recovery
25 Fitness Truths I’ve Learned After Teaching for 25 Years


The advent of 2021 marks my 25th year teaching and working in fitness. I'm not really sure how that's even possible since, in my head, I'm only 25.
But, alas, it's true. It was 1996 when I embarked on my teaching career as a step aerobics instructor as I was just finishing up high school and starting college. I was a mere 18 years old, and always the youngest in the room and on staff. I was young and hungry and just wanted to move and learn. Over the years I would teach everything from step to hi/lo aerobics, PiYo, Pilates mat, outdoor bootcamps, indoor bootcamps, strength classes, cycle classes, yoga classes, TRX classes, and hybrids of all of the things. I've created my own formats. I've worked for big gyms, universities, small studios, boutique studios, events, big brands, tech companies, myself, and everything in between.
Now at 43, I'm always one of the oldest in the (virtual) room or on staff. But I'm still hungry and still only want to move. The old adage about age and wisdom is actually true. That wisdom comes from many years of many mistakes and so much learning the hard way. But if you're lucky enough to endure and pay attention along the way, at some point you get to be the wise one in the room who has some advice to pass down.
Hi, it me.
To mark my 25th year in the field, here are 25 fitness truths that I've learned after teaching for 25 years. While most of these are things I've learned teaching in front of the class, I've also been an avid participant for just as many years. A lot of these lessons will hold true whether you are the teacher or the participant. And some are just generally good principles that can apply outside of the fitness industry as well. Here they are in no particular order.
1. It's bigger than fitness.
It's bigger than “transforming” bodies. (“Transforming” in quotes because while it's a widely used industry term, you are not a Transformer, your body doesn't need transforming). It's bigger than the number of followers, features, or dollars you have. These are people's lives and health that we are working with. Our role often influences the health of society, the strength of a community, and even the longevity of generations. It's SO much bigger than “just” fitness.
2. Take care of your body.
If you're in this industry, it's part of your job. If you inhabit a body, it's also kind of your job. That means moving your body, eating well, getting the proper sleep, focusing on recovery, taking care of your mental health, taking rest days and time off, and everything else that contributes to your health. (Of course, look at all these behaviors as a bigger, overall-picture goal, rather than having to achieve perfection in each aspect all day everyday.)
3. Safety first, safety first, safety first.
When I step into a room, I am always safety first, form second, fun factor last. Going over-the-top fun without the basis of safety first is a recipe for disaster that I have seen play out into some horrible ways. Running all over the room and jumping on the back of treadmills to hype the class up may seem fun, but it can be extremely dangerous to both the trainer and the client. An example of not keeping it safe can also be cracking jokes to be funny that may be hurtful to someone in the class. As a client, you should always feel safe physically and emotionally in a class or session.
4. Know your lane.
You can swerve all over that lane, but don't jump into another one, when you don't have the expertise without educating yourself first. For example, if you are not a registered dietitian, be mindful of what nutrition advice you are and aren't qualified to give. Have a qualified professional ready to refer to when your clients ask. On that note, if you, as the client, have a question about eating or nutrition, ask your trainer for their recommendations for someone they trust that you can contact.
5. Be aware that the industry has been built around
ableism.
Assumptions about what it means to be “healthy,” that any/all issues can be solved by eating “better” or working out more, and that you can tell what is happening in someone's body or mind just by looking at them are just the tip of the iceberg. Stay aware and make an effort to be inclusive as much as you can. The whole industry is geared towards able-bodied people with set “ideals” that are not inclusive. We all need to do better with this.
6. There are more benefits to fitness and movement than any potential physical changes.
The fitness industry is set up to focus on aesthetics over everything. Don't get caught in the trap. Aesthetics do not necessarily equate to mental or physical health outcomes. Chronic disease prevention and longer lifespan are also kind of cool in my opinion.
People's health, wellness, and wellbeing are our jobs; you cannot disassociate wanting to help people live healthier lives from the reality of their life in the body they inhabit
8. If you start to feel robotic, chances are you are coming off as robotic.
Something needs to change. That might mean even taking a little time off to refresh yourself. It's best to get to the root of this feeling sooner rather than later. For me, this generally means changing up when I teach or what type of class I teach to break the monotony. If changing those isn't possible, I might change up the structure of the class or pick all of my favorite songs for a playlist.
9. As a fitness professional, it's not about you, it's about them.
It's not your workout, it's theirs. Show up with your workout either done or completely out of your mind until you are done teaching or training. If you're a participant, take note if your teacher seems more concerned with getting their own workout in during class rather than how you/the rest of the class is responding to the programming.
It can transform your class/session/someone's experience, so put some (if not a lot of) effort into your selection. Also remember that if the playlist gives YOU energy, that will most likely transfer to your students.
11. Keep honing your craft.
This should go beyond your continuing education requirements. I like to learn about how different modalities approach movement, and I also like to learn about the bigger picture of society and movement. So while I may be required to take a certain number of units for continuing education for a certification I have, I will also hop into lectures or listen to podcasts purely out of curiosity. I never want to lose that intellectual or physical curiosity.
12. Take other people's classes or train with other trainers.
You will learn SO much about teaching, cues, things you like and don't like. This also goes for training in modalities outside of what you teach. This is where I have learned the most. If you are a strength and conditioning coach, I guarantee you that if you take a yoga or Pilates class, you will learn some really great cues for how to do some of the movements you coach. You might also see patterns of movement in other people in class which can inform your own coaching. In non-COVID times, I take classes of all kinds because I want to see the difference in coaching even the most basic movements such as squats, lunges, planks, etc. There are gems hidden all over the place about how to do what you do better.
13. Look beyond the trends.
From fashion to equipment to styles of classes to technology to the most popular trainer of the moment, trends are inevitable. Keep your eye on them, participate in them if they resonate with you, but understand that if you rely on one trend only, it might not last. Same goes if you are an avid fitness participant instead of a trainer. Of course, try new things if they interest you, but also do some research, ask around, use your best judgment about whatever latest and greatest thing pops up. And if you like something, stick with it—you don't need to switch up your workouts just because new modalities keep popping up.
14. Injuries are inevitable.
How you handle them will determine how long you will be down, how likely they are to reoccur, and how you will be able to move in the long run. Also, whether you intend it or not, how you handle your injuries will model to your students how they should handle theirs. If you try to power through or go against doctor's orders, that may show them that it's OK for them to do so as well. Stay mindful.
15. Remain coachable/teachable.
This cannot be said enough, no matter what industry you're in. There's always more to learn, ways to grow, things to work on. If you ever get to a point where you feel like you know everything, you made a wrong turn somewhere. Step back, reassess. Find the path of growth, seek feedback, go learn something totally brand new, become a beginner again. Not only will it serve you as a human, as a coach, and as a professional, but it will also serve your clients. Your desire to be coached will show them theirs as well.
16. Expect consistent industry evolution.
Much like 2020 taught us, it's all about the pivot. Pivoting is SO crucial. Stay on your toes and as many steps ahead as possible.
17. Understand that your words matter and should be chosen wisely.
What you say to people will likely stick. Make sure that the words you speak are the ones you would want to stick. This goes for everything from disparaging comments about your own body or what you ate to talking about getting a certain body type to guilt-laden, shame-inducing comments in any form. We are here to build people up, not break them down.
18. Don't ever assume you know what's happening with people.
You don't know what's going on in people's bodies, minds, or life. Refrain from publicly commenting on any of these things without permission. Or maybe at all.
19. Show up ready.
Always put effort into the preparation of your class or session. It's OK to have notes. I would always rather see a trainer or teacher show up prepared with notes than to show up and just wing it.
Not everything you see is exactly how it seems on a feed. Likes do not equate to efficacy, followers do not inherently imply qualifications, trending posts are not necessarily demonstrating the best moves, fans do not necessarily convert to customers, and those with great wisdom don't always know how to articulate it in a TikTok. Social serves its purpose, especially during a pandemic, but the “real” part of IRL still has no complete replacement.
21. Focus on the fundamentals. Forever.
This is as much about the fundamentals of training as it is about the fundamentals of teaching. Thanks to social media, extreme moves (like a backflip off the wall into burpees over a box ending in one arm push-ups off a cliff) get a lot of views, but they aren't necessarily going to help someone learn how to move their body well throughout all phases of life. Same goes for knowing how to program, cue, and create a safe space for your clients. Whether you're the person teaching or the person learning, make sure you are checking back in with the basics from time to time. Never underestimate the importance of knowing how to properly squat, lunge, hinge, push, pull, plank, and communicate.
22. Protect your intellectual property.
This can include your brand name, branded classes, formats, or any products that you create, etc. Be really cautious with the contracts you sign and the innovations you create.
Prep your body for what it's about to do. Prep your class for what it's about to do.
24. Never forget your own love of movement.
Always come back to that love. Always.
25. The human body is a GD miracle.
Don't ever take that for granted, and don't ever stop celebrating that.
This is an ever-evolving industry with ever-changing rules and norms, but over decades of changes and trends, the above have helped me navigate it all. These fitness truths have also helped me navigate many other parts of my life, which, as we know, is kind of the beauty of movement. It goes beyond just a workout; it has the potential to be the backbone of all that we do.
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recovery
A 25-Minute Core-Stability Workout You Can Do Anywhere


Your core doesn't just provide strength—it also provides stability. And that's the exact idea behind this week's core stability workout from Sweat with SELF.
Led by athletic trainer Liz Letchford, Ph.D., A.T.C., and coach Paul Wright, this 25-minute core stability workout is the third in a six-part series dedicated to helping you build optimal core strength. Catch the first two videos in this series here and here.
One key component of core stability? A strong transverse abdominis. This deep core muscle, which wraps around your sides and spine is “an intrinsic core stabilizer,” Cori Lefkowith, Orange County, California-based personal trainer previously told SELF. That means it “helps stabilize your core and spine to help your body function correctly.”
Having a stabilized spine is important as it translates into injury prevention at the gym—particularly when you're doing big, compound lifts like squats and deadlifts—and helps in everyday life—like when you're hoisting a bag of groceries or picking up something off the floor, as SELF previously reported.
Moreover, core stability is the foundation for a lot of athletic movements, as NSCA-certified personal trainer Renee Peel previously told SELF. By improving your core stability, you can in turn improve your ability to move efficiently and effectively in a lot of scenarios.
In this workout, you'll fire up your core stabilizers (and, as a bonus, work your shoulders and legs) with moves like bird dogs, bear holds, and downward dogs to planks.
When you're ready, grab a mat and follow along with the video below. Or, if you'd rather work at your own pace, simply keep scrolling for detailed workout directions and GIFs of each move.
Workout Directions
Start with the dynamic warm-up.
After the warm-up, rest for 20 seconds. Then, do the workout. Do each exercise for 60 seconds, taking 10-15 seconds to transition between moves. Repeat the workout 2 more times, resting 20 seconds between each round.
Dynamic Warm-Up
- Downward Dog to Plank x 60 seconds
Workout
- Bird Dog x 60 seconds
- Leg Lower x 60 seconds
- Bear Hold x 60 seconds
- Glute Bridge x 60 seconds
- Single-Leg Deadlift (repeat on each side) x 60 seconds
*Rest for 20 seconds. Repeat the circuit 2 more times.
The Exercises
Fitness / Workouts,Fitness
recovery
4 Exciting New Workout Features Coming to Apple Fitness+ Very Soon


If you're a fan of Apple Fitness+ or thinking about becoming one, there will soon be a lot more to like about the virtual workout platform. With new types of classes and new ways to enjoy them (including with your long-lost workout buddies), these features will help you stay active and grounded even as the weather gets a little grayer.
Most of these features will be available starting next week on September 27, but one won't be available until a little later on in the fall. Here are a few of the most exciting new Apple Fitness+ options coming soon.
Pilates
Following in the footsteps and scissor kicks of other major streaming platforms, Fitness+ will soon offer both classical and contemporary Pilates classes starting September 27. And, as with other Fitness+ workouts, other members of the training team will be in the background offering modification options.
Most of the Pilates workouts on Apple Fitness+ will only require a mat, but others will also involve the use of resistance bands. Classes will range in length from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
Virtual group classes
If you've been missing group fitness classes during the pandemic, this innovative new feature is for you. Group Workouts will allow you to take Fitness+ streaming classes at the same time as your friends and give you fun, encouraging ways to interact with them during the workout. To start a class with friends, you'll navigate from a group message thread or FaceTime call to the Fitness+ app and start a workout, which will give you the option to invite the others to the same class.
During the workout, you'll be able to see your friends' faces and talk to them via picture-in-picture. You'll also be able to see their progress on the “burn bar” (which estimates how intensely you're working) and when they close their activity rings, but everyone's individual metrics will stay private to them. The Group Workouts feature, coming later in the fall with the new SharePlay update, will support up to 32 people at once.
Snow season workouts
For most of us, skiing and snowboarding are activities we only get to take part in a few times a year. So, to help you get the most out of those precious few days even in the off-season, Apple Fitness+ is introducing Workouts to Get Ready for Snow Season on September 27.
The classes are led by champion alpine skier and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety alongside snowboarder and Fitness+ trainer Anja Garcia. Each workout is designed to help you prep for those snow sports you know and love before you actually hit the slopes. They're geared towards improving balance, strength, and endurance in an effort to ramp up your performance while also preventing injury.
Guided meditations
Whether you're a total beginner or long-time meditation fan, the new Fitness+ guided Meditation feature will offer a way to get a little bit of calm in your day starting September 27. Led by a group of yoga and cooldown trainers already on the app as well as some newcomers, the meditation sessions will each focus on one of several themes, such as focus, creativity, gratitude, or resilience. You can even filter by theme to find a meditation that will resonate with you that day.
Unlike most other virtual guided meditations, these classes have both audio and video components. Although many people meditate with their eyes closed, Apple found during testing that some people—especially those who are new to meditation—prefer to be able to see their instructor, particularly during the introduction and closing moments of the class. You'll also have the opportunity to perform moving meditations—on a walk or bike ride in the park, for instance—using just the audio with the Apple Watch.
Related:
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Glute Training Workshop


Small tweaks in exercise form can lead to large increases in gluteal muscle activation, and this increased glute activation will lead to greater growth and development. Most gym goers have to learn these tweaks the hard way over the course of many years. In this post, I hope to expedite your learning curve by teaching you the best ways to perform popular glute exercises.
Squats
When you perform the squat, there are several things you want to keep in mind in order to better target the glutes. First, you want to keep the weight on your heels throughout the duration of the movement. Second, you want to descend deep. Sink as deep as you can possibly go, but avoid severe posterior tilting of the pelvis. This is commonly referred to as “buttwink,” and you want to limit this when deep squatting. Third, you want to keep your knees tracking over the toes throughout the duration of the movement. Don’t allow the knees to cave inward at the bottom of the movement. Finally, you want to make sure that your hips don’t shoot up during the initiation of the concentric phase. Make sure your hips and knees extend at the same rate and that your torso doesn’t become more horizontal as you rise out of the hole in the squat.
Deadlifts
Deadlifts can be an incredible glute exercise, but you must perform the movement properly. First, set your hips at the optimal level prior to liftoff. You don’t want to squat the weight up with low hips, but you also don’t want to stiff-leg deadlift the weight up with high hips. An ideal deadlift set up has the hips lower than the shoulders but higher than the knees. Keep a neutral spinal position; don’t allow for rounding or overarching. Just as in the case of a squat, you don’t want the hips to shoot upward as you begin the lift. Make sure your hips and knees extend at a similar rate. Keep the bar close to the body so that it skims your legs throughout the duration of the movement. When the bar passes the knees, you want to pull the bar into the body while pushing the hips forward and squeezing the glutes to lockout.
Hip Thrusts
Make sure you hip thrust from the proper bench height. Around 14 to 16 inches is ideal for most lifters. When at the top of the movement, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground, so make sure the feet are set at the appropriate distance away from the buttocks prior to liftoff. Push through the heels and raise the hips as high as possible without overarching the lower back. Make sure that the torso stays flat and the chest doesn’t arch upward. At the top of the movement, squeeze the glutes and pause for a brief moment before descending back to starting position.
Lunges
When lunging, it is important to take ideal step lengths. This is achieved by stepping long enough so that the knees don’t move past the toes during the descent. A slight forward lean of the torso will increase glute activation. Descend as deep as possible without allowing the knee of the rear leg to crash into the ground. When rising upward, don’t let the hips shoot upward; keep the torso angle constant as you perform the initial rising portion of the movement. Push through the heels and make sure the knee stays in line with the foot during each repetition.
Back Extensions
The back extension is actually one of the most effective glute exercises as long as you perform the movement in a particular manner. First, flare the feet outward – you want them at around a 45-degree angle. Second, round the upper back and keep it rounded throughout the duration of the movement. This decreases back muscle activation and shifts more of the burden on to the glutes. When rising upward, push the hips forcefully into the pad. Squeeze the glutes hard at the top of the movement and make sure the spine does not move into extension.
Stronger and Shapelier Glutes
On the surface, these alterations in technique may not seem like they amount to much. However, I have tested the gluteal electromyography activity with numerous clients, and I have learned that these tweaks often double the amount of glute activation elicited during the movement. Experiment with these techniques and watch your glutes grow stronger and shapelier.
The post Glute Training Workshop first appeared on FitnessRX for Women.
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