Vibration Training, the new fitness frontier?

by Ryan Hogan | Sunday, May 31, 2009

The following post was written by international presenter and educator, Steve Schiemer.

Having lived in Europe for the last 12 years, I have watched this type of training explode onto the fitness and rehab scene. It first hit the fitness market about 6 or 7 years ago. Vibration training is the act of passing a vibration through the body to elicit a series of responses, in particular to activate the deep core muscles of the body, to stimulate the nervous system, increase strength and power, reduce pain perception, increase bone density, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and improve proprioception. The two most popular ways to do this are to either stand on a vibrating plate, such the Power Plate, and allow the vibrations to enter the body via the legs, or to use a handheld oscillating device such as a FLEXI-BAR, which is a long flexible fibreglass bar with weights on the end and a handle in the middle that you push/pull to get the bar to swing back and forth, allowing the vibrations to pass into the body via the arms.  ...read more

BioAge Fitness Testing, Young at Heart?

by Ryan Hogan | Monday, May 25, 2009

The following post is written by Oliver Kitchingman, Network's editor.

Young at heart…?
As fitness professionals, Network’s members are, hopefully, a pretty fit bunch. In fact, I’d be willing to wager that most of you would reckon you feel, and maybe look, younger than you actually are, thanks to your well balanced diet, exercise regimen and refusal to partake in nicotine or alcohol. OK, perhaps not the bit about alcohol, but if the countless industry players I encounter on a daily basis are anything to go by, the first few points are valid. So, with your body being your temple, and all that, how old do you think your body really is?  ...read more

Is CrossFit Training for Everyone?

by Ryan Hogan | Monday, May 18, 2009

The following post is written by Lori Eggers from PTontheNET.

Type in the word “CrossFit” into any search engine, and you’ll see literally hundreds of entries for CrossFit programs in various cities, states and countries around the world.

Developed by a former gymnast in California, the CrossFit program is designed to “deliver a fitness that is, by design, broad, general and inclusive,” where the same routines are used for “elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts.”  ...read more

The Biggest Loser, friend or foe of fitness?

by Ryan Hogan | Thursday, March 05, 2009

The following Blog Post was written by Alisha Smith, Network's education manager.

The Biggest Loser. Let’s face it – we’re all watching it, and if we’re not then, at the very least, a solid majority of our clients and class participants most definitely are.

There’s no debating that as a nation (and particularly, as an industry) we’re captivated by the show’s drastic techniques and equally drastic transformations. From the airing of the first episode of a new series right up until the country gathers around the TV to witness the crowning of ‘The Biggest Loser’, we enjoy (in a slightly masochistic manner) observing the contestants struggle and – dare I say it – thinking to ourselves ‘thank goodness I’m not like that’.  ...read more

Extreme Heat and Exercise: Duty of Care.

by Ryan Hogan | Tuesday, February 03, 2009

The following post was written by Alisha Smith, Network's Education Manager.

With the recent heatwave smothering Victoria and South Australia, it seems a pertinent time to discuss duty of care to our clients. Did you know that in Australia there are no specific regulations regarding the temperature extremes at which to cancel fitness activities, both indoor and out?  ...read more

5.5 Habits That Set a Personal Trainer Apart From the Rest.

by Ryan Hogan | Sunday, January 18, 2009

Guest article by author Amelia Burton, trainer and writer for www.ameliaburton.com.au.
Whether you are a seasoned personal trainer, or just starting out in the industry there are some simple but highly powerful habits you can learn that will set you apart from everyone else. PT can be draining at times so why not adopt some habits that are no extra work, but from the client’s perspective make you the best trainer they have ever had!  ...read more

The benefits of Self Myofascial Release

by Analee Matthews | Wednesday, November 12, 2008

At the recent Network 08 On Tour event, exercise physiologist, nutritionist, personal trainer and fitness educator, Paul Taylor, explained the benefits of Self Myofascial Release.

Self Myofascial Release (SMR) is reported to increase neuromuscular efficiency, alleviate the effects of overactive muscles and influence the autonomic nervous system.   ...read more

Barefoot training, yes or no?

by Ryan Hogan | Wednesday, October 29, 2008

In the last twelve months or so we've seen a huge increase in interest in the concept of barefoot training among both personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts. While the idea has been around for some time now, it has only recently exploded onto the scene at local fitness facilities.  ...read more