The Top Article of the Week

Strategy -- Michelle Boland, Robertson Training Systems

The sad reality:

Most personal trainers forget the "personal" portion of the job. Some make up their clients' workouts on the spot. Others use the same cookie-cutter template for every client, regardless of their goals.

The silver lining:

You're a dedicated fit pro. You've resolved to be better than the average personal trainer, and that's why you showed up this week to continue your education.

In this week's top post, we'll follow Michelle Boland's lead as we dive into the art and science of exercise selection and program design.

General Health

Is Fruit Juice Really as Bad as Soda? -- Steve Kamb, Nerd Fitness

What's the Fuss About the Peloton Commercial? -- Shane McLean, balanceguytraining.com

Programming Through Injury: Good, Better, and Best Options -- Dani LaMartina, Elite FTS

The Five Things You Need to Make a Change -- Carmen Ohling, carmenohling.com

 

Fat Loss

The Real Reason You Should Fast for the Holidays -- Shane Trotter, Breaking Muscle

Five Simple Rules to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain -- Mitch Calvert, mitchcalvert.com

Enjoy a Drink and Still Lose Weight -- Alycia Israel, Elite FTS

A Healthy Approach to Eating During the Holiday Season -- Brad Dieter, NASM

 

Strength Training

The Deload: Everything You Need to Know -- Christian Thibaudeau, T Nation

The Four Best Ways to Reignite Chest Growth -- Lee Boyce, T Nation

Bird Dogs: Use Them to Build Stability and Strength -- Rocco Venizelos, Breaking Muscle

10 Combo Exercises that Aren't Stupid -- Gareth Sapstead, T Nation

Career

Your Two Brains: How They Influence Your Health Decisions -- Justin Kompf, NASM

This Is How to Change Someone's Mind: Six Secrets from Research -- Eric Barker, bakadesuyo.com

OMG I Can't Do This OMG -- Jessi Kneeland, jessikneeland.com

Podcast: Two Ways to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance -- Adam Blake, the PTDC

Four Ways to Become a Better Fitness Writer -- Tony Gentilcore, tonygentilcore.com