AFPA Health and Fitness Blog

Syndromes are collections of symptoms that frequently co-occur and typically do not have a clear known cause. Without a clear cause, getting treatment can be as difficult as getting a proper diagnosis. Also, treatment for syndromes often include lifestyle changes, which can be overwhelming to tackle alone. Fortunately, holistic health coaches can be helpful allies in the path to recovery for one such syndrome: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Nutrition and wellness technology is a fast-growing industry. And with the increase in health-conscious, tech-savvy consumers, keeping up with the recent advancements will not only get your clients better results but is crucial for staying ahead of the competition in this fast-growing market.

It’s no secret that more people care about what they eat and the role food plays in maintaining and improving their health. The nutrition industry is expanding, and the need for qualified nutrition professionals is expected to increase over the next seven years.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published August 2016 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Pursuing a nutrition certification for personal enrichment is hugely valuable, and can help you integrate healthier eating into your fitness and wellness mix. But it's also an opportunity to expand your career in new ways, giving you many options when it comes to providing nutritional counseling.

When you earn a certification — credentials that highlight your education and knowledge — you'll be in a strong position to choose from a range of jobs. Here are just a few that you might consider:

Editor's Note: This post was originally published July 2015 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

As a nutrition consultant, you have a unique opportunity to help your clients develop better eating habits, achieve their weight-loss and fitness goals and ultimately maintain healthy and fulfilling lifestyle changes. "Proper nutrition is essential to healthy living and overall well-being," writes the staff at Livestrong. "A nutritionist can play an important role in your health by evaluating your diet and offering you personalized advice." It's also an opportunity to help inspire others and encourage them to shape a happier and healthier outlook.

With an expected job growth rate of 16% through 2024, and a growing client base of consumers who believe food and nutrition play a significant role in maintaining and improving overall health, the need for holistic health coaches won’t be declining any time soon. As more holistic health coaches start their own businesses, the competition also increases. Be sure you set yourself up for success by following these business tips.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published August 2016 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

As a health and fitness enthusiast, you have likely heard of or experienced the green smoothie and juicing trend first-hand. Many researchers and followers claim that adding a green smoothie or juice to your diet can transform your health and your body. Whether you buy into it, there is simply no denying that this trend is booming—and frankly, it's quite delicious. So, the truth is, you don't have to be fully on board to give it a try or even share some recipes with your clients, especially if they are asking you about it.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published March 2014 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Running a successful Personal Training business can be accomplished if you follow these 17 tips!

If you are entering the profession of personal training, it is a time of growth and opportunity. Awareness of the benefits of personal training has been expanding for over a decade, as is the client market.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published January 2015 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Personal training provides individuals with an opportunity to mold healthy and physically active lifestyles, and can be widely appealing for a number of different reasons. But in order to get to this point, a personal trainer must work on their business sense to build up the necessary clientele. Unfortunately, this doesn't always come naturally, so we've come up with a few tips to help you get started on your venture.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published February 1, 2015 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Normal office chairs are notorious for negatively impacting your posture, especially if you are sitting in them improperly. Slouching in your chair may also lead to a decrease in your core strength. The solution? It may be replacing your office chair for a stability ball.

On a stability ball, you spend your time actively balancing, so your body automatically forms a more correct posture. This can alleviate any back or core strain that you may have previously experienced sitting in a chair.