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 đź’Ş

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 am turning 67 next month and I started my journey with JKC in 2018. Seven years ago I experienced significant foot pain which had a negative impact on my day to day activities. I learned that issues in other parts of the body need to be addressed to achieve a positive result. My doctor (Dr. Jessica Wade) suggested, along with some other therapies, that I could  benefit from the conditioning JKC had to offer. I previously had not trained in any gym. I observed how many gyms operated and had a sense that JKC would be more my style: training in a small group setting, having such personal attention, and a program meeting my specific needs is fantastic! I love the atmosphere at the gym. Everyone is accepted and you feel supported and comfortable.

I’m 34 and started at JKC in 2015. My wife joined while I was working away in 2015 and started making amazing progress while also completing exercises I’d never perform on my own. I felt I was missing out so I signed up. JKC helps in establishing goals while also having clear direction of what to do, and how, in each session. They also measure your progress which is another means of motivation! At other gyms I wouldn’t have a clear plan and would just use whatever equipment was free, it was hard to see any results. Between setting some personal bests and making good friends its hard to identify a favorite memory.  One that does come to mind was when I hit my target goal/PB in both bench and squats in the same session, big day.

Not having much if any experience with professional gyms I though it would be along the lines of going to a facility and doing your own thing, getting some instructions from time to time, if you asked for it, and for most part working out on your own, in a large impersonalized setting. I was a bit apprehensive as I figured I’d be standing around a lot looking at all this equipment wondering what to do with it, or worst doing something to hurt myself. Well I couldn’t have been more wrong. Both Jon and Thomas are very attentive, professional trainers, who lay-out an exercise program, from start to finish, for you. They demonstrate the exercise they want you to do and then watch you do it to make sure you got it right. Jon and Thomas are very thorough, patience and non-assuming.

I’m 35 and I started at JKC in November of 2019. I was coming off the win of the Royal St. John’s Regatta in 2019, and our crew was chomping at the bit to be stronger and faster for 2020. The reputation of JKC leached into our group and away we went! Unfortunately the regatta was cancelled due to COVID-19, but I just loved JKC so much I stuck around. JKC is different from other gyms because the level of experience the team has is unparalleled. Jon, Thomas and Craig all mesh well together and mentor me in a way that I know they love what they do and are genuinely excited to guide me towards my goals (and beyond). I really enjoy the atmosphere, the sense of community and all the positive vibes that I experience in every session. There’s never a time I don’t want to go because I’m motivated by the team’s coaching style and I get results.

sumo deadlift

I had always wanted to start lifting weights and get stronger, but didn’t know where to start. I was looking not just for a gym, but for training on proper technique to prevent injury and a program designed for my specific goals. I also wanted a fun and supportive atmosphere to keep me coming back. JKC delivered on all of this and more.

Jon and Thomas have a wealth of knowledge that help their clients get the most out of their time in the gym. Programs are continuously modified to keep the workouts challenging. Even through everyone’s program is unique, you always have the coaches and other clients cheering you on and pushing you to achieve new bests.

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