For many working parents, daily life can be a juggle of family schedules, your job, and your home life. So how do successful working parents do it? Here are a few tips: Continue reading “4 Things Successful Working Parents Do”
Month: April 2016
Everything You Need to Know About OPAT
In February 2016, it was announced that there would be new Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) required for incoming soldiers into the army. If you are going into the military or are planning on it, here’s what you need to know:
What is OPAT?
The OPAT is used to determine a soldier’s career path based on their individual fitness level. For 
example, if they want to serve in a specific branch, they will have to be able to meet the standard. If they cannot, then they are recommended to a branch that better fits their capabilities.
It is designed to be gender-neutral, allowing for women to occupy positions that were closed to them in the past. The OPAT is different from other tests in that it establishes a baseline fitness profile for recruits that doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender.
Finally, OPAT is used to predict a recruit’s physical capability to perform the tasks assigned to them like heavy lifting or hiking far distances. The physical capability of recruits and soldier to perform the tasks set to them affects the military at large. If they aren’t physically fit, then they cannot do their jobs or serve effectively, it can be lethal if they go overseas. The priority is to make sure that recruits and soldiers can do the job and be safe.
What Will OPAT Consist Of?
The new OPAT test will consist of four exercises designed to test upper and lower body strength in addition to a soldier’s aerobic fitness:
According to TRADOC, “think of the OPAT as the ASVAB for physical aptitude, predicting whether or not a recruit will be physically able to succeed in a combat arms occupation by the end of their training.”
How Can You Prepare?
You can prepare for the OPAT by working with a fitness trainer who can help you determine what areas you need to improve in and give you advice like:
With that in mind, it’s advised that you practice the above exercises so you will know how to perform them safely and to the best of your ability. It is also important to remember not to overtrain. Overtraining can be harmful and by doing the same exercises over and over again you will not be challenging your body.
Instead, train by doing a variety of exercises that will challenge your body and keep your workouts from getting boring. Keep a healthy balance of strength and cardio for a strong, balanced workout.
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How Treadmills Have Changed Since the 1970s
From their conception in the 1800s, treadmills have gone through quite the changes over the years. Here’s how they’ve changed since the 1970s and TRUE’s role in their advances.
A Bleak Beginning
Believe it or not, the first treadmill was developed in 1800 England—and it was not for recreation. Treadmills were used as punishments for prisoners and to power mills. Eventually, they were banned in 1898 under the Prison Act.
Medical Benefits Realized
Later, they later reemerged in the 1950s as medical devices to assess cardiovascular health, thanks to Dr. Robert A. Bruce. Dr. Bruce had patients run on an inclined treadmill with electrodes attached to their chest to monitor the EKG while the speed and incline of the treadmill were increased. This test, combined with the treadmill, was—and still is—used to detect evidence of:
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Past heart attack
- Ventricular aneurism
Treadmills in the Home & the Rise of Health Clubs
It wasn’t until the running boom of the 1970s, that treadmills really got their start in the home fitness industry. Treadmills were marketed by William Staub and Dr. Kenneth Cooper through Aerobics Inc. as an easy way to get in aerobic exercise. Treadmills at this time were much simpler, consisting of the track and being able to turn it off and on.
TRUE Fitness Builds on Treadmill Basics
TRUE Fitness got its start in treadmills when it was founded in 1981 and introduced several new innovations for treadmills like:
- Variable speeds
- Heart Rate Control
- Soft Select
- Removable safety keys
- Orthopedic belts
Going High-Tech
Then in the early 2000s, LifeFitness introduced the first treadmill with an LCD touch screen that was integrated into the treadmill itself. From there, commercial treadmills have gotten progressively more hi-tech and cutting edge to accommodate users. Treadmills can now:
- Monitor heart rate
- Match your pace
- Integrate entertainment
To this day, TRUE Fitness works to make new developments in the treadmill to make it the best piece of fitness equipment it can be, making workouts enjoyable.
Browse TRUE Fitness’s Selection of Modern Treadmills Today
4 Protein Myths Debunked
There’s no mistake: protein is good for us and we need it to function properly. However, there are some myths surrounding this necessary nutrient. Continue reading “4 Protein Myths Debunked”