AFPA Health and Fitness Blog

Over the course of 2020, AFPA published over 100 original articles; 10 downloadable e-books and guides; and shared hundreds of summaries of cutting-edge health, nutrition, and fitness research publications through our newsletter and blog. 

Coaching businesses have several options when it comes to ways to offer their services. 

While plenty of research has been carried out on the importance of an adequate role of complete proteins, over the past several decades researchers have had a growing interest in the specific roles of protein building blocks, called amino acids, in overall health, metabolism, body composition, and sports performance.

It may surprise you to learn that protein intake guidelines have been the subject of debate among nutrition associations, sports nutritionists, medical doctors, and other professionals with an interest in nutrition. 

Certified health and wellness coaches are expert health advisors that use evidence-based methodologies to improve their clients’ health and wellness. Health coaching is a relatively new profession, and it was born out of the public health system’s need to have a more consistent, personal, and long-term presence in people’s lives. 

Exercise and physical activity are a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. But, how much exercise do you need to reap the benefits for heart health, brain health, stress reduction, metabolism, bone health, and longevity? 

During the last 26 years, we’ve certified over 119,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. Each month, we recognize one of our distinguished graduates who use what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference. 

2020 has been a year of challenges, pain, and transformation in numerous forms. Most industries have experienced difficult, unprecedented changes and have been obligated to look inward to find ways to adapt to changes and be part of the solution in a time of need. The health and wellness industry is no exception, as the year 2020 leaves us many lessons on which to reflect and take action. 

Scenario: A personal trainer, Cameron, greets her client, Rodney, and leads him through a workout while Rodney’s Apple Watch tracks his heart rate and active calories burned. For the following week, Cameron builds a training plan for Rodney, including a few independent workouts and daily habits, and Rodney completes them. The next week, a scheduling conflict pops up for Rodney when he’s supposed to meet with Cameron, so Cameron reschedules him for a session for the following day. 

Without question, the year 2020 will go down as one of the most eventful, trying, and devastating years in the last several decades. It has been a year where global health—physical, mental, and emotional—has taken center stage. At the same time, 2020 will also be remembered as the year where people came together to show support for first responders and essential workers, shared information and resources, and, ultimately, reflected on everyone’s individual role in ensuring common wellbeing.