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The "Floating" Joint
Understanding how the shoulder and shoulder girdle work together to create movement in the upper body is essential for maintaining long-term shoulder health. One of the most important—but often overlooked—components of this system is the scapulothoracic joint . Unlike traditional joints such as the elbow or knee, the scapulothoracic joint is a “floating joint,” referring to the interaction between the shoulder blade and the rib cage. It isn’t supported by ligaments or a joint
The Academy
Dec 32 min read


Protect Your Shoulders: How to Avoid Impingement When Weight Training
Lateral Raise Shoulder impingement occurs when soft tissue structures between the upper arm bone and the shoulder blades become compressed. This is quite commonly experienced when performing side raises to stimulate the middle portion of the shoulder muscles. To reduce irritation caused by shoulder impingement, we can perform side raises about 30–45 degrees forward of the torso (scapul
The Academy
Nov 221 min read


Gymnastic Ring Training
Gymnastic rings are an effective tool for building functional upper body strength, muscle mass, core stability, and joint control. Unlike fixed bars or machines, gymnastic rings move freely and require you to stabilize your entire body during the movements. This activates deep stabilizer muscles that often get neglected in machine or barbell training and helps develop proprioception, coordination and spatial awareness. Below is a list of beginner’s exercises that you can inco
The Academy
Nov 62 min read


Ron's Story: Prostate Health Awareness and Exercise
Ron Luciuk - Personal Trainer and Cancer Specialist After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Ron Luciuk shares the importance of...
The Academy
Sep 273 min read


Meditate for Stress Reduction
Effect of a single session of yoga and meditation on stress reactivity A systematic review published in 2023 evaluated whether a single...
The Academy
Sep 162 min read


Does Tempo Matter for Strength Gains?
How does movement tempo (specifically the speed of eccentric and concentric phases) affect muscle hypertrophy and strength development...
The Academy
Sep 53 min read


What Is the Best to Improve VO2max? HIIT or SIT?
Lack of time is seen as a barrier to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. As a countermeasure, interval training has been suggested...
The Academy
Aug 213 min read


Effectiveness of Pilates-based exercise in reducing low back pain
Pilates Reformer One on One Pilates is a popular system of exercise that is recommended for healthy individuals and patients with low...
The Academy
Aug 83 min read


The Link between Sugar and Depression
Some studies are showing that sugar consumption is correlated with increased risk of depression in the general population. Sugar intake...
The Academy
Jul 202 min read


Reversing Age-Related Decline: The Power of Heavy Strength Training for Older Adults
As people age, they typically experience a decline in muscle strength, power, and the ability to generate force quickly, all of which are...
The Academy
Jul 125 min read


Be Stronger: Mindset Matters
When it comes to fitness endeavors and athletic performance, most people focus on the visible grind—miles run, weights lifted, reps...
The Academy
Apr 232 min read


Strength Training: Consistently, Intentionally, Intellectually
BE STRONGER CHALLENGE - BUT HOW TO ACTUALLY GET STRONGER ? Let’s get one thing clear: strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights —...
The Academy
Apr 113 min read


STRENGTH ISN’T JUST BUILT IN THE GYM; IT’S FUELED IN THE KITCHEN!
By Gracia Tanyikoy; coach, personal trainer, instructor, The ACADEMY general manager When we think about getting stronger, we often...
The Academy
Apr 22 min read


Breaking the Sit: The Benefits of Corporate Fitness
More than ever before sitting for long periods of time behind a computer screen has become the norm for many professionals....
The Academy
Mar 72 min read


Exploring Longevity: What We Can Learn From Centenarians
This month our focus is on the importance of not only healthy lifestyle habit but how connection and community is critical in longevity....
The Academy
Feb 212 min read


Never Give Up: You've Got This
Review of the First Month of the Year: Where Are You Now? The first month of the year has come and gone. Time flies, doesn’t it? Just a...
The Academy
Feb 83 min read


RETHINK RESOLUTIONS in 2025!
By Helen Vanderburg Co-owner of The ACADEMY Powered by Heavens The beginning of a new year often brings a sense of renewal—a chance to...
The Academy
Jan 132 min read


MINDFULNESS: Weight Training As A Form Of Meditation
By Ricky Siu In today's fast-paced world, many people seek mindfulness practices like meditation to find peace and mental clarity. What...
The Academy
Oct 24, 20243 min read


Empowering Mental Health Through Exercise
World Mental Health Day spotlights mental health around the world, to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to...
The Academy
Oct 11, 20242 min read


Motivation vs. Discipline: the Key to Consistent Success
By Gracia Tanyikoy Motivation is like a wave—it can rise high and feel exhilarating, but it can also crash down, leaving you stranded...
The Academy
Sep 21, 20244 min read
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