Indirect Muscle Stimulation

In the ongoing series of "Training With A Purpose", I speak with Super Human Radio host, Carl Lanore about INDIRECT MUSCLE STIMULATION

Indirect Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular Training - Discussing how to get your cardio done.

Working With Athletes

One of the most important jobs I have as a strength and conditioning coach is to make sure that all of the clients that I work with are training safely. Safety is paramount so as not to injure the trainee while they are exercising as well as to help reduce the chances of getting hurt outside the fitness area. What few applicators of fitness realize is that the main focus behind strength training -especially for athletes - is to help reduce (or better yet, avoid) unnecessary injuries on the playing field. Participating in athletics always opens the door to becoming injured - especially in contact sports - but performing exercises and implementing a program that is safe, efficient and effective will help reduce the chances of injuries unrelated to the "impact" from playing the game. For instance, a football player taking a blow to the knee on a tackle will more than likely experience some type of injury, regardless of whether he strength trained or not. However, that impact may not be as serious if an athlete is stronger in his lower body – especially in the surrounding knee compartment – to that of a less conditioned athlete.

Remember, helping an athlete become stronger and more fit will help reduce the chance of injury a d enable that individual to be a better athlete (assuming the first rule of safety is applied). A simple rule to remember is A STRONGER ATHLETE IS A BETTER ATHLETE!

Fred has really helped me focus as an athlete. I feel far stronger than I used to be, kicking the ball much further and running stronger. I also feel much more prepared for track this season and cannot wait to starting jumping again. I would never have realized the extreme benefits of training without him and the results are clear. His attitude during training helps me immensely as well. Without constant conversation and his pushing, it would take me much much longer to get anything done. Thanks for being awesome. Nicole Sica, Ocean Township High School Varsity Soccer and Track

Health & Longevity - November 2008

The Health & Longevity Newsletter - November 2008

Making a Healthy and Delicious Apple Pie

It's that time of year again where apples are in abundance. Apples are a low glycemic fruit and are rich sources of phytochemicals (compounds found in plants, fruits, and vegetables that can act as anti-oxidants). A great way to enjoy apples - other than by just having them plain - is to put a little nut butter on them or make them into a sauce, but one of the best tasting ways to eat an apple is when they are used for APPLE PIE.

I want to share a very fast and easy recipe for you. I eat a gluten-free diet so I use a pre-made, frozen gluten free pie crust that can be purchased at most health food stores or major food chains. When possible, try using organic or locally grown apples for this recipe.

1 pie crust

5 apples - peeled, sliced and halved. Note: some of the best baking apples are Fuji and Gayla - they are sweet but maintain a firm texture when baked

juice from one lemon

tsp of salt

2 tbsp of raw sugar

tbsp of cinnamon

tbsp of vanilla extract

2 tbsp of gluten free pancake mix

Mix the apples, lemon juice, salt, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and pancake mix in a large bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, place in pie crust. Cover the entire pie with tin foil and make sure it is sealed all the way around. Poke a few vent holes on the top and place in a pre-heated 525* oven for 60 minutes. Take the pie out and let cool at room temperature.

This is a great way to have a relatively low calorie, low glycemic dessert for the whole family. Enjoy!

Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors by Randy Roach

Health and Longevity - October 2008

The HEALTH and LONGEVITY Newsletter

The Latest Reviews

"Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America's Kids" is now available on all on-line book stores as well as the Youth Fitness webpage. Below are the latest reviews and comments that are on the Amazon.com site

Make it Part of Your Plan, September 29, 2008
By T. A. Deckebach (Glenside, PA)

"As an elementary educator and parent of a young teenager, I am very interested in the factors that contribute to the health and well-being of young people. Brzycki and Fornicola have created a handbook that is appropriate for parents, educators, coaches and teens themselves. The authors provide an excellent balance of background information (with sections like "What is Fitness?" and "Poor Nutrition = Poor Health") and true "action planning", as the title suggests. There are clear directions for simple exercises (with accompanying photos), sample workout schedules, and tips for weight management.
I'm thrilled to have purchased such a helpful book for my son. I also bought a copy for my daughter's elementary school and my son's track coach. There are so few quality resources on this topic, it's a must for any adult who cares about youth fitness."

Another Winner, September 26, 2008
By Steve Bibbo (Forked River, NJ USA)

"This is the second book by these two that I have and they certainly don't suffer from the sophomore jinx. Normally, books aimed at child fitness ether come across as too "preachy" or way too technical. This is a very good blend an simple and straight-forward concepts for children and their parents to follow. I can't wait for their next collaboration."

What America needs..., September 24, 2008
By Tom Kelso (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

"Wow! This book is exactly what America needs! Child obesity rates rising, declining scholastic physical education programs and outright laziness permeating our Country's youth. Simple guidelines to get our FUTURE leaders off their butts, moving and actually enjoying physical exercise. Way to go, Matt and Fred!"

The Viper VLT

Here is an extensive review on the Viper VLT

Fred Fornicola: Health vs. Aesthetics

The second interview with Fred Fornicola and Carl Lanore in the new series "Training With A Purpose" on Super Human Radio.

This time, Fred and Carl discuss "Health vs Aesthetics"

Fred Fornicola: Training With A Purpose

Fred Fornicola and Carl Lanore - host of Super Human Radio discuss their take on what it means to "Train With A Purpose"

Fred Fornicola Blogspot

Fred Fornicola's Blogspot

The Viper LT by Marpo Kinetics - Now at Premiere Personal Fitness

Premiere Personal Fitness has recently acquired the Viper LT by Marpo Kinetics. The Viper is a multi-purpose piece of equipment that can be used for strength training, upper-body cardio, rehabilitation and as part of an all-around fitness program. With its 7 levels of speed/resistance, a trainee - regardless of their age -can perform numerous activities at different levels of effort. Designed primarily to simulate rope climbing (which strongly engage the entire back, biceps, forearms, shoulders and gripping muscles of the hands), the Viper LT also provides the ability to perform exercises that involve the triceps, legs, chest and abdominals. Because the Viper is so versatile in its use for cardiovascular training, strength or rehabilitation, it can provide one helluva workout.

Trust me, the gang at Premiere will be getting in some intense workouts with this piece. If anyone is interested in using the Viper, feel free to contact me to set up an appointment. - Fred Fornicola

Take a look at the Viper in action.....

And We're Off.......

Matt Brzycki and Fred Fornicola's Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America's Kids is off to the printers and should be available in Barnes and Nobles, Borders and other fine bookstores along with on-line providers the first or second week of September '08. You can also purchase copies from our website.

Anyone wishing to pre-order an autographed copy, please visit the Youth Fitness website.

What's Everyone Saying About "Youth Fitness"?

What's being said about Youth Fitness: An Action Plan For Shaping America's Kids???

“Cardiovascular disease, cancer, back problems and other musculoskeletal ailments are things that we read and hear about every day and sometimes it hits close to home. Yet, something can be done about it. Start the journey by taking the first steps. This book can give kids and grownups the facts that they need and a game plan for them to get it done!”

Ed Cicale, MA
Physical Education Instructor
Oak Hills Schools
Cincinnati, Ohio

“In today’s fast-paced society, the typical high school and middle school student wants instant results and aren’t willing to work very hard to get those results. The authors provide readers with an excellent source of information to start the road back to a higher level of physical fitness and health. It’s an excellent resource for health teachers, physical education teachers, coaches, parents and young adults.”

Mike Shibinski, MS, CSCS
Strength Coach/Physical Education Teacher Princeton High School Cincinnati, Ohio

“As a high school physical education teacher, I see daily the effects that sedentary lifestyles have on young people. It’s essential to give parents and children the tools for developing realistic, lifelong fitness habits. Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids is a great resource for anyone looking to make lifestyle changes and get started on the path to optimal health.”

Rick Rignell, MA, CSCS
Physical Education Teacher and Strength Coach
Anoka High School
Anoka, Minnesota

“Finally, a book that doesn’t “sugarcoat” the issues that are associated with youth fitness but addresses them honestly, openly and candidly. As a high school teacher, this book really made me evaluate my own program and look at how I can implement some of its suggestions to better serve my students and athletes. The book is a great read for coaches, parents, teachers or anyone who influences the lives of young people.”

Doug Scott, BS, CSCS
Fitness Coordinator
The Pingry School
Martinsville, New Jersey

“It’s great to see the authors taking action to put youth fitness back on track. Over time, America has strayed from the importance of physical activity in the daily routines of its school-aged children. Having a book like this that focuses on a plan of action for youth fitness is certain to be a valuable resource for teaching kids the many benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

Mary L. Wolk, MS, H/FI, ACE-CPT
General Manager
Georgetown Law Sport/Fitness Center
Washington D.C.

“Today’s young people will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents if we are not able to address the epidemic of childhood obesity. Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids provides important and critical information to parents, educators and community leaders in the struggle to shift the culture of America.”

William Lovett
President
New Jersey Alliance of YMCAs

“Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids is an absolute must for all physical education teachers and fitness professionals. Many books talk about the low fitness levels of today’s youth, but few offer any practical solutions to the problem. This book gives the practitioner easy to follow steps to improve children’s fitness. It’s an invaluable tool for our physical education department.”

Ryan Carlson, MEd
Health/Physical Education Teacher
Chaska Middle School West
Chaska, Minnesota

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka, Minnesota

“This book is a long overdue source of information. In light of epidemic health issues in America’s youth, the authors address these problems based on sound academic research. Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids should be on everyone’s bookshelf.”

Joe Ross
Head Football Coach
Jesuit High School
Tampa, Florida

“Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids is essential for every parent, coach, trainer, therapist and doctor who deals with children and adolescents. If you’re trying to maximize athletic performance for elite or recreational youths, this book is a vital resource.”

Dr. Adam Shafran
Fitness Expert, Author, Radio Host and Chiropractor
Atlanta, Georgia

“There is no doubt that kids are in very good hands as the authors are highly innovative educators who took the time to address an issue that has no parallel in significance: the health of a nation’s youth! This book should be read by parents, coaches, trainers and physical educators not just in America but worldwide.”

Randy Roach
Author and YMCA Canada Trainer
Waterloo, Ontario

“Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids is an educative approach to not only understanding the health concerns of America’s youth but also how to develop a proactive plan to get them fit and keep them fit. The authors do a great job of guiding the reader through a comprehensive look at what fitness means for our youth as well as a practical, step-by-step approach to creating desired fitness outcomes. This is a must read for parents and educators alike.”

Brian J. Wilt, PhD
Recreation Management Department
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania

“Everything trickles down. And so it has come to fitness and planned routine exercise. Adults have been doing it for years and finally the benefits for our youth have been discovered. Little has been done to study and research and design well made exercises for teens and pre teens. The authors have given many in the fitness business a manual for planned, well-designed exercise. Coaches and parents interested in their youth can benefit from this book.”

Sam Stern
Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer
YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids provides invaluable information that is both practical and comprehensive. The organization and the thoroughness of this book are outstanding. Applying the sound and easily understood principles that the authors advocate can change America’s future. This book should be in every library in the United States.”

Steve Baldwin, MS, CSCS
Strength Coach and Owner
Just Strength Training
Nashville, Tennessee

“As a clinician who has labored long in the field of youth fitness, I feel quite strongly about the overall health benefits of exercise. This book is innovative, yet easy to read, and contains a proactive approach to tackling the fitness problem within our youth population. Physical education, health and fitness professionals: Read this book!”

John Mikula, CTRS, H/FI, CCS
Recreational Therapist
Gainesville, Florida

"Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America's Kids is a MUST HAVE resource for P.E. teachers, coaches, recreation directors, parents and anyone interested in improving the declining fitness level our youth. All the bases are covered in an organized, comprehensive, yet easy-to-read manner. No fads or gimmicks; this book presents a safe, orthopedically age appropriate plan to address a nation-wide need. "

Scott Hays
Physical Education Teacher
Fowlerville Junior High School
Fowlerville, MI

"The drastic and continual increase in childhood obesity and inactivity and the host of related complications in the US is a foremost concern for parents, educators, and medical professionals. The true value of this book is that it is not merely another fitness book that simply recites popular exercise and nutrition fads and fallacies. Instead, Brzycki and Fornicola decipher fact from myth as they provide a safe,
effective and scientifically efficacious guide to improving youth fitness."

Luke Carlson
Discover Strength Personal Fitness Center Inc.
10100 6th Avenue North, Suite #116
Plymouth, MN 55441

"Matt Brzycki and Fred Fornicola have tackled a daunting task for kids, educators and parents alike by creating a much needed fitness plan for the youth of America. Everybody says obesity is a problem but I am glad somebody is finally providing a comprehensive book to provide education and an actual plan specifically to help kids get fit. As an owner of several Brzycki books I look forward to this one."

Ryan Ash, BS, MS
Howell High School
Teacher and Coach

"This nation is facing a serious epidemic – one that is proving to be detrimental to the health and well-being of today’s youth.
Youth Fitness is timely in delivering a critical message that our children are at great risk due to sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise and poor nutrition. At the same time, this book acts as a valuable resource by providing a practical, commonsense approach to getting fit and staying healthy. I applaud the authors for leading the way to a happier and healthier lifestyle for our children!"

Kelly Rosa-Bian
Health & Physical Education Teacher
Shady Grove Elementary School

Methods of Training for Improving Fitness - Part Five

Modern Day Fitness

The previous methods described are very solid approaches for improving muscular strength while offering cardiovascular benefits for overall fitness. But there are other “tactics”, if you will, that are equally demanding on the body and therefore deserve discussing. Training methods such as General Physical Preparedness (G.P.P.), Boot Camp, Military Training, Bodyweight Training, Strongman, CrossFit, High Performance Training and a number of their hybrids offers an individual an array of possibilities to improve their strength as well as conditioning. These systems are very similar to Circuit Training, PHA and High Intensity Training in that they work the entire body in a single session, but they incorporate their own unique twists based on their goals and personal preferences.

Any of these applications can be performed in numerous ways simply by using an intelligent combination of strength type exercises in conjunction with cardiovascular based activities or by using resistance (strength) exercises intensely in an aerobic time frame. Much like High Intensity Training can offer a “metabolic effect”, so can these “combination workouts”. In fact, Strongmen, MMA’s (mixed martial artists) as well as military personnel have been applying a similar approach for years with great success and as of late, it has become mainstream in the fitness world – and for good reason.

When a “strength” exercise is worked with a high level of effort, it not only promotes an increase in muscular strength but it will also affect the heart rate. And to sweeten the pot even further, the “conditioning” type activities - which primarily produce a cardiovascular response, can also improve muscular strength if worked with a high level of effort. It then becomes a “win – win” situation when this style of training is worked hard, progressively and consistently.

Because each faction has their own specific requirements, the applications of modalities, sets, reps, levels of effort, frequency, etc. are endless. The variations of training can stem from standard exercise equipment such as barbells and dumbbells and can include, but not be limited to using: sleds, medicine balls, kettlebells, sprinting (running, bicycle, elliptical, etc.), stones, logs, odd objects, as well as body weight applications. These are fun and effective mixtures that can facilitate a fine workout which will enable someone to train their entire body in a single workout, while achieving cardiovascular and strength benefits in a very short period of time.

Talking About Dumbbells on Super Human Radio

Fred Fornicola talks about dumbbell training on Super Human Radio.

Go to the link above, scroll down to the Articles & Interviews section and click on "Interview with Fred Fornicola on Super Human Radio".

An Excerpt from Youth Fitness: An Action Plan For Shaping America's Kids

Read an excerpt from Youth Fitness: An Action Plan For Shaping America's Kids by Matt Brzycki and Fred Fornicola

An interview with Fred Fornicola

Youth Fitness: An Action Plan For Shaping America’s Kids

An interview with co-author, Fred Fornicola

By Rick Rignell

Fred Fornicola contacted me recently with some very exciting news about a new book project he and Matt Brzycki have in the works. With their first collaboration, Dumbbell Training for Strength and Fitness hitting 10,000 copies sold in just a little over two years, Matt and Fred are teaming up again, but this time their focus is on the fitness of America’s youth. Fred wanted to discuss their latest project with me, Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids so I put together a little interview to pick Fred’s brain about the many different aspects that he and Matt tackle in their book. There is probably no better way to glean insight into Fred’s thoughts and feelings about the health of America’s kids and what this new book is about than discussing specific aspects of youth fitness with Fred. The following is my interview with co-author, Fred Fornicola.

Rick: There are few, if any, books out there that address the topic of youth fitness. What inspired you and Matt to write this book?

Fred: This book has been something Matt and I have been discussing off and on for a couple of years now. It’s a topic that is important to us for several reasons. First and foremost, we each have a kid (my daughter Alexa is 13 and Matt’s son Ryan is 11) and as parents, we both feel it’s important for our kid’s to be physically active so they can experience good health physically, mentally and emotionally. Secondly, as individuals in the field of fitness, we understand the value of what a well-rounded fitness program can offer a youth and we hope to help influence parents, coaches and teachers that there is a need for youth fitness to be taken more seriously. That is why we cover topics such as strength training, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, flexibility, childhood diabetes and obesity, as well as other issues that are related to youth health and fitness.

Rick: I’m a High School Physical Education teacher, working with students ages 14-18. One disturbing trend that I’ve seen over the years is what I call a “fitness gap.” On one end of the spectrum, you’ve got kids who are athletic and very fit, and on the other end, you have kids that are very unfit and inactive. There seems to be little in between. Have you noticed this trend also?

Fred: Absolutely Rick and it’s a disturbing observation for sure. When I was a kid I played outside all the time, participated in organized and informal sports and stayed active. Kids today are very sedentary. They spend way too much time watching TV, staring at a computer screen and “texting”. It seems as though only kids that are serious about sports participate in an exercise program. These kids seem to understand the value of what a fitness program can provide; not only for their health but their athletic career as well. Then you have the other end of the spectrum where kids think “why bother, I’m not involved in sports” so they don’t think they need to stay with a formalized program and end up do nothing remotely physical. This, of course, is a huge mistake and is now becoming a major problem for today’s kids. Every kid needs to exercise to promote overall good health. And we can’t turn a blind eye to the rising rate of child obesity and diabetes. It’s a very sad state of affairs and it’s increasing to epidemic proportions and it needs to be addressed on many levels – and right now!

Rick: Because so many kids are in such poor shape, it can be challenging to get them involved in a fitness program without turning them off. Do you have any strategies for dealing with this challenge?

Fred: It’s been my experience Rick that in dealing with young kids (and adults as well), a fitness program needs to meet a kids needs physically, mentally and emotionally. In doing so, we as parents and fitness professionals need to do our “due diligence” and learn as much as we can so we can offer our kids every opportunity to make their fitness program one that can be enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. Most importantly, we need to make it so a kid will want to be consistent in performing their exercise. There are several things you can do to get a kid moving. Something as simple as having them go for walks or getting involved in organized activities can be a start. A great way to get them going is to have them get an “exercise buddy”. Having a training partner makes working out more fun and can offer some friendly competition. Also, there’s a tendency for each participant to feel a sense of obligation to the other and therefore there is a greater likelihood of each staying with the program. If a friend isn’t available, it’s a great time for a parent, teacher or coach to step in and participate in the youth’s fitness program.
A good way to get a kid to stay with an exercise program is to offer a condensed plan that is simple and straight forward. When it comes to strength training, I often use a simple approach that has been quite successful over the years. I subscribe to what I have found to be an effective philosophy which requires a youth to perform two or three full-body workouts each week. Each of these sessions generally last no more than 30 minutes. In recommending this approach, most kids can squeeze exercise into their academic, personal and social lives and they can mentally handle training for 30 minutes or less a couple times each week. It’s important to recognize that although the training sessions are brief, they can be very effective for improving strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility if done correctly. Matt and I have spent many years training people and getting young individuals involved in fitness and we discuss in our book, in detail, our concepts along with additional ideas of how to use various types of equipment, training protocols and much more so kids will want to exercise – and stick with it.

Rick: One thing that I’ve noticed with my Physical Education classes is that the majority of the student’s, fit or unfit, seem to enjoy strength training. Do we emphasize strength training enough as a youth fitness activity?

Fred: I believe there are more efforts being made to expose young people to strength training, but as you know, there is a lot more to it than just walking into a gym and picking up a weight. There are many aspects of strength training that need to be considered. Initially, a kid needs to be taught proper form so they don’t become injured and since there are many takes or opinions on what proper form entails, Matt and I prescribe specifics that have worked for us over several decades of training ourselves and others – especially the kids. In addition, a program needs to be devised that will be effective for that particular youth along with determining what equipment is suitable to their structure and their needs. In conjunction, they also need appropriate supervision.
As you know Rick, there are countless philosophies and methodologies when it comes to fitness –strength training in particular – and therefore there are some confusing issues. It’s unfortunate, but there are many myths and misconceptions propagated in the field of fitness and the various information that is disseminated can be paralyzing to parents, coaches and kids. There are many different approaches to strength training as you know - some being very good and others being downright dangerous – and when we’re dealing with young people especially, safety is the number one consideration. We must keep in mind as well that strength training is just one aspect of becoming physically fit. There are other components that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis for a kid to have a well-balanced action plan.

Rick: Many kids seem to have developed the mentality that “if it’s uncomfortable, I have to stop.” Obviously, we don’t want to injure kids, but productive training can involve some discomfort. How do we work around that mentality?

Fred: Great question Rick and I agree completely, productive training is challenging, but anything worth while usually is. As you accurately pointed out, we certainly don’t want anyone getting injured and as we both know, strength training is a great way of helping to prevent injury. But hard and productive training can be performed safely and is a learned process that can take some time. Being “uncomfortable” is one of the by-products, if you will, of training and when inhibitors like discomfort come into play, a youth has a choice to get past it or not – to improve or not. For some it may come easy, and for others it may be insurmountable for a while, either way, it can be done. A couple of years ago, Kim Wood, a 28 year veteran NFL strength coach shared with me a very valuable lesson. He told me that teaching someone to "train hard on their own" (along with using proper form) was one of the most important things I could teach. After tens of thousands of applications, I couldn’t agree more. Having a kid work hard for themselves can be a struggle at times so what I usually encourage kids to do is draw and imaginary line in the sand to represent their “comfort level”. Since getting past discomfort is more a mental aspect of exercise than a physical one, they can now focus on getting past a specific point mentally instead of physically. Now when they approach their comfort level I encourage them to cross over the line by doing just a little more than they did last time....just giving a little more of themselves than they normally would. This “crossing over the line” is a very important step for a youth to make. A kid will see that they can get past these hurdles and they experience a new-found sense of accomplishment. Having a kid do this time and time again over subsequent workouts will encourage them to work harder on their own because they’ve found the value in what they are accomplishing. Not only will they become stronger and more fit, they will also develop what we refer to as “mental toughness” and that goes far beyond the weight room in daily life.Rick: Do you see one gender as becoming less fit than the other?

Fred: That’s an interesting question, but I’d have to say no. Unfortunately, I think both genders are far from being remotely fit and therefore need to step it up with regards to their fitness. On the flip side, there are those who participate in sports and seem to focus on their fitness – at least for their “in-season” and there too it seems to be balanced between the girls and guys. I just so happen to work with more girls than boys and the girls I work with really get at it when they train – usually more so than the guys. Hey, I’m not trying to take a cheap shot at the guys here but the girls are far less hung-up on bench pressing and doing curls and just do what needs to get done.

Rick: Does exercise have to be fun, or do kids get enough of that with video games, computers, etc.?

Fred: I think exercise should be enjoyable in the sense that a kid isn’t exercising reluctantly. Making a kid do something that isn’t fun won’t build a positive or long-lasting approach to fitness and raises the chances of them becoming injured because they are less focused. There are many ways for kids to be fit and athletic and we need to expose kids to as many aspects of safe, efficient and effective fitness practices as possible. This way, a kid can develop his or her own means of staying in shape and have it be a part of their life forever.

Rick: I remember having teachers and coaches who were not only great role models, but great fitness role models. Do kids today have enough good fitness role models?

Fred: That’s a tough question to answer. Honestly, I don’t know. There is no one of notoriety that I can think of but I do feel that ideally, it should be the parents who are the role models. Like everything else that’s involved with raising a kid, education starts in the home. Teaching kids about exercise and eating right can’t be a “do as I say, not as I do” philosophy that will work. Keep in mind it’s the parents who are the ones that go to the food stores and the drive-thru’s. They have the choice of buying healthy, wholesome foods or foods that aren’t nutritious. In conjunction, those responsible on the school level may need to address physical fitness with more “oomph”. Gym and health classes don’t seem to have the same positive impact they did years back. Kids nowadays seem to view gym as a “break between classes” and I think that P.E. and Health deserve the same respect as any other subject in school. Kids just don’t seem to see the value in what is being offered and are suffering because of it.

Rick: What can parents do to help their kids become more fit?

Fred: Like I mentioned, parents need to “lead by example.” I believe that if parents are exercising and eating nutritious foods they are exemplifying good habits and it is a great way to help their kids become more involved in a healthy fitness regimen. Seeking out a qualified fitness professional is another step in the right direction as well. Parents can also become more informed about what is involved in planning a sound fitness program by reading, but as I stated earlier, there is a lot of information out there and a lot of it can be contradictory. Matt and I wanted to share what we’ve learned over several decades of being involved in physical fitness and feel we put our best foot forward in doing this book. We cover the many aspects of what is involved in developing a well-rounded fitness program and offer insight and recommendations on what it takes to help shape America’s kids.

Rick: Thanks for the interview, Fred. Thanks for the work that you and Matt are doing to promote fitness in general, and youth fitness in particular. Best of luck with the new book!

Fred: Rick, it was my pleasure.

Rick Rignell, MA, CSCS
Physical Education Teacher and Strength Coach
Anoka High School – Anoka, Minnesota

Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids is being sold at Barnes & Noble and Border’s book stores as well as on-line at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and other fine stores. Orders through Premiere Personal Fitness will be autographed by the authors.

Youth Fitness: An Action Plan For Shaping America's Kids

"Matt Brzycki and Fred Fornicola have collaborated again to write a timely book entitled Youth Fitness: An Action Plan for Shaping America’s Kids. This book addresses a critical need for good information directed toward proper, safe strength training and fitness guidelines for our young athletes. This book is a must for coaches in charge of implementing programs in schools and team sports. And it doesn't stop there. Anyone interested in improving their child's fitness, balance, strength, and flexibility would be well advised to buy a copy as well. Youth Fitness will no doubt be a top seller, as well it should be since both Brzycki and Fornicola practice what they preach and speak from decades of experience."

Jim Bryan
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Winter Haven, Florida

Click here to pre-order your autgraphed copy.