By Thomas King, MSc, CSCS, CSEP-CEP

Ever wonder what’s going on in the world of strength and conditioning? Well, look no further! In this post, we look into some of the trends and interesting research tidbits for all you nerds out there. For those eager to learn more, I have included references for all of the points at the bottom of this post. Without further delay, here we go!

Strength Training Recommended Even During “Elderly” Years

In their most recent position statement, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) gives a whole-hearted endorsement to exercising in old age. We’re not talking about some light walking and 5-pound plastic-coated dumbbells either, the NSCA recommends performing repetitions at 70-85% of 1 repetition maximum and including high velocity power exercises to help reduce age induced sarcopenia (Muscle Loss). [1]

Not Your Traditional Way of Getting Cardio

Think pole dancing classes are just a joke? Turns out these classes are serious exercise. In a study conducted by researches from the University of Western Australia, participants taking part in a 60-minute class were found to achieve an average heart rate of 131 beats per minute, not quite a stroll in the park! [2]

Foam Rolling May Not be Good at Rolling Away Muscle Soreness

Feeling particularly sore from your last workout and want to do some foam rolling? Maybe try a different recovery strategy, as new research from Salem State University shows that foam rolling does not significantly reduce perceived muscle soreness. The foam rolling did help recovery from agility-type exercise though, so for you multi-directional athletes out there (i.e., soccer, hockey, ultimate frisbee), take notice. [3]

Get a Spotter, Lift More!

Want to go for a new bench press personal record? Then make sure you use a spotter, and not for the most conventional reason (e.g. safety!). A team of researchers from the United Kingdom found that the presence of a spotter increased both the total reps a participant could perform and the weight they could lift. [4]

Exergaming, Another Way to Get Your Cardio

Not only is pole dancing a workout, but it turns out, so is exergaming. Exergaming is an emerging exercise system that mixes traditional video games with physical activity and it can certainly produce some results. In a study comparing exergaming to traditional treadmill walking, exergaming was found to produce higher peak heart rates and oxygen consumption. [5]

photo credit: gamercize Gamercize GZ Sport in Action via photopin (license)

I hope you found some of these points interesting, I know I did! Stay turned as the goal for us at JKC is to turn this into a regular feature on the JKC blog.

~Thomas 💪

References

[1] Fragala, M.S., Cadore, E.L., Dorgo, S., Izquierdo, M., Kraemer, W.J., Peterson, M.D., Ryan, E. D. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: Position statement form the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(8), 2019-2052.

[2] Nicholas, J.C., McDonald, K. A., Peeling, P., Jackson, B., Dimmock, J.A., Alderson, J.A., Donnelly, C.J., (2019). Pole dancing for fitness: The physiological and metabolic demand of a 60 minute class. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(10), 2704-2710.

[3] D’Amico, A.P., Gilles, J. (2019) Influence of foam rolling on recovery form exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(9), 2443-2452.

[4] Sheridan, A. Marchant, D.C., Williams, E.L., Jones, H.S., Hewitt, P.A., Sparkes, A. (2019). Presence of spotters improves bench press performance: A deception study. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(7), 1755-1761.

[5] Tietjen, A.M.J., Devereux, G.R. (2019). Physical demands of exergaming in healthy young adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(7). 1978-1986.

I’m 29 and I just had my 3rd Liftiversary 🥳 at JKC. I chose to train here because of the great word on the street and the fact that at lululemon, we’re encouraged to support our local community. My day-to-day routine is very busy, and I love showing up and having to think very little about my workout. The vibes are always good, my music choice is usually accommodated, and the bys are incredibly supportive and compassionate, helping me reach my goals (even when I had a broken hand). I also get to be my weird self, and am embraced fully.

I’ve always struggled with both my weight and anxiety throughout my life. As a writer you live a pretty sedentary lifestyle filled with both realistic and unrealistic deadlines, so I needed something to get me off my butt and to get me moving. JK has been a godsend during this past year and a half in particular. The pandemic has been tough, but workouts with both Thomas and Jon have really helped reduce the stress and strain of a global pandemic, and added an anchor of normalcy back into my life — which has been worth its weight in gold.

JKC has created an incredibly inclusive environment that’s filled with all kinds of supportive folks from all kinds of different backgrounds. For folks like myself, being surrounded by people with such athletic ability can be intimidating in most gyms. It can actually be a deterrent, and it sometimes has been for me. But, at JKC it’s far from that — it’s inspirational. Everyone supports one another. Which is something that’s not easily found in this day and age, inside of a gym or out. Not to sound like a total cheeseball here, but it really feels like a family.

I have never previously seen the passion and level of care that Jon and Thomas bring to everyone who works out at JKC. Their knowledge, insight and skills are extraordinary, and they work with everyone individually to ensure the best possible results. The attention to detail and to every person’s specific requirements and goals, and the incredible, constant encouragement they provide, is, in my opinion, what truly distinguishes JKC from any other program in which I’ve participated. I am extremely pleased with the progress I’ve achieved thus far, and it’s largely attributable to Jon and Thomas and the approach they take to training and working with people.

I’m 30 — started at JKC Aug 2016. I moved to NL to open lululemon and we chose Jon as one of our store’s ambassadors, did one workout and have raved about it ever since! The JKC team can adapt a workout no matter what the situation — injuries, new goals, you name it! The trust and expertise can’t be matched!

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