ISSA Blog Audio

Cutting out Sugar - Details on Low-Sugar, No-Sugar Trends

ISSA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:12:13 -0700

Have you tried cutting out sugar yet? If you haven't is it because the idea is scary? What about a client? Check out this new post from the ISSA blog for tips and other important information for anyone ready to take the no-sugar plunge.

Fitness Benefits of CBD Oil - Does it Live up to the Hype?

ISSA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:08:30 -0700

Does CBD oil really improve athletic performance? Will it help you recover more quickly? Get the 4-1-1 on this trending supplement for yourself and to keep your clients informed.

Shoulder Exercises to Reduce Injury

ISSA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:54:31 -0700

We often use our shoulders more than we realize and a shoulder injury can really put a damper on daily life. Read on to uncover common shoulder problems, as well as exercises you can take on to build strength and prevent injury.

How to Start Online Training Without In-Person Experience

ISSA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:42:16 -0700

If you're new to personal training, you're likely considering online training. However, if you don't have any in-person training experience, you're probably wondering how you'll be successful in coaching your clients.
Follow along as we explore some of the benefits of online personal training and nine tips that can help you get your online business moving without in-person training experience.

Top 10 Signs of a Great Personal Trainer

ISSA — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 21:11:37 -0700

Thinking about becoming a personal trainer? A good trainer is fine, but a great trainer is what you really want to be. Here’s how to become one of the best.

Top Personal Trainer Salary by Sector, Gym, and State

ISSA — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 21:04:42 -0700

Want to earn more as a personal trainer? Here is a list of the sectors, gyms, and states that pay the most.

Why Your Glutes Aren’t Growing

ISSA — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:26:36 -0700

Squats and lunges and leg lifts, OH MY! All this effort and those glutes are still not growing. Find out why and get on the right track to strong, growing glutes today!

Benefits of Burpees

ISSA — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:10:35 -0700

Burpees—the exercise we love to hate. Are they worth adding to your client's routine? Check out our latest article for a few reasons why you should.

How Much Protein Do I Really Need?

ISSA — Fri, 06 May 2022 21:53:06 -0700

As a personal trainer, you already carry a TON of responsibility on your shoulders. You're accountable for safely guiding your clients through the fitness and lifestyle protocols that will help them achieve the results they're paying you good money for.

Does Lifting Weights Make Women Bulky?

ISSA — Fri, 06 May 2022 21:38:25 -0700

Most of the questions I get from my female clients are about whether they will get big and bulky like men if they lift heavy weights. In short, the answer is no. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the fundamental one is our hormonal make up. Us ladies simply do not have the high testosterone.

Can You Do Squats if You Have Bad Knees?

ISSA — Fri, 06 May 2022 21:32:13 -0700

If you or a training client has knee pain, an injury, or surgery, be cautious with squats. Consider ways to make squats safer and less painful. Also try some alternatives that target the same muscles without putting so much pressure on the knee joints.

How To Deadlift: Benefits, Technique, Variations

ISSA — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:55:07 -0700

The Deadlift is an integral, yet often missing component of a strength-building program. That's not to say that everyone should be performing this movement or one of its variations, but the benefits of the Deadlift for a power or strength-building program are innumerable.

How Do Carbs Make You Less Sore After a Tough Workout?

ISSA — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:41:33 -0700

As a fitness professional, you know that protein is essential to muscle building and recovery. Were you aware that carbs can also make you less sore after a grueling workout? Here’s why.

7 Supplements for Muscle Recovery

ISSA — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:32:00 -0700

Giving muscle adequate time to recover reduces injury and boosts growth. Taking supplements may assist with this process. Here are seven muscle recovery supplements to consider.

Peanut Butter for Muscle Building: Worth the Hype?

ISSA — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:23:55 -0700

A lot of gym-goers add peanut butter to their workout meals and snacks. And we’ve all probably seen at least one person eating by the spoonful. But is peanut butter really worth the hype? How can it help your clients looking to build muscle?

What to Eat When You’re Craving Carbs

ISSA — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:10:56 -0700

Cravings are bound to hit but understanding how to honor food cravings in a healthy way can help your clients make better-for-you choices and achieve their health and wellness goals.

What to Eat on Rest Days to Best Support Muscle Growth

ISSA — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:48:16 -0700

As a personal trainer, it’s common to talk about what to eat pre- and post-workout. But rest day nutrition is important as well. Especially when a client’s goal is to maximize muscle growth.

How to Stretch and Strengthen the Psoas

ISSA — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:41:24 -0700

Do you know what the psoas is? Do your clients? This hidden muscle set deep in the core is important but not well known. Weakness and tightness in this muscle can cause significant issues, especially lower back pain. Learn how to stretch and strengthen the psoas for better performance and less pain.

Best Bodyweight Exercises for Strong Legs

ISSA — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:33:41 -0700

How do you increase leg strength without the use of equipment or machines? By engaging in bodyweight exercises. Here are five to incorporate into your leg day routine, providing amazing results.

7 Best Unilateral Exercises for Strong Legs

ISSA — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:22:01 -0700

Strong leg muscles can reduce injury risk, improve balance, and enhance sports performance. Which single-leg exercises provide the best effect? Here are 7 to consider.

Magnesium for Muscle Recovery: How It Works & How to Use It

ISSA — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 17:12:22 -0700

If your client is having muscle cramps, low magnesium levels could be to blame. How does this nutrient impact muscle recovery and how do you use it to best repair muscle damage? This article explains.

Top Six Exercises for Building Bigger Calves

ISSA — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 17:06:35 -0700

Are your clients’ calves making them look like they have skipped leg day? Calves are one of the key components to a balanced lower body. Check out this article with some of our favorite exercises for building the calf muscles.

Why Do I Have Tight Muscles in My Legs And How Do I Ease It?

ISSA — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:52:53 -0700

Tight muscles can affect your client’s workouts. What do you do when the tightness is in their legs? The first step is to identify the cause. The next is to find ways to ease the tension. This article explains how to do both.

Women Building Muscle—Your Go-To Guide

ISSA — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:17:49 -0700

While dieting and getting skinny used to be the trend, women are realizing getting fit is a more satisfying and healthier goal. Read this article for more on the benefits of muscle and how to help your female clients build it.

Try These Exercises to Improve Anaerobic Endurance

ISSA — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 22:57:13 -0700

Do your clients understand the importance of anaerobic exercise? If not, check out our latest post for the scoop. We’ll also give you several exercises to improve anaerobic endurance you can use to improve strength and fitness, and boost metabolism.

No Foam Roller? No Problem! Try These Alternatives!

ISSA — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 22:35:20 -0700

Foam rolling is a great addition to any exercise program. But not every client has access to a foam roller. So, how do you help clients perform SMR? Check out these foam roller alternatives.

Does Lack of Sleep Hinder Muscle Growth or Performance?

ISSA — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 21:36:12 -0700

Rest is paramount to experience increased muscle mass. Your clients may have the drive to reach their desired results, but not getting an adequate amount of sleep can hinder performance and muscle gain.

Type IIa Muscle Fibers: Training for Explosiveness

ISSA — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 21:27:12 -0700

As trainers we love those serious clients who really want to dig deep and take their training to another level. Find out how to better help these athletes train to muscle type and hit their power, strength, and speed goals.

7 Alternative Jobs for Personal Trainers

ISSA — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:18:00 -0700

Think training clients in the gym is your only option as a personal trainer? That’s just the beginning. Explore these alternative uses for your personal training certification.

8 Tips on How to Write a Trainer Bio That Brings in Clients

ISSA — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:15:00 -0700

A bio page is one of the keys to attracting your ideal clients. If you need some help improving your bio page, we have the best tips for you!

Developing a Women’s Bodybuilding Program

ISSA — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:05:00 -0700

Many women feel bodybuilding is not for them—until they learn about the benefits! Start developing a women’s bodybuilding program with these tips in our latest blog

Carbs for Muscle Growth: How to Use Them Best

ISSA — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -0700

Let’s face it. Carbohydrates have a bad name, especially when it comes to weight loss. But this macronutrient can actually help you build more muscle. This article explains how, as well as providing a few tips for using carbs for maximum muscle growth.

12 Biceps Curl Variations to Keep Your Arms Engaged

ISSA — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:06:00 -0700

Arm training doesn’t have to be boring! Try these biceps curl variations to spice up your workouts and build strength and size.

Corrective Exercises for Better Glute Strength & Performance

ISSA — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:02:00 -0700

Toned glutes are all the rage, but there are many more reasons to improve their strength. The glutes stabilize many of our movements, preventing pain and injuries. Help your clients get all the benefits of stronger, balanced glutes with these corrective routines.

It’s Time to Ditch the One-Time-Per-Week Muscle Mentality

ISSA — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:56:00 -0700

When designing a hypertrophy program, the goal is to increase muscle mass as quickly as possible. The science behind hypertrophy training evolves over the years. So, how do we train for muscle growth most efficiently? Hint: it's more than once per week.

Hip Pain Cycling Exercises – Take the Pain out of Biking

ISSA — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:48:00 -0700

Whether you cycle in a spinning class or on the pavement and trails, if you ride often, you risk developing some hip-related pains. We’ll point out some of the common sources of pain and injury and how to manage and prevent them.

Activity Tracker Competitions with Friends: The How & Why

ISSA — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:18:00 -0700

Tracking your fitness metrics is a great way to stay motivated, but connecting with your friends is where the fun begins. Set up activity tracker competitions with friends to make working out more fun, to get motivated, and to hit more goals faster.

Building Muscle Simplified: Not as Complicated as you Think

ISSA — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:08:00 -0700

Are your clients begging you to help them get bigger, more muscular arms? Do you have a client that has plateaued in his efforts to bulk up? You can help your clients achieve their goals, but there are no quick fixes, only the facts, backed by research.

Eat to Gain Muscle-The Role Food Plays in Strength Training

ISSA — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0700

Understanding the role of diet in gaining muscle and getting stronger is important for your clients if they want to hit their goals. Teach them about protein intake, total calories, and including carbs to see the results from all those lifting workouts.

How to Relieve Tight Muscles in the Neck and Shoulders

ISSA — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:50:00 -0700

As trainers, we know upper back tension is rampant among clients. In this article, we explore things that can lead to tight muscles in the neck and shoulders and what to do about it. We also give you a great sharable “How To” for your clients.

Training According to Muscle Fiber Type

ISSA — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:52:00 -0700

To create a program that meets your clients' needs, you need a solid knowledge of muscle tissue—all the way down to the fibers that create each muscle spindle. Learn more about targeting specific muscle fibers in our latest article on the blog.

Craft the Perfect Women’s Bodybuilding Diet

ISSA — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:30:00 -0700

Build a powerful base with a diet that supports your muscle-building goals. Get your bodybuilding diet essentials here!

Exercises to Improve Power

ISSA — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:27:00 -0700

Looking to incorporate more power exercises into your client’s workout routines? Check out this article for tips and exercises for improving power.

How to Get Bigger Forearms with a Few Simple Exercises

ISSA — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:15:00 -0700

Your forearms are important for overall functional strength, but they’re often ignored in training. A good, overall strength program will provide a decent workout for all the little muscles of the forearm. But if you really want to build them up, make them a priority.

Pain in the Buttocks when Sitting? Use these Tips

ISSA — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0700

If you or your client has sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back and buttocks (glute) that travels down the back of your leg, you’re not alone. A muscle called the piriformis is most likely to blame and these are the reasons why PLUS the best mobility exercises to use. Read, learn, and share the recommended exercises to your clients in this article.

Are Your Genetics Good for Bodybuilding—And Does it Matter?

ISSA — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:55:00 -0700

Can a genetic test tell you if you have the potential to be a champion bodybuilder? Maybe, but more importantly, a lifestyle DNA test can provide information to refine workouts, nutrition, and goals. Help your clients understand their results, whether they’re destined to be good at bodybuilding.

Intermittent Fasting: Women vs. Men

ISSA — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:30:00 -0700

So what’s with this fasting thing. Should I be doing it? If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked this question this year, I’d be able to buy enough bacon to feed all the fasted cardio people on the step mills.

How Much Should I Charge for Online Personal Training?

ISSA — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:30:00 -0700

It’s common for online personal trainers to question how much they should be charging their fitness clients. The answer to this question depends on a number of different factors, and here are a few to consider.

Exercises to Improve Speed: Training That Benefits Everyone

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:50:00 -0700

Speed isn’t just for runners or athletes! Check out this blog post to find out how you can get all your clients to use and benefit from exercises to improve speed.

Women and Protein – An Essential Guide

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:40:00 -0700

The topic of protein can be really confusing for your clients. This is especially true for women since most information available is for men. To help your female clients meet their nutrition, fitness, and weight goals, you need to read this complete guide to women and protein.

Understanding and Using the Overload Principle

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:30:00 -0700

Do you understand the overload principle well enough to plan the most effective programs for your clients? We’ve got you covered in this latest post about progressing safely and maximizing training gains.

How to Get Started in Fitness Competitions – Women’s Edition

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:20:00 -0700

Getting ready for your first fitness competition can be daunting, but we’ll help you start. Check out this beginners guide for women interested in starting out in bikini, figure, and physique competitions.

Upper/Lower Split: The Best Workout Plan?

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:20:00 -0700

There are many different training methods you can use with clients, but for the most efficient and effective, you need to get on board with the upper/lower split. Find out what the research says and how to schedule the best strength sessions for your clients.

Bodybuilding Nutrition: What to Eat for Bulking

ISSA — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0700

Are your clients interested in entering a bulking phase with their training? Check out these tips to learn how much and what your clients should be eating to support their bulking journey.

The Right Way to Burn Fat, Not Muscle

ISSA — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0700

Knowing how to match workouts to proper fueling for maximum weight loss and muscle gain isn’t intuitive. Your clients likely have no idea how to do it. It’s up to you as a trainer to guide them through the healthy, productive, but slow and steady approach to losing weight and getting stronger.

Are Sit Ups Bad for You?

ISSA — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0700

Is the long reign of the sit-up finally over? Will the crunch be far behind? Here’s the scoop on why no one is doing sit-ups anymore, and why you and your clients should be crunching and planking to maximize core strength and minimize your waistline.

Kids and Strength Training: When Can They Start?

ISSA — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:55:00 -0700

Kids can strength train. And they can benefit from it. Don’t stop reading this article until you’ve seen the science and learned the techniques to keep kids safe when you’re training them.

How to Identify and Correct Tight Hip Flexors

ISSA — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:14:00 -0700

Hip flexors are commonly misunderstood. Are yours really tight? Or are they weak and underused? What even are these hip flexors? Check out our latest post to learn more about this important muscle group, what it means to have tight hip flexors, and what you can do to loosen them up

Pelvic Tilt: What Is It and How Do You Correct It?

ISSA — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:05:00 -0700

Does your client have a pelvic tilt? It’s more common than you might think!

Exercises for IT Band Syndrome

ISSA — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 11:51:00 -0700

The IT band is too often overlooked until it suddenly causes pain. Help your clients prevent IT band injury with a few simple exercises. And check out the “how to” handout you can give your clients to keep them on the right track.

How Do I Build the Perfect Glutes?

ISSA — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0700

Your female client wants a bigger butt, glutes or backside? It’s what most women want, and you can achieve it through targeted, specific training. Here’s how.