Research and Studies

By Mary Luettgen, M.S., John P. Porcari, Ph.D., Carl Foster, Ph.D., Richard Mikat, Ph.D., and Jose Rodriguez-Morroyo, Ph.D. Zumba fitness has quickly grown to one of the most popular group exercise classes on the planet. In fact, the Latin-dance inspired workout is reportedly performed by more than 12 million people at 110,000 sites, in 125 countries around the world.

Hitting the infomercial airwaves in 2009 with promises like these, Shake Weight quickly became one of the hottest-selling products on TV.

By Joel Woldt, M.S., John P. Porcari, Ph.D., Scott Doberstein, M.S., Jeff Steffen, Ph.D., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., with Mark AndersWith more than 3 million copies sold, P90X has been the best-selling home exercise program for seven years in a row and has attracted legions of fans including celebrities, weekend warriors and stay-at-home moms. But is it really as effective as the infomercials claim? Exclusive ACE-sponsored research puts it to the test.

By Caitlin McCarthy, M.S., John P. Porcari, Ph.D., Tom Kernozek, Ph.D., John Willson, Ph.D., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., with Mark Anders Barefoot-style and minimalist shoes are one of the hottest trends to sweep the footwear category since Nike Waffle Trainer running shoes and Crocs.

By Brittany Boehler, B.S., John P. Porcari, Ph.D., Dennis Kline, M.S., C. Russell Hendrix, Ph.D., and Carl Foster, Ph.D., with Mark Anders Women from all walks of life struggle to avoid the dreaded flabby, jiggly arms—and they often turn to personal trainers and fitness pros for help. “Guys always want to get rid of their bellies, while women always seem to want to tone their triceps,” says John Porcari, Ph.D., a physiologist with the University of Wisconsin.