AFPA Health and Fitness Blog

Editor's Note: This post on how to create a weight loss workout plan was originally published September 25, 2014 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Your clients are spending hours and a significant amount of money with you every single week, so nothing can be more frustrating for you and your client than when they aren't seeing the results they are looking for. Unfortunately, this can happen for a number of different reasons:

1. There isn't enough 'variety' in the workout plans for your client.
2. Trouble spots are not being targeted.
3. Clients are only working out with you, and not outside of training days.
4. You are focusing on strength training more than cardio, or vice-versa.

Forging a business in the health and wellness industry isn’t easy, even for certified professionals. Though there’s tremendous competition to secure clients and establish yourself as a health expert, the rewards of helping others (and making a living while doing it) are well worth it for many professional health coaches.

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

Although nutrition-related titles may sound similar, they can be very different when it comes to educational requirements, job duties, and typical workplaces.

The two designations that are the most common in the field are certified nutritionist and registered dietician. There are obvious points of overlap, such as providing advice on food and nutrition, but in other ways, each is a distinct career path. Let's look at certified nutritionist vs. registered dietitian:

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

A growing career opportunity for Personal Trainers and Wellness Professionals is becoming a Post Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist.

Between athletes and the average person, everyone always has room for improvement when it comes to their health and fitness levels. A Post Rehab Exercise Specialist dedicates their time to improving health and fitness, as well as specializes in individuals who have various medical conditions. How are they different than a Health and Wellness Specialist or Personal Trainer? In today's post we will break down the essentials on what sets a Post Rehab Exercise Specialist apart from similar health and fitness professions.

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

We are all guilty of saying that we will commit to something that we eventually push to the side or lose the motivation to see all the way through. But when it comes to dramatically changing our lifestyles we need to maintain momentum in order to be successful and ultimately reap the benefits in the short- and long-term.

The truth is, healthy and active people didn't achieve that lifestyle overnight. It's because they adopted the right healthy lifestyle habits that they've found success. And more importantly, they stick to it. So if your clients need a boost in the right direction, don't worry. There's hope.

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

If you've been considering a career as a fitness trainer, now is the time to get started. People are more interested than ever in taking charge of their health, and that’s causing a continued boom in personal training.

Do kale and quinoa feel like last year’s fads? Then it’s likely time for some new superfoods to find the spotlight. The healthy foods considered trendy change every few years, and these fads determine what winds up on store shelves (and in your smoothie)! If you’re curious which superfoods are going to catch attention in 2019, we’ve predicted below what thirteen superfoods are going to become trendy this year.

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

Personal trainers are often their own greatest assets, advertisements and selling points. But why? Is it because of their approach and technique? Or is it because they exemplify the standards of health and fitness through proper nutrition and training? Perhaps it's a combination of all of the above.

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

For the past ten years, Pilates has become more and more popular in the fitness community. Whether you're young or old it's a perfect way to improve balance, mobility and strengthen the core. At AFPA we are passionate about delivering information and workouts that are tailored to each age group and fitness level; in today's post you'll gain insight into the benefits of Pilates for senior citizens.

Keeping fit and mobile is essential, especially for seniors. As we get older, healthy movements can help with balance, stability, control and overall fitness. With all of the movements out there it can be difficult to decide what movements are the best fit for older adults.

Everyone wants to live their healthiest life, but knowing where to start is far from easy. You don’t want to fall into the trap of following a fad diet, but navigating what your body really needs nutritionally isn’t always straightforward either.

Should you pay more attention to the timing of your meals? Is It healthy for you to skip meals? Intermittent fasting is an eating strategy that addresses this crucial angle for your health. Many people have found that it makes a positive difference for their overall health.

There’s a lot to unpack about this timed eating method, so let’s dive into our complete guide to intermittent fasting.