaker at a in this scenario.
months. Expect to attend training events close to the host site may Compensation and
at your own expense. You might present be chosen in order to reduce civic organization, or travel costs also vary.
at an educational event with a more expe- travel costs. The company write an article Some presenters earn
rienced presenter, who will evaluate you and the host site are primar- for an industry a flat fee per event, and
A
before you’re approved to lead on your own. ily responsible for marketing others are paid based on
Once you’re a representative, how do you the event. publication. enrollment. A company may
find presenter work? Here’s one possibility: Other companies require the use a sliding pay scale to encour-
D
A program manager at a fitness facility presenter to find the host sites, set age presenters to work more hours
contacts a company’s events director (or up the dates, market the event and, and get more attendees. Some compa-
a person in a similar position) to inquire sometimes, handle the registrations. The nies pay all travel costs, while others give
T
the presenter a lump sum that includes
Workshop Checklist travel costs.
Depending on the organization, there
Original content: may be additional benefits for the present-
• Develop unique content. ers. “Presenters are offered resources to
• Provide continuing education credits. grow professionally, such as online devel-
• Develop ongoing content.
• Market each event.
opment or in-person events,” says Scott.
Some companies arrange for presenters
Th
• Set your fee structure. to network regularly with each other to An
• Develop in-person or online education. create a “family” atmosphere, and others
may offer free continuing education credits
Product or brand representation (content already developed): or waive certification renewal fees.
• Have experience with the product or program.
• Attend unpaid trainings. Stay Local
• Define who markets the event (you or the company). If you’ve decided that the above options
• Agree on compensation and travel costs. are not for you, but you still have a desire
• Ask about professional development for presenters. to speak publicly or educate, think about
local opportunities. A hometown news
station may need a fitness expert, or you
can approach your fitness facility’s pro- W
gram manager about having you develop
in-house workshops for the staff. More Fi
possibilities: Start a YouTube channel, ask
to be a speaker at a civic organization, or
10
write an article for an industry publication.
Fitness is always changing, and the
bu
industry needs passionate, knowledgeable
professionals to share the information.
There is definitely a place for you!
Th
SARAH SCHRENK,
MS, was a presenter
ro
for a national certi-
fication company for
W
8 years. She has also
presented her own
tr
content at collegiate
fitness conferences and written for
American Fitness and IDEA Health &
Fitness Association’s Fitness Journal.
14 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
012-015 AFM Instr Notes Summer19 vF.indd 14 6/6/19 11:42 AMAFAA ROCK STARS
DON’T SING.
THEY LEAD.
They’ve pushed the boundaries. Reached into your soul.
And taken clients – and their classes - to a higher level.
These aren’t your everyday group instructors.
THESE ARE THE ROCK STARS.
We want you to nominate your fellow AFAA Certified
Fitness Pros. The ones that have taken you to an 11 out of
10. Leaving you feeling not just healthier and happier,
but transformed.
The winning Fitness Professionals will be treated like the
rock stars they are, including a feature on our Instructors
Who Rock page, as well as a shout out on our heavily
trafficked social media channels.
GET NOMINATING. AND GET READY TO ROCK. | Visit afaa.com/instructors-who-rock
012-015 AFM Instr Notes Summer19 vF.indd 15 6/5/19 8:48 PMAFAA ROCK STARS
DON’T SING.
THEY LEAD.
They’ve pushed the boundaries. Reached into your soul.
And taken clients – and their classes - to a higher level.
These aren’t your everyday group instructors.
THESE ARE THE ROCK STARS.
We want you to nominate your fellow AFAA Certified
Fitness Pros. The ones that have taken you to an 11 out of
10. Leaving you feeling not just healthier and happier,
but transformed.
The winning Fitness Professionals will be treated like the
rock stars they are, including a feature on our Instructors
Who Rock page, as well as a shout out on our heavily
trafficked social media channels.
GET NOMINATING. AND GET READY TO ROCK. | Visit afaa.com/instructors-who-rock
012-015 AFM Instr Notes Summer19 vF.indd 15 6/6/19 2:43 PMBUSINESS COACH LESSONS FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE
IS LOSING TOUCH WITH THE
WHY IN PROGRAM DESIGN
COSTING YOU MONEY?
When was the last time you tuned into what your clients really want?
B Y RYA N H A LV O R S O N
When I first became a personal trainer some 14 years ago, I was obsessed with corrective Programs That Cost
exercise and movement perfection. Prospective clients watched as I geeked out on every You Clients
There are many reasons program choices
nuance of the impeccable squat. Once they became clients, they’d undergo extreme scru-
drive clients away. Perhaps your sessions
tiny while performing a squat as I lectured them—oblivious to their glazed-over eyes—on or classes are too complicated, too boring
the dangers of knee valgus and ankle pronation. (as mine were) or too generic. Maybe your
clients can’t stand jumping jacks, mountain
Despite my enthusiasm, I struggled to 2. I had failed to create programs that climbers or burpees and would rather
convert prospects into clients. Many who balanced the client’s interests with what fire you or take a different class than do
did hire me would disappear into the I thought was best for them. another rep.
ether, often long before their package was In the end, my failure to focus on the why Albuquerque, New Mexico–based Chris
finished. While my desire to help others of training cost me clients and sales. Had I Frankel, PhD(c), head of human performance
move well was commendable, my early paid better attention to my clients’ expres- for Fitness Anywhere, recalls a time when
experience taught me two valuable les- sions and body cues, I might have clued he put a client through a workout that was
sons about coaching, program design and into the fact that they weren’t getting from too intense. “I remember one person who
client retention: the sessions what I wanted them to get. was so sore the following 3 days after the
1. I had failed to adequately relay to Has something similar happened to workout that [this person was] tapped out,”
clients my why for the program and you? Have you lost clients or struggled to he says. “That was all on me.”
how my choices would help them reach turn consults into sales? Your program- Jack Wheeler, founder and CEO of 360
their goals. ming may have something to do with it. Fitness in Red Deer, Alberta, says that a
16 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
016-019 AFM Business Coach Summer19_vF.indd 16 6/5/19 8:49 PMspecific session probably hasn’t caused a
client to quit, but that information over- Client Retention and Custom
load could have led to some attrition over Programming: Dos and Don’ts
the long term. “Maybe the client should
If you want to convert and retain clients and help them reach their goals, be
have stuck to the basic movements or was
overwhelmed with apps and homework,” clear about why you designed the program in the manner you did. While you may
Wheeler says. “In the end, they probably have advanced knowledge of the body, your clients most likely do not. Carefully
should’ve just eaten more veggies and consider whether your objectives match your good intentions, and ensure that
worked out more.” your clients’ needs are being met.
Both Wheeler and Frankel say that • Do ask clients how their workouts are affecting their bodies and lives.
these mistakes could have been avoided by • Don’t presume that the latest and greatest move you just learned at a
focusing more on what the clients wanted conference is right for your clients.
to achieve—and how to help them suc- • Do monitor clients’ body language for signs of disinterest.
ceed. Essentially, programming is about • Don’t try to impress new clients with your expertise by pushing them
making sure that every choice has a clear too hard.
and direct reason behind it and that your
• Do encourage honest feedback and take it to heart.
clients understand those reasons.
• Don’t apply a standard template to all your clients. Train the person in
“Programming is a critical part of every
front of you.
fitness professional’s business,” Frankel
says. “It is where science, craft and brand
intersect to help create spin your tires, each pro- with my approach or I am not experienced
the member/client/ath- gram should have a goal
lete experience. People
“People are coming to and objective attached enough to use them properly. The best
advice I can give to a fitness pro is to have
are coming to you with you with their most to it.” Read on to learn a training philosophy that you constantly
their most prized pos- what our experts do refine and to filter new ideas and topics
sessions: mind and body.
prized possessions: to make sure they stay through that lens.”
If you’re not practicing mind and body. If laser-focused on the why On the other side of the coin, Wheeler
your craft with a why behind the what. suggests selecting educational events with
in mind, it’s probably
you’re not practicing your clients in mind. “Many coaches
time to look for a new your craft with a How to Stay perceive more value in learning the 99th
career.”
why in mind, it’s Focused way to do a squat than they do in solving
Wheeler adds: “Just on the Why real-life problems for [a] client,” he says.
like all things in business probably time to look AVOID “CONFERENCE “Pros need to figure out what their clients
where your projects and SYNDROME” actually need and get better at that, [rather]
tasks need to align with
for a new career.” It’s happened to many of than just padding the stats on their busi-
your mission or you just —Chris Frankel, PhD(c) us. We head to a work- ness cards.”
shop or conference; get
excited about new train- GET CLEAR ON YOUR CLIENT’S WHY
ing methodologies, exercises and tools; and Rose Calucchia, NASM-certified personal
then unload everything onto clients when trainer and business coach in Santa Cruz,
we get back to the gym. California, creates programs after doing a
“Oh, conference syndrome—how we deep dive on the client’s motivation.
have all fallen victim to the bells, whistles “The reason someone wants to hire a
and flash that come with it,” admits Matt trainer can sometimes be tricky to figure
Wright, MS, head of community and out,” she says. “It might sound obvious
education at Aktiv®. “Conferences/events/ when someone says, ‘I want to lose some
workshops are all great, but just sitting in weight.’ But if you ask why they want to lose
a 60-minute lecture by no means qualifies weight, you’ll probably get more insight
you as an expert or prepares you to translate into what the person is really looking for.”
what you learned to clients.” Once you uncover the underlying
Frankel loves attending educational driver for weight loss, you can refine your
events and learning about what’s new and approach to help clients get to where they
cutting edge, but he doesn’t always apply want to be. “It’s important to find out what
the information. the motivator is, because that will inform
He says, “I hear a lot of good ideas that how you program for that person and also
I may never use—not because I don’t think how to make recommendations for other
they work, but because they don’t fit in lifestyle changes,” Calucchia says.
SUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 17
016-019 AFM Business Coach Summer19_vF.indd 17 6/5/19 8:49 PMBUSINESS COACH LESSONS FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE
A Winning Philosophy
Successful personal trainers routinely ask themselves the following ques-
Wright adds that your programs should tion: If my entire future were based on the way this one client evaluated her
also strike a balance between what you experience with me right now, would I change anything? They might also
know your clients need and what they want ask, Did I exceed this client’s expectations? If the answer to either of these
to get out of the session. “Let’s say a client questions is “no,” a committed fitness professional will continue to look
comes in and wants to lose weight but may for ways to improve. NASM’s program, application, integrity, solutions and
have tight shoulders or limited hip range of tools are the foundation for creating “yes” answers to these questions and
motion. If I then tell this client we have to
providing optimal performance and results for clients.
spend 30 minutes doing correctives, it will
NASM’s Business Accelerator does away with the guesswork and gives
become a deterrent. They want to sweat;
you all the guidelines you’ll need to navigate your way around common
they want to be challenged and get all of
the positive effects of exercise.” mistakes and pitfalls, allowing you to quickly achieve and surpass your
business goals. To find out more, visit nasm.org/continuing-education/
READ THE CUES business-accelerator.
So, how do you tell if your sessions are turn-
ing people off ? Watch for signs, say experts. everyone, but you can take their feedback programming is overcomplicating things
Frankel says common indicators that to enhance the experience you provide.” and not explaining their programming
clients are displeased include showing up Wheeler has found that one of the most in terms the client can understand,” she
late and/or leaving early, appearing unmo- successful tools for understanding client wants says. “Most of us love to geek out on the
tivated, not interacting and needs is a survey newest techniques and use terms that are
with you or others in “Pros need to figure that includes questions over most gym-goers’ heads. Not only can
the group, or asking
questions about why
out what their clients about their experiences
at the gym, what they
this be super-intimidating for clients, but it
can also be a turnoff to working with you.”
they aren’t seeing results. actually need and get tell others about those When all is said and done, each move-
“Pay attention to
them during breaks,”
better at that, [rather] experiences, their goals
and more. He also asks
ment, sequence and tempo in your program
should have a purpose or you run the risk
adds Wright. “What’s than just padding respondents about their of decreasing your clients’ or participants’
their body language? hobbies, physical activity success potential, reducing retention and
What’s the tone? Think
the stats on their outside of sessions and weakening your bottom line.
of being a coach on business cards.” shopping habits. In these Calucchia summarizes the best advice
a timeout in a game surveys, respondents she was given on this topic: “A previous
—Jack Wheeler
or match. You have to have the option to either boss of mine said, ‘If you can’t tell a cli-
look at your team and the other team to remain anonymous or submit a name and ent why you’ve chosen each and every
see who’s ready for the next quarter and receive a participation reward. exercise in their program, then chances
who’s ready for their after-match shower.” are slim they’ll see you for more than a
IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION complimentary session.’ After that insight,
ASK QUESTIONS Every coach has his or her unique way of I was able to sell a lot of personal training
When all is said and done, the best way to communicating with others. However, in the quite quickly and retain clients long-term
understand if your programs hit or miss same way that you choose specific exercises simply by explaining the why behind each
the mark is to ask. to meet the unique needs of each individual exercise and how it related back to the
“We always overthink things and think client, so, too, should you individualize the client’s goals.”
we know what’s best for our clients all the words you use, says Calucchia.
time,” Wheeler says. “In reality, we didn’t You may be capable of going on and on RYAN HALVORSON
ask them what they need help with in the about anatomy and structural function, is an award-winning
first place.” but if telling your client to engage his lats writer, editor and
Wright agrees and adds, “Too often we elicits a blank stare, you could be negatively content consultant
try to ‘figure them out’ when we can simply affecting his experience. “One of the mis- based in San Diego.
ask for their feedback. No, you can’t please takes I see trainers make when it comes to
18 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
016-019 AFM Business Coach Summer19_vF.indd 18 6/5/19 8:49 PM NA_AF_SILVER SPONSOR 016-019 AFM Business Coach Summer19_vF.indd 19 6/6/19 6:27 PM
Continuing Education Units
in the Convenience of Your Own Home
AFAA’S CEU CORNER™ is one of the best
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By simply reading and studying this
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© 2019 ATHLETICS AND FITNESS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
BY LAURA QUAGLIO, WITH ANDREA LEONARD & ANNA L. SCHWARTZ, PHD
WORKING THROUGH CANCER:
EXERCISE AS A
PART OF RECOVERY
An introduction and overview for fitness professionals
interested in helping restore quality of life to people in cancer
treatment and beyond, with a special focus on breast cancer.
C ancer is serious business. It is second only to heart disease as Americans’
leading cause of death, and more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are
expected to be diagnosed this year. Of those new cases, many will be invasive
breast cancer (an estimated 268,600 in women and 2,670 in men), with
nearly another 63,000 “in situ” (early stage) breast cancers in women (ACS 2019). As
we near the year 2030, when all of the baby boomers will be 65 or older, the number
of people facing cancer is likely to increase, too, since both chronological age and
biological age are strong predictors of this disease (USCB 2018; Kresovich et al. 2019).
While these statistics are sobering, there are more-encouraging numbers, too:
Nearly half of these new cancers (about 42%) can be prevented through healthy
lifestyle changes. In fact, about 18% of them are caused by a combination of excess
body weight, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and excess intake of alcohol (ACS
2019). So, the work that fitness professionals are doing today may be helping to
prevent clients from developing cancer in the first place.
For those who do receive a cancer diagnosis, exercise trainers and instructors
can also make a difference—by encouraging them to engage in regular exercise
and healthier eating before, during and after treatment. These healthy habits have
20 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
020-031 AFM CEU Feat Summer19 vF.indd 20 6/5/19 8:50 PMSUMMER 2019 / AMERICAN FITNESS 21 020-031 AFM CEU Feat Summer19 vF.indd 21 6/5/19 8:51 PM
been proven to minimize the debilitating Breast Cancer (DSW Fitness 2017) also
side effects—acute and chronic—of the knows firsthand the challenges and rewards
condition itself, as well as those caused of exercising during and after cancer treat-
by medications, treatment and surgeries. ment: She was diagnosed with lymphoma
In addition, regular exercise can improve during her last year of nursing school, in
the efficacy of cancer treatments and, with 1986, and found relief from fatigue by
proper programming and progression, can training as a cyclist. It was this—and her
result in clients/patients becoming stronger observations in the bone marrow transplant
than they were prior to their diagnosis. unit where she worked—that inspired her WITH ABOUT 15.5
Exercise has even been found to reduce to pursue advanced degrees studying the
MILLION AMERICANS
the likelihood of recurrence (ACS 2015; link between exercise and cancer recovery.
Ashcraft et al. 2019). (See “Benefits of “At the time, only one study had been LIVING WITH CANCER,
Exercise for People With Cancer,” below, conducted on that, and exercise profession- IT IS LIKELY THAT MOST
for more.) als were not sure that exercise was such a FITNESS PROFESSIONALS
good thing for cancer patients,” she says.
WILL ENCOUNTER
SHOULD CANCER BE PART OF “Today, compelling research from literally
YOUR BUSINESS? thousands of studies has demonstrated CLIENTS WHOSE
With about 15.5 million Americans—about the beneficial effects of exercise for cancer ABILITIES, GOALS AND
5% of today’s population—living with cancer, survivors—reduced fatigue, improved qual- FITNESS PROGRAMMING
it is likely that most fitness professionals ity of life and improved functional ability
WILL BE AFFECTED BY
will encounter clients whose abilities, goals (muscle strength and aerobic function).”
and fitness programming will be affected by Like Leonard, Schwartz thinks that it THIS DISEASE.
this disease (ACS 2019; ACS 2014; USCB is essential for exercise professionals who
2019). For trainers who would like to work want to work with this population to pur-
with such clients, it is vital to understand sue a solid education in the finer points of brief here, but Leonard adds, “What people
the unique concerns of this population, cancer, its treatment and its effects on the need to walk away with [after taking this
says Andrea Leonard, whose diagnosis of body, both short- and long-term. “I look CEU course] is the knowledge that it’s
thyroid cancer at the age of 18 inspired at it like a mathematical equation,” says not enough.”
her to become an NASM-CPT, CES, PES. Leonard. “A is surgery, B is treatment, C That said, these experts offer preliminary
Since then, she has earned worldwide rec- is side effects, D is lymphedema—add in information to provide a glimpse into this
ognition for her expertise on cancer and assessments and personal goals and, only world so fitness professionals can decide
exercise; co-written one of the first books then, can you put together a safe exercise whether this is where their passion lies. The
on this topic, Essential Exercises for Breast program.” These elements are covered in remainder of this article will focus more
Cancer Survivors: How to Live Stronger
and Feel Better (The Harvard Common
Press 2000); founded The Cancer Exercise Benefits of Exercise
Training Institute (CETI); and developed
the Cancer Exercise Specialist® Advanced
for People With Cancer
Qualification and other courses for fit pros These are some of the perks for people in cancer treatment who
(thecancerspecialist.com). participate regularly in an appropriate exercise program:
“This is a much higher-risk group than • improved quality of life
the average person,” says Leonard. “You • improved functional ability (everyday tasks)
need to have a complete understanding of • improved balance (for fall prevention)
all acute and chronic side effects—includ- • improved weight management
ing those related to any kind of surgery/ • improved body image and self-esteem
treatment clients have had (or are currently • reduced fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression
undergoing)—and [you must know] how • reduced risk of sarcopenia (muscle wasting)
to create a program that will prevent, mini- • reduced risk of osteoporosis (bone weakening)
mize and correct any of those elements.” • reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Anna Schwartz, PhD, FNP, FAAN, • improved blood flow and reduced risk of blood clots
agrees. This world-renowned researcher and • improved flow/drainage in lymphatic system
author of Cancer Fitness: Exercise Programs • improved efficacy of certain cancer treatments
for Patients and Survivors (Fireside Press- Sources: ACS 2014; Schwartz 2017; ACS 2015; Schmitz 2019.
Simon & Schuster 2004) and Exercise for
22 AMERICAN FITNESS / SUMMER 2019
020-031 AFM CEU Feat Summer19 vF.indd 22 6/5/19 8:51 PMYou can also read
