The Truth on Fitness: Strength = Cardio
In considering fitness programs, two broad categories typically define one’s exercise options; strength training, or cardiovascular conditioning. Most of us understand, intuitively, the differences between these modes of exercise, and organize our workouts so that they are treated separately. In fact, most gym environments divide the equipment serving these two modalities. From a different perspective, however, strength training and cardiovascular conditioning are really one in the same, with equipment options that blur the lines between the two applications.

The Truth on Fitness: Leg Extensions
Of the many highly scrutinized exercises used in fitness and rehabilitation settings, the one subjected to the strongest opposition is the leg extension. Opponents of the leg extension claim that the exercise imposes too much stress on the connective tissues of the knee joint. Various other concerns lead detractors to proclaim the leg extension “off limits”. Adding support to the anti-extension movement are those who argue that leg extensions are simply not functional, given that isolated movement about the knee bears little resemblance to normal functional activities. Some theorists have insinuated that such strengthening is actually detrimental to motor performance. Others have even commented that they “would never waste their time doing leg extensions.” How did such strong opinions opposing the leg extension come to exist? To read the full article click on the title above.

The Truth on Fitness: Functional Training
Trends in the fitness industry come and go, but one has captured the attention and stayed with the public like no other; functional training. Exercises promoting benefits to specific functions have exploded in our gyms with a seemingly endless myriad of methods and exercises being offered. The functional training movement continues to grow at a rapid pace gathering new converts daily. However, the movement itself may be based more on opinions and beliefs rather than on empirical scientific evidence. Dr. Paul Juris, Executive Director of the CYBEX Institute, asks the question “What is functional exercise?” To read the full article click on the title above.

The Truth on Fitness: Balance and the Center of Gravity
In all of our movement actions, there is to some degree, a need to maintain our balance if we are to successfully complete a task. Dr. Paul Juris examines the biomechanics of balance, different types of balance conditions, its control systems, and the various training methods that contribute to improving balance.

The Truth on Fitness: Keeping your Balance – Standing or Moving
Stability has both advantages and disadvantages, depending upon the functional goal. If the objective were to remain stationary, for example, a high degree of stability would be advantageous. On the other hand, if one wanted to move quickly from one position to another, too much stability would hinder displacement, and would be a disadvantage. Often, finding just the right amount of stability is essential to successful function.

The Truth on Fitness: A Sense of Balance
Whether equilibrium arises from subtle control of the center of gravity, or a dynamic repositioning of the base of support in front of a moving center of gravity, the eventual outcome is the product of information gathering and the ensuing motor response. To put it plainly, one must first recognize that their stability is being, or is about to be challenged, and then, they have to produce some action intended to maintain equilibrium. Through a combination of complex information from our eyes, muscles, joints, ears, and other tissues, balance and equilibrium can be maintained or lost. In this installment, we’ll explore the sensory side of this equation.

The Truth on Fitness: Developing Better Balance
When one thinks of balance training, one may first envision someone standing on a wobbling disk or air-filled rubber pillow, because these techniques have become vogue in current fitness practices. These moving and distorting objects are referred to, by researchers, as labile surfaces. In fact, it is a rare occasion indeed when one can walk into any gym and not see someone exercising atop a labile device. The question that you might ask yourself is, “do I really need to stand on one of those things in order to improve my balance?” Well, maybe, but before we answer that, we should first understand how balance is controlled. Dr. Paul Juris describes the best approach to improve balance and stability during motion activities.