ISSA Just Launched a Menopause Coach Certification, and It's the First of Its Kind
Menopause has fully entered the mainstream conversation over the last few years, showing up everywhere from wellness brands to bestselling books to celebrity interviews. What hasn't caught up until now is the fitness industry itself. There has been almost no formal credential for the trainers and coaches women actually turn to when they're dealing with strength loss, shifting nutrition needs, disrupted sleep, and slower recovery during midlife.
ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), a global leader in fitness and nutrition certification with more than 1 million certified trainers, just closed that gap with its new Menopause Coach Certification, the first program of its kind built to formally train coaches in women's midlife health. Demand made the case before the program even launched: the first course overfilled its waitlist, which tells you exactly how underserved this space has been and how ready coaches are to fill it.
What the certification actually covers
This isn't a surface-level add-on badge. The curriculum is built around the full picture of what midlife clients are actually navigating, including hormonal literacy across pre-menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause, stage-specific exercise and nutrition programming, and how to help clients manage the physical, emotional, and cognitive transitions that come with this stage of life. It also covers integrating sleep, stress, and recovery into programming, and how to work alongside healthcare providers rather than in a silo.
For any trainer who has had a client mention hot flashes, disrupted sleep, or unexplained changes in body composition and realized they didn't have a real framework to respond with, this is exactly the credential built to fix that.
Why this matters right now
The fitness industry has spent years building content and marketing around menopause without building the actual training infrastructure to back it up. This certification is the industry catching up to its own client base. Women in midlife are one of the most underserved, and most motivated, client segments in fitness right now, and coaches who can speak to their specific needs with real expertise are going to stand out.
It's also worth noting who's actually signing up. Many of the coaches enrolling are midlife women themselves, turning their own lived experience into a credentialed second act. That combination of personal experience and formal training is a powerful one for client trust.
The details
Getting started is accessible: the program begins at $49 today, followed by 12 monthly payments of $53 at 0% interest, or $639 as a one-time payment. It's fully self-paced and online, finishable in as little as 4 weeks, and includes an open-book exam, ready-to-use client materials, and access to ISSA's network of more than 10,000 employers.
If you're a trainer or coach who wants to be ahead of a growing client need instead of catching up to it later, this is worth a serious look. You can check out the full program details and enrollment through ISSA here.
Train Like a Pro: My Airbnb Experience Inspired by the FIFA World Cup
I'm partnering with Airbnb to host a workout experience built around the energy of the FIFA World Cup. Think community, culture, and the kind of high-energy training session you'd expect from a celebrity soccer trainer, minus the celebrity price tag. It's a hands-on session designed for anyone who wants to move like an athlete for a day, whether you play soccer or just love the sport.
This isn't a typical gym class. It's built for people who want to combine fitness with an experience worth remembering, especially with the World Cup buzz in the air. If you're visiting the city, hosting friends, or just looking for something different to do with your weekend, this is exactly that.
Spots are limited since it's an in-person, small-group experience, so book early if the dates work for your schedule.
Book your spot:https://www.airbnb.ca/experiences/6244180 | Code: ALICIA40 (please confirm this code is still active before sharing, as it was set to expire July 19)
At-Home Fitness That Actually Works
What’s In, What’s Over, and What Works Now
For a long time, “at-home workouts” got a reputation for being ineffective or weak.
Truth is, the right at-home training can be just as impactful as a gym session when it’s smart and structured.
What’s In
Effective at-home training with minimal equipment.
You do not need a warehouse of machines to build strength and change your body.
Tools that work great at home include:
Resistance bands Adjustable dumbbells Walking pads for daily movement Core and glute focused equipment
These allow progression and variety without taking up your whole space.
What’s Over
Random workouts you see on social feeds with no plan or progression.
Doing a different routine every day without tracking progression is fun once — not effective long term.
Consistency and progression beat variety without purpose.
What Works Now
Workouts built around resistance, control, and consistency.
At-home training should focus on:
Strength first Progressive overload (yes, even with bands and dumbbells) Movement quality Weekly structure rather than spontaneous trends
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The weight should be heavy enough that the rep range is challenging, but you are not hitting failure.
Seated DB Military Press
Setup: Sit tall on the end of a flat bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the weights above your shoulders so elbows are at 90 degrees and slightly in front of you, palms facing out.
Action: Extend your arms to press the weights straight overhead. Lower back down with control and repeat.
Split Stance One-Armed Row
Setup: Hold a dumbbell in one hand and place the opposite hand on a bench for support. Stand with one foot forward and the other back with knees slightly bent.
Action: Bend your elbow and pull the dumbbell to your hip. Lower back down and repeat. Complete all reps then switch sides.
DB Low-Incline Bench Press
Setup: Adjust an incline bench to approximately 30 degrees. Hold dumbbells with an overhand, shoulder-width grip with arms locked above your chest.
Action: Bend your elbows and lower the weights with control until it makes contact with your chest. Press back up to the starting position and repeat.
Barbell Pendlay Row
Setup: Stand in front of a weighted barbell on the floor. If needed, place ends on platforms to elevate them. Hinge from the hips and grab the bar with an underhand grip.
Action: Bend your elbows and pull the bar to your waist quickly, then lower back down with control all the way to the floor. Reset your stance if needed and repeat.
Push-Up
Setup: Get into high plank position, keeping your neck neutral and forming a straight line with your body.
Action: Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the ground. Extend your arms to press back up. Repeat.
Bent-Over Plate Row
Setup: Stand holding a weight plate with hands gripping the sides. Hinge from the hips and lean over, keeping your back flat. Extend your arms downwards.
Action: Bend your elbows and pull the plate towards your torso. Lower back down and repeat.
All runners need to work on posterior chain strengthening during the off season. Whether you are already doing a strengthening routine or off season weight training is brand new to you the following 3 exercises should be implemented into your routine. These exercises will strategically strengthen the glutes to aid in better running economy, strength and speed in the spring. If you are lifting heavy please make sure to use a spotter. Correct technique should always be used when performing strengthening exercises. Make sure that you perfect your form first before increasing the amount of weight used. Once technique is mastered add weight to these exercises and your glutes will primed for the spring running season.
Box Squat
3-4 sets x 8-10
Contrary to popular belief simply performing regular squats are not always the best thing for the butt. When the average person squats only a small portion of the movement targets that area. It’s mainly a quad dominant exercise. Box squats are primarily posterior chain and therefore the glutes are doing most of the work.
Technique:
Place an appropriate amount of weight on the bar. Make sure to use a wide stance, leaning forward and sitting back this stretches the posterior chain. Do not lose tension of the muscle by sitting down fully. Maintain tension of the legs and hips, and make sure to keep the bar over your toes. You will have an arched back and will be leaning forward at the hips. Do not to rock back in the squat when initiating the upward movement.
Deep Walking Lunge
3-4 sets x 8-10
The deep lunge like the box squat when you are at the bottom of the movement the glutes are stretched. This causes you to use the glutes to get out of the bottom position and will help you strengthen them.
Technique:
Place the weights in each had. First take a big step forward causing you to lean forward at the hip. Lean forward the entire time, press through the heel and power into your next lunge staying in a straight line.
Glute Bridge
3-4 sets x 8-10
This exercise also helps target your glutes specifically because you are contracting them at the end range of the motion.
Technique:
Place the weight safely above your hips. You may use a towel or foam covering for protection. Then place your upper back across a low bench, soft box or floor if the others are unavailable. Your feet should be placed shoulder width apart, with your toes pointing
slightly out. As you push your hips up focus on squeezing the butt to lift the weight.
Hold for one second at the top of the movement.
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Happy End Of January!!!!
Did you stick to your resolutions whole heartedly?
How's your diet going?
How's your training going (at home or in the gym?)
EITHER WAY! IF YOU DIDNT thats ok!
Everyone needs accountability for success!
Even coaches have coaches! I have a coach!
It's important to stay disabled and to have someone with an eye for your best interests at heart!
I have a few slots open for individualized online coaching!
No matter if you are working out from home (have weights, dont have weights) I can design a program specific to your needs!
Summers coming fast and my coaching spots are filling up!
LETS TRAIN IT RIGHT TOGETHER!
Sweat For Good and make world history in Toronto
YMCA of Greater Toronto attempts to break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest exercise ball demonstration/class!
As temperatures drop outside, the gymnasium at the Central YMCA will be filled with over 500 members of the community sweating it out to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest exercise ball demonstration/class on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
Celebrity fitness trainer Eva Redpath will lead the class, with support from the YMCA’s Sherry Perez. This event catapults the YMCA GTA’s “Sweat For Good” campaign into the spotlight to help showcase that when you choose to work out at the YMCA, you are connecting yourself to a larger purpose. At the Y, members not only sweat for themselves, they sweat for others, for positive change, and for the community.
“When you choose the YMCA, you are choosing to be part of an organization that seeks to build the foundation for a healthy, vibrant future for every individual in our community, and our society as a whole,” said Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO of the YMCA GTA. “People may think that all health and fitness centres across the GTA have similar ‘stuff,’ but we have five important factors that set us apart:
Our broad offering: We offer diverse programs for every interest and stage of life.
We create a sense of belonging: We bring people together, nurture their growth, and promote inclusivity.
Our people-first culture: Our dedicated and expert team of staff and volunteers proactively supports members’ health goals; removes barriers to achieving those goals; and believes that everyone has the ability to continually improve.
We are committed to doing local good: We address community-specific needs and invest in building permanent facilities in communities across the GTA.
We are a charitable organization: Our Health & Fitness Centres are part of a much larger charitable organization that provides programs and services that make people strong in all sorts of ways — physically, of course, but also mentally and socially.”
The YMCA is the largest charitable program and service delivery organization in the GTA. For more than 160 years and through hundreds of programs, the YMCA offers individuals opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership.
The current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title boasts 453 participants completing an exercise ball class. The YMCA GTA aims to secure 500 participants to “Sweat For Good” and break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. To get all the details, please visit SweatForGood.ca.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Tewksbury and hear firsthand about how he “Sweats For Good” in support of the YMCA GTA’s mission, and how his experiences have shaped his current role as a global leader in human rights.
YMCA GTA Sweat For Good
Participants
When: Thursday, January 11th, 2018 from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
For well over a century, we’ve provided leadership and worked with partners solving complex social problems to create real, measurable outcomes that have strengthened the social health and fabric of our communities. As a charity, the YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including education and training, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, health and fitness programs, child care, and camps. The breadth of our programs, and the diversity of the communities we serve, is the basis of our new Sweat For Good campaign: when you break a sweat with us, you’re showing your support for all of these programs that give everyone their chance to shine. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Region and Dufferin County, the YMCA connected with more than 557,000 people across 438 locations last year.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual GWR books have sold over 138 million copies in over 20 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 5 million copies to date.
GWR’s worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than one million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 300 million views per year. The GWR website receives 21 million visitors annually, and they have over 12 million fans on Facebook.
The GWR commercial sales division provides bespoke consultancy services for some of the world’s top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events.
Greatist Launches a Movement To Help Expose Unhealthy Thinking About How To Get Healthy - Join the Movement!
"Healthy" has been co-opted by celebrities and 1-percenter lifestyle gurus as entertainment, and it's become about expensive athleisure and matcha detoxes instead of what's real for everybody. Greatist, a fast-growing health media company attracting eight to ten million millennials monthly, announced today that they have launched #HealthyForEveryBODY.
This program is aimed at exposing unhealthy thinking about how to get healthy, replacing it with confidence-boosting mantras. Greatist is encouraging consumers to stand with them as they say, "F*ck trying to be perfect. Just try." There are more than twelve different social graphics that debunk unhealthy attitudes in the same honest, provocative, and humorous voice that has made Greatist so popular. Here's how you can stand with Greatist and show your commitment to real health for the 99 percent:
Share one of the pre-designed mantras on social media using #HealthyForEveryBody
Discover how healthier happens when you have the confidence to know healthy isn't about trying to be perfect or following fads, it's about trying.
"We ground everything we do in ideas that are accessible to real people—and we speak to millennial men and women like me who want to get healthy, but still have a life and friends," said Derek Flanzraich, Founder and CEO of Greatist. "The idea is that health and fitness can be a part of living a better, longer life but doesn't have to be the whole point."
Greatist provides realistic, achievable ways to get "healthyish" across content categories including healthy cooking, exercise, and personal journeys. Greatist has approximately 40-thousand people using their chart-topping Facebook Bot, and early next year will be releasing an app dedicated to pairing up like-minded groups of people who share in a similar health journey.
To my clients and my readers seeking a healthier lifestyle: find what works for you! You don't have to go to the gym every single day. You don't have to cross the finish line first. Would it be nice to win? Of course! But start with the small changes to get on your own path to healthy. Just get to the gym. Just cross the finish line. We can do this together! Let's team up to make decision based on what works for you. Check out some of the programs I offer to get started today: http://www.trainitright.com/programs/
Hey guys! I definitely need to update my transformation photo page on my site. However. If you guys want to see some amazing transformations check out my instagram fee: www.instagram.com/trainitright
For now I want to share my clients Sue's journey through her words and photos below. Hopefully it inspires you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, chase after your dreams and not to let anything stop you!
"My Journey!
Not a lot of people know about me and my journey, I am getting a lot of messages regarding my transformation ,what motivated me and how I got into fitness so here I am sharing with you my journey .
Let me introduce myself, I am married and have 2 kids age 13 and 8. Just like a lot of busy mommies out there I hardly made time for myself , I was always busy with my full time job and taking care of my family . I ate unhealthy food and never went to the gym my excuse was I don’t have time, I was over weight . In 2010, when I was going through my old pictures I realized how much weight I have gained. I missed how I looked in high school and it was then the first time a thought to lose couple of lbs , so I joined a near by gym and followed some random diet plan from the internet. At the gym when I use to see fitness competitors I just wished I had their physique they always inspired me and I wished I was one of them , but then I knew it was not possible, too many obstacles my background, young kids , culture, and I knew my family would never support me. In 2011 I managed to lose some weight however, didn’t follow a proper diet nor a workout plan just random online plans. I continued eating healthy and going to the gym.
In November 2015, a thought “why can’t I compete, if they can do it why can’t I “ haha I had no clue what the process was , had no coach, didn’t know how to walk in heels and never went to see a show . I did not know where and how to start yet, I set a goal for myself that I will compete. I wanted to do something for me , I wanted to take a challenge and prove my self and wanted to follow my dreams.
Initially I wanted to do a show in 2016 started the process and within 2 months I dropped out due to medical and health reasons . It was a set back, took a long break from the gym and diet however that didn’t stop me , I couldn’t wait to get back to the gym and start training . All I could think of and dreamed about was the stage. In 2017 I decided that this year will be my year and I will do what ever it takes to reach my goal.
I had few coaches and was not happy with them . Then in July 2017 , A friend of mine referred me to Team Trex, after meeting Alicia I just knew I found my coach, now I have all the right tools and I can do this , I felt pretty confident. Alicia gave me the right training, motivated me and gave me the right support and guidance that I was looking for . She really cared about me , always checking in making sure I am following the plan and were on track.
I use to hit the gym twice or sometimes three times a day , work full time, participate in all my kids activities, do my meal prep on Sundays and my one on one training sessions with my coach twice a week which was 1-2 hrs of commute .
I have made many sacrifices as they say nothing comes easy , so many hardships and life curve ball thrown at me I overpowered them all . I also lost my job when I was 8 weeks out from my show , it hit me hard yet, I didn’t give up. My biggest supporter is my husband, and a million thanks to this man for the amount of love and support I received from him through the entire prep. I still remember when I first told him “hun I want to compete “ he just looked at me nodded his head and walked away.. lol he thought I was out of my mind, I am in my mid 30’s , mother of two, not in the greatest shape , don’t have a coach, plus it was a culture thing so wearing a bikini and walking on the stage was a no no lol . However, he saw how dedicated and determined I was and my love for the sport , he understood and decided to support me .He supported me mentally and emotionally, motivated me, pushed me to work my hardest at the gym and stood by me all along . This wouldn’t have been possible without him .
When I stepped on the stage on November 18th it was the best feeling ever, the dream that I have been chasing for the past 2 years come true . I won bikini masters short and I came 3rd in open bikini. I am so proud of what I was able to accomplish and bring to the stage. My hard work paid off. It was a lot of hardwork, sacrifices , dedication and discipline to get to were I am today.
We all have our stories what gets us started and this is my story.
I believe “Keep your goals in mind and never underestimate what you are capable of . Dream big !work hard and stay focused "
LEADING VETERANS ORGANIZATION HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL 9/11 HEROES RUN MEMORIAL 5K RACE SERIES ACROSS THE U.S.
The Travis Manion Foundation commemorates 10 years of veteran advocacy and commitment to service
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one the nation’s leading veterans advocacy organizations, is hosting its flagship event - the 10th annual 9/11 Heroes Memorial run in more than 50 communities across the country and around the world this September, including locally in in Annapolis, MD, and Alexandria, VA. The annual race series unites communities across the country to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, as well as to honor our veterans, military, and first responders who serve our country. Proceeds from the 9/11 Heroes Run will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in NYC—famous for losing almost all of their men on 9/11—and returned home with deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq. At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to a personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day. Now in its tenth year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world. As part of the marketing campaign for the race series, TMF has released a video to inspire runners and walkers of all ages to participate, which can be seen here.
Last year, more than 50,000 people participated in race locations around the world or as virtual runners, to support military, veterans, first responders and their families through TMF. National sponsors of the events include Comcast NBC Universal and CBS Radio. Last year’s Annapolis run drew a crowd of over 2,000 participants including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Ryan Manion, TMF President and Travis Manion’s sister, provided this statement:
“As I reflect on the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 Heroes Run, I’m in awe at the number of communities across the country and around the world that have united to honor all those touched by the events of September 11th, 2001. We challenge all Americans to join us this September, to ensure our next generation never forgets the sacrifices of our veterans, active duty military, first responders, and civilians who were affected by the attacks on 9/11 and in the wars since.”
5 Key Races
9/11 Run Alexandria, VA on Saturday September 9, 2017 at 9:00am ET
9/11 Run Philadelphia, PA on Sunday September 9, 2017 at 9:00am ET
9/11 Run Houston, TX on Sunday September 9, 2017 at 8:00am CT
9/11 Run Annapolis, MD on Sunday September 17, 2017 at 2:00pm ET
9/11 Run Doylestown, PA on Sunday September 24, 2017 at 2:00pm ET
TMF empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..." Guided by this mantra, veterans and survivors continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation's heroes live on in the next generation.
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