AFPA Health and Fitness Blog

The fitness industry is more popular now than ever before. In fact, it’s been growing by at least 3% every year and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. As the years go by, researchers and industry leaders are constantly improving and finding new, more efficient ways to get fit.

Committing to an exercise plan while pregnant can provide a wealth of benefits, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The organization notes that fitness can improve overall health and wellness, and also alleviate some common discomforts of pregnancy. It can even make labor and delivery easier.

There are various cardio exercises to choose from regardless of whether one wants to lose some calories, burn fat, or enhance their health. The aim of a cardio workout is to increase intensity and the heart rate. While some people choose to use workout equipment such as elliptical trainers and treadmills, there are easier ways of doing these exercises. It is important though to remember that the ideal cardio exercise is one that an individual enjoys.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published May 2017 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

We all want to hit the gym at some point in our lives in an attempt to get the perfect beach body for the summer, or simply to tone our muscles and stay in shape. Building muscles might be our goal, but how often do we think about building our brain? Chances are that most people don’t even realize the positive impacts of physical exercise on brain power and function.

Your clients who are suffering from high blood pressure, aka hypertension, are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 29 percent of American adults have high blood pressure—"that's 1 in every 3 American adults." What's even more concerning is that hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer," because it typically doesn't trigger any symptoms. But you can help.

Over the past few decades, yoga has rapidly become a household name, which is why it comes as no surprise that it's now a $27 billion industry, with more than 20 million practitioners. The ancient practice of yoga is now one of our favorite ways to connect our mind and body. Plus it's a great way for people of all ages and levels of fitness to increase flexibility and strength while easing tension. If you're searching for a style of yoga for your patient, we explain three types of yoga for beginners to get you started. Be sure to select one geared toward his or her health and fitness goals.

Find the right class with these three yoga types for beginners

While the month of January brings a multitude of new resolutions each year, it can also inevitably lead to excuses. Ah yes, we're referring to mid-February, when the novelty of the new year starts to fade away and your clients let their busy schedules get the best of them. But, as you already know, the New Year is time for new beginnings, and setting yourself up for success; so we want to help you achieve just that.

Are you looking to challenge your male clients? Or maybe you're interested in providing more fitness opportunities at your local gym?

While many people are guilty of associating Yoga as just a way to relax and ease through a workout, it's also very physically challenging. If your client is prone to injury or needs to challenge their body in different ways, we challenge you to incorporate these two beginner Yoga workouts for men into the next session. Or integrate a program at your local gym.

At AFPA we are huge advocates for leading by example. With that in mind, the best way to guide your clients through a seamless sequence of movements is to practice them yourself. Just like you would test out that new strength training routine, test out these next few Yoga moves.

Did you know an estimated 53 percent of dogs are overweight or obese, according to the Associate for Pet Obesity Prevention? If Fido isn’t getting enough exercise, are you making time to work out, go to the gym, or get outside?