I love tennis! SOOOO much!
What does it take to be a top Personal Trainer to Watch?
The 2012 Personal Trainer to Watch winner, Joanne Blackerby, discusses the award and how it's changes her career.
READ FULL ARTICLE »June 18, 2013 // Category: Fitness Advisor
It’s finally summer and adults and kids alike are hitting the court for a pick-up game of basketball with friends, neighbors or coworkers. Depending on the intensity of your game, basketball can be a great total body workout with all the benefits of a cardio session at the gym. You don’t have to be a pro to play, but there are a few things you can do to improve your game and get more out of court time.
Strength Training: Shooting the basketball involves chest and shoulder muscles. If you haven’t shot a ball in a few months your muscles will be talking after your first game. Start doing pushups on a regular basis to strengthen your shooting muscles. Begin with 10 and work up to 3 sets of 20 each day. If traditional pushups are too difficult, start on your knees and work up to performing them from a full plank position.
June 13, 2013 // Category: Fitness Community
Last month we talked about how the personal training industry is growing rapidly around the world. It’s a great profession that I am proud to be a part of as an in-home trainer and Life Fitness Academy Master Trainer. But what does it take to be a great personal trainer? Many of the skills that make me successful today, I learned on the rugby pitch.
Some of the most professional personal trainers I have seen operating on the gym floor have been present or ex-rugby players. It’s a sport where you have no place to hide! You are one of fifteen team players with a very specific skill. You might be a speedy winger or you could be a powerful front row player.
Why you ask is this relevant to personal training?
June 11, 2013 // Category: Fitness Advisor
Professional tennis players are some of the best athletes in the world. Tennis involves strength, speed, agility, footwork and endurance to last the match. Getting more court time to practice your strokes is important, but even for recreational players, sports-specific conditioning is the key to improvement.
Strength Training: Strength training increases the power of your shots and minimizes injuries by protecting the joints that are subject to repetitive stress. Try a combination of dumbbells, resistance bands and cable machines. Focus on the whole body – legs, arms, back, shoulders and the core. Try a circuit style workout moving from exercise to exercise. Make sure to incorporate rotational movements and balance exercises.
