Why Willpower Fails—And What Personal Trainers Should Teach Instead
If you’ve been a trainer long enough, you’ve heard it countless times: “I just need more willpower.” Clients say it after a missed week of workouts, a few off-track meals, or a stretch where motivation disappeared. They believe the solution is simple; they just need to try harder. But willpower isn’t the solution most people […]
Create Personalized, Precision-Driven Training with Wearable Technology
Each year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) publishes an annual report on fitness trends in our industry. This report offers insight into the public’s perceptions of the evolution of fitness and health. For the 20th year, ACSM declared Wearable technology as the #1 trend for 2026. Wearable technology enables users to focus on […]
The Science Behind Collagen
Collagen makes up 30% of the body’s protein, providing structure, support, and strength to the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. While current research doesn’t provide much evidence on the effectiveness of most collagen supplements, a balanced diet seems to provide enough of the raw ingredients the body needs to produce collagen naturally. Still, many […]
Nutrition Literacy in the Digital Age: Helping Clients Vet Online Health Information
Every trainer has seen it. A client walks in motivated, anxious, and armed with a brand-new nutrition “truth” they found online—something that promises fat loss, better hormones, better gut health, better sleep, better everything… by next Tuesday. At the heart of the matter lies the fact that the internet has absolutely expanded access to health […]
Inviting Sports Psychology onto the Competitive Stage
The American Psychological Association defines sports psychology as “a proficiency that uses psychological knowledge and skills to address optimal performance and well-being of athletes.” Sports psychologists often find work with elite athletes, competitive sports teams, and the famous Olympians we all admire. The pressure under which so many young athletes perform can take its toll […]
Movement and Nutrition as Antidotes to Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 4.4% of the world’s population. When combined with depression, the number mounts to 38% of all mental illness diagnoses. Experts agree that incorporating prudent meals along with regular physical exercise can greatly mitigate both of these conditions. This article presents data to support this premise, as well as suggestions regarding how […]
Neuro-Fitness: The Blending of Body/Brain Exercise
The arrival of a new calendar year typically coincides with the introduction of many new concepts in the world of fitness and exercise. Neuro-fitness, one of this year’s top-trending concepts, aims to combine physical movement with targeted training for the brain. While not necessarily a new idea, scientists and exercise professionals have begun to envision […]
Turning New Year’s Resolutions into Successful Intentions
As January lands at our doorstep, thoughts naturally turn to New Year’s resolutions. Many clients will undoubtedly rush excitedly through the doors of our gyms on January 1st, eager to jump into new goals: losing weight, toning up, eating healthier, etc. While all of these seem laudable and indeed attainable, clients often get bogged down […]
New Year, Same Muscle: Why Strength Beats Willpower for Resolutions That Last – A Personal Opinion
Every January, millions of people hit the ground running with lofty health goals. Some chase steps. Others slash calories. Many count days, streaks, or weigh-ins. But what if the real secret to lasting change isn’t willpower at all? What if it’s strength? In my last two NFPT articles—Strength, Not Streaks: Resistance Training as the Real […]
Braving the Cold: Safety Considerations for Winter Hikers
By mid- to late-winter, many individuals find themselves tired of “nesting at home” and ready to abandon the coziness of indoors. While a brisk hike in the cold, fresh air may seem instantly appealing, experts advise getting prepared for winter’s precarious weather conditions before donning the boots and parkas. In this article, we share some […]