Arkansas Cardiology Exercise And Sports Clinic

An athlete's heart adapts differently than a sedentary person's. "Athlete's heart" is a normal adaptation—but distinguishing it from pathology requires expertise. Our echocardiography and CPET testing helps differentiate healthy adaptation from concerning conditions.

🚨 ANNOUNCING THE 2026 FITNESS TRAINER CHALLENGE 🚨

Are YOU the Fittest Trainer in Arkansas?

Arkansas Cardiology, in partnership with Baptist Health Heart Institute, is proud to present the 2026 Fitness Trainer Challenge, happening April 2026. This statewide competition is designed to identify the most aerobically fit trainers using VO₂ Max testing through Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) — the clinical gold standard for measuring cardiovascular performance.

🔥 Who Can Participate?
Open to certified fitness trainers across Arkansas, including those from:
• Running clubs
• Cycling clubs
• Triathlon clubs
• Fitness centers

✅ Complimentary CPET testing for certified trainers
✅ Bike or treadmill testing in a clinical environment
✅ Objective performance data you can use professionally
✅ Compete against the top trainers in the state

🏆 Compete in Two Categories:
• Most Fit Trainer
• Most Fit Club

Spots are limited to maintain a high-quality testing experience.

📞 Register today by calling 501-975-7676 (Option 7)

📍 Arkansas Cardiology
3343 Springhill Dr., Suite 1035
North Little Rock, AR 72117

Tag a trainer who should be on the leaderboard 👇
Let the challenge begin.

🚨 ANNOUNCING THE 2026 FITNESS TRAINER CHALLENGE 🚨

Arkansas Cardiology Exercise & Sports Clinic is proud to launch the 2026 Fitness Trainer Challenge, kicking off April 2026 — and this year, we’re opening the competition to ALL certified fitness trainers across Arkansas.

💥 What’s the challenge?
Compete for elite bragging rights by testing your VO₂ max with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) — the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular fitness and performance.

✅ FREE CPET testing for certified fitness trainers
✅ Objective, clinical measurement of aerobic capacity
✅ Compare your results with top trainers across the state
✅ Showcase your commitment to performance and health

Do you have what it takes to top the leaderboard?

Spots will be limited to ensure a high-quality clinical testing experience.

📞 Call 501-975-7676 to reserve your testing appointment.

Tag a trainer who should be on the list 👇
Let the competition begin.


Arkansas Fitness Professionals Hall of Fame

What does Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) measure? What is it used to test? Call us at 501-975-7676 to schedule your CPET.

Sporting Activities Based on the Intensity of Endurance and Strength

Kim JH, Baggish AL, Levine BD, et al. Clinical considerations for competitive sports participation for athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025;85(10):1059-1108. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2024.12.025

Moving more, eating well, and limiting or avoiding alcohol are simple but effective ways to manage high blood pressure. The High Blood Pressure Hub offers patients guidance for living with and monitoring high blood pressure, including downloadable infographics on the basics of blood pressure measurements and more.

Visit the hub and share these resources with your patients: https://bit.ly/4lxWqtP

Weighty matters from the ACC.

ICYMI: As obesity continues to drive CV risk, the ACC has released two 🆕 guidance documents to support clinicians: Concise Clinical Guidance on the medical management of obesity and a Scientific Statement focused on treating obesity in adults with . Both underscore the need for individualized, evidence-informed strategies that leverage emerging therapies and evolving clinical insights to reduce weight and improve cardiovascular outcomes. 🔗 https://bit.ly/40QH7ok

Plus, download the latest infographic supporting the ACC’s new Concise Clinical Guidance. 👇 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4emnSZG

Be healthier, live longer. The benefits of exercise.

Elite athletes and longevity: Evidence suggests that elite athletes generally live longer than the general population, with studies demonstrating lower mortality rates and reduced and cancer risks among elite athletes.

Read the full expert analysis: https://bit.ly/4eRfNwg

Our 2025 Fitness Trainer Challenge is complete!

Thanks to all of our participants this year. You were all very impressive. Central Arkansas is lucky to have such a dedicated group of fitness professionals.

Our 2025 most fit trainer is.... Emily Wilson!
Emily is a member of the Fitness Professionals Hall of Fame Board and an instructor at the LR Athletic Clubs. She had a VO2 Max of 45.7, barely beating out Melody Massengale of 10 Fitness at 45.2.

The Fitness Professionals Hall of Fame, LR Athletic Clubs, 10 Fitness, and Hot Springs were all well represented.

Derek McCormick of Hot Springs had a VO2 Max of 40.9 but led all in age-adjusted percentage at 194%

Enjoying day 2of the American College of Cardiology Care of the Athletic Heart conference.

The Athlete’s Perspective on Return To Play
A wonderful talk by NBA point guard Jared Butler telling his story about his journey with HCM.

Enjoying day 1 of the American College of Cardiology Care of the Athletic Heart conference.

EKGs in athletes now.