CAT | Fitness
Sharon’s Reply
Hi Erin,
I see that you lost 2 pounds this week — you are focused on better food choices wherever you go.
A bag of carrots provides a lot of fiber and beta-carotene, but you said it didn’t fill you up!
Hi there,
Monday was hectic, and Tuesday I had a meeting which ended up lasting from 7 to 9:30 p.m. I didn’t get home early enough either day to go work out. I left from work directly to go to Calistoga for the next few days. Lots of walking and window shopping. (more…)
Instructors must know the muscles involved in cycling to engage the musculature appropriately and adequately during the group cycling program. Consideration must also be given to the fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers that comprise the cycling muscles.
Pedaling dynamics.The actual biomechanics of pedaling is so intricate that its precise implementation will distract and confuse even the most avid cyclists. Also, the exact triggering of each leg muscle as it extends, rotates or abducts happens so quickly within the pedal rotation that physical awareness of most muscle implementation is difficult. However, the breakdown ofmuscle triggering and recruitment can be simplified. (more…)
The second recommendation regarding perceived exertion pertains to the instructional strategy utilized by this author for his clients over the last several years: developing a personalized target heart rate range (PTHRR). The concept is basic and effective, and involves the consistent monitoring and recording of both heart rate and perceived exertion during each exercise session. The initial development of a PTHRR usually requires 10 to 20 consecutive exercise sessions, with further refinement occurring over subsequent workouts. (more…)
More and more, sports programs are available to accommodate beginners and all age groups and fitness levels. It’s not uncommon to find some sort of “basic athletic training” class on the schedule. “Sports conditioning is popular because it’s functional exercise,” says Jay Blahnik, who teaches Nike’s Athletic Total Conditioning class, designed to improve fitness performance for recreational sports. (more…)
Of the 30,000 fitness instructors today, each has the potential to reach hundreds or more each week with positive messages and education about healthful living. What is it about group exercise that makes getting into a room full of people appealing? “The energy,” says fitness industry innovator Candice Copeland-Brooks, who is well-known for developing a simplified formula for teaching choreography in the 1980s. “The social interaction, group dynamic and energy are the main attractions of group fitness. Those reasons for attending have not changed.” (more…)
Before recommending a cross-training program, two training principles need to be understood: specificity and the S.A.I.D. principle. Specificity means that specific exercises elicit specific adaptations, creating specific training effects. To improve performance of a particular activity or sport, a person needs to perform the actual actions required in the activity or sport. In other words, mirroring the speed, distances and movements that are common during competition are essential for continued progress. (more…)
Perhaps you are ready to accept some of the challenges of competition. Exhibition is an excellent way to begin. It will give you the sense of performing before an audience, and of preparing for an event through extra training and more focused practice, but it doesn’t have the intimidating baggage of accountability to achieve a score. (more…)
Form and spirit: This covers the correct execution of movements and techniques, form and appearance, mood eye focus and the ability to project the spirit and intent of the movement. (more…)
Competitions provide the opportunity to receive criticism from professional judges. Your score at the end of your routine gives you one measure of your competence, but in many competitions, judges are glad to later peak with contestants. Sometimes a few quick pointers from a pro can open you to enormous changes that dramatically improve your practice of tai chi. (more…)
