Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Looking for learning? Check your sources first
For those of us who were exposed to fitness in the 1980s, some of today’s equipment and techniques can seem unnecessary and complex. When faced with this unfamiliarity, some people want more information. But shoddy fitness information is being spread about so promiscuously that it’s difficult to sift the good from the bad.
This week, I have a few ideas for you on obtaining reliable information.
We get fitness information through television, newspapers, magazines, books, word of mouth and, of course, the internet. A quick 30-minute internet search on “fitness workouts” leads to thousands of pages of information.
Rather than spend one’s days scouring the internet or purchasing every magazine with a half-naked model on the front, look for legitimate sources, ones not geared solely to separating you from your hard-earned cash. It’s worth mentioning that the two are not mutually exclusive, though. Some reliable sources do also want your money.
Unlike doctors or dentists, fitness professionals are not licensed. We don’t have a universal set of criteria that provides us the credentials supporting our skills and knowledge. While this is a problem that I’d love to solve, the best way to recognize a qualified fitness professional is by checking for education and certification.
Obviously a college degree is a good start. A master’s degree is even better than a bachelor’s. Those practicing without a college degree aren’t necessarily unqualified, but it’s not a stretch to say that degree-carrying professionals are generally more knowledgeable than those without.
The certification that an individual holds is important, especially because some certifications require a college degree. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are the three most reputable certifications in our industry — at least in my view.
This week’s exercise is designed around the TRX system, which may require the assistance of a fitness professional initially, although it doesn’t take a college degree to figure out the strap system. It’s a portable system that leverages body weight to produce resistance.
The cool thing is, most exercises on the TRX system are easily modified to match different fitness levels. The Single Arm TRX Curl is no exception.
1. Select one medium weight dumbbell.
2. Position yourself facing outward from the TRX anchor point with your right hand holding the right handle of the TRX strap and the left arm holding the dumbbell.
3. Lean forward and extend the right arm with your feet flat on the floor.
4. You should be bracing your body weight with the right arm in the TRX strap.
5. Perform a normal biceps curl with the left arm as you brace your body weight with the core and right arm only.
6. Do two sets of 12, then switch sides.
For those interested in exercising at home, the TRX system is fantastic. It just requires a strong anchor point (not in drywall) and you’re off and … I almost said running. Probably you won’t be running.
But don’t forget to consult your qualified, certified fitness professional first. Enjoy!
Matt Parrott has a doctorate in education (sport studies) and a master’s in kinesiology and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. vballtop@aol.com