Are the mid afternoon munchies a thing of the past?

by Chris Dounis | Thursday, February 02, 2012

Recent research from the University of Exeter has showed that simply taking a short 15 minute walk could significantly reduce the amount of chocolate that is consumed by workers – even in the face of the most stressful of workplace situations. 78 individuals who all confessed to regular midday chocolate consumption took part in the study, where they were asked to abstain from eating chocolate for 48 hours before taking part in a workplace simulation. 

The study, published in the journal Appetite, involved 2 groups who walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes before being given a large or moderate volume of work to complete. The other 2 groups were allowed to rest whilst the other groups walked on the treadmill and were then given the same amount of work to complete. The chocolate was placed freely in a bowl on the desk of each individual taking part.   ...read more

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The Biggest Winner - Fitness Industry Success Story

by Oliver Kitchingman | Monday, January 30, 2012

Australian Fitness Network recently received the following email from Cherie Drinkwater, a convert to exercise with an amazing experience to recount. As fitness professionals we frequently encounter personal success stories, but the degree of achievement detailed here by Cherie is a fantastic reminder of why we work in this industry, and of the power we have to transform lives for the better. And at a time when many clients and members are being influenced by the unrealistic ‘weight loss’ achievements of those undertaking rapid body mass transformations on reality TV shows, it is refreshing to hear about the same level of success being achieved in a sustainable and realistic manner, with the guidance and support of a dedicated fitness professional.

“My name is Cherie Drinkwater; I would like to share my weight loss story with you.

I am so passionate about this wonderful journey that I am on, and I would love to share it with you and hope that it will inspire others that are unhappy and unhealthy, as I was before starting this amazing weight loss journey. I started one of the best and hardest life changing journeys of my life just eight short months ago when I entered the doors at Planet Fitness at Lambton, where I met Olivia Meek (National Sales Manager) and the team.  ...read more

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Do fitness centres "skinny" messages promote negative body image issues to our customers?

by Alisha Smith | Monday, January 23, 2012

There's an aspect of the fitness industry that I'm quite torn on.
We are an industry that plays a vital role in dealing with the obesity epidemic that is plaguing our nation, yet I wonder if we aren't also contributing to another insidious health issue- negative body image and eating disorders?

With so much focus placed on being lean, losing weight and achieving the most aesthetically pleasing bodies that we can, are we pushing our more vulnerable clients and members in the wrong direction? One of immense personal scrutiny and excessive and often unrealistic expectation?  ...read more

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Social Media and Fitness Businesses - a perfect fit?

by Ryan Hogan | Monday, January 16, 2012

There is no question that businesses both in and outside of the fitness industry are embracing social media as a cost effective and efficient way to communicate with their customers and stakeholders. Every magazine you read, conference or workshop you attend will feature somebody talking about how social media will change your business, and should be adopted by everybody, whether you are a sole trader, mid size or large corporation.

At a recent small conference I attended one thing did stand out for me. One of the speakers coined the phrase: "Whether you like it or not, your business will have a presence/space on social media. The difference is whether or not you, your customers or a random person own that space". I really believe this statement drives home the need to have a strategy for social media, so that you can do your best to own the space as much as possible.   ...read more

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Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail for New Year's Resolutions

by Alisha Smith | Tuesday, January 03, 2012

As the little hand moved nearer the '12' on clock faces around the world this past New Year's Eve, people everywhere could be heard laying out their resolutions for 2012 with vigour.

And while pursuit of self-betterment is always something I support and encourage, I can't help but wonder who will be among the 78% of people who won't achieve their newly set goals?  ...read more

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Are you driving your fitness business like a taxi driver?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The beautiful coastline, the world-beating harbour, the temperate climate: there are many things to love about living in Sydney. But getting a taxi is not one of them.

There was the time when one monosyllabic driver tossed a street directory at me, telling me to find my destination and read out directions to him. He proceeded to ignore my directions, drive around the block and charge me handsomely for the privilege.  ...read more

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The Magic Pill that every potential Personal Training client is looking for...

by Alisha Smith | Monday, November 28, 2011

I’ve found it. The magic pill that all of our clients have been looking for.
This magic pill has the capability to boost longevity.
This pill is directly responsible for reducing the incidence and severity of illness, all whilst constructing aesthetically and functionally superior bodies.   ...read more

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2018 Commonwealth Games come to QLD – but where’s the fitness windfall?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Wednesday, November 16, 2011

With the Gold Coast winning the right to host the 2018 Commonwealth games, Queensland’s tourist hotspot is set to take to the world stage (or the Commonwealth stage at any rate). In so doing, it has paved the way for a predicted $2 billion windfall in economic benefits and the creation of thousands of jobs, according to media reports.

Of course, this is great news for Queensland from a pride-perspective, as well as economically (although the long term financial benefits of hosting such large scale events are questionable, as Sydney and every other Olympics-hosting city will testify). But the celebrations and announcements made by Premier Anna Bligh et al failed to speculate on the potential fitness windfall for the State, and for Australia as a whole.  ...read more

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What to do when you see an unprofessional personal trainer?

by Kathryn Weihen | Monday, November 14, 2011

As fitness professionals, where do we draw the line in pulling up our colleagues when using incorrect techniques whilst training their clients?
 
During my own training sessions I often see clients performing exercises incorrectly while under the supervision of their personal trainer. All too often I see lunges performed incorrectly, free weights being lifted with poor technique and clients being instructed to do exercises that are too advanced for them. This unprofessional approach to training could stem from a lack of experience on the part of the personal trainer, lack of competence, or simply a poorly designed program.  ...read more

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The Skinny on Diet Shakes for Weight Loss

by Alisha Smith | Monday, October 31, 2011

Shane Warne has a serious case of the shakes. The diet shakes. Having previously tipped the scales at a sizable 92kg, the now trim 78kg Warne credits diet shakes as a key intervention in the continued expansion of his hefty waistline. Football player Brendan Fevola and AFL star Steven Baker are also among the sportspeople who are turning to meal replacements in a bid to trim the fat. Shouldn’t they know better?

Maybe they do.

In the fitness industry, we’re taught to spurn the use of the myriad “get slim quick” gadgets and gizmos on the market- with shakes and bars often placing high up the list. Yet, I’m starting to wonder?  ...read more

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