Cleveland Personal Training

Welcome To Your Source For Personal Training In Cleveland

Hello and thank you for stopping by.  If you are interested in personal training in Cleveland Ohio or the surrounding area, you have come to the right place.  I have been a certified personal trainer for over five years.  Throughout that time I have worked with numerous people from various backgrounds.  I have spent thousands of hours training individuals as young as twelve and as old as ninety one.  I treat each client as a unique and special individual with my attention focused solely on that person during our training sessions. 

With myself as your personal trainer you will:

-  Enjoy exciting workouts that focus on your specific goals and needs

-  Engage in safe and effective exercises that help to build and tone

   muscle while reducing fat

-  Learn and understand the importance of your Body Mass Index, Bodyfat

   Levels (where appropriate), Target Heart Rate, Maximum Heart Rate, Basal

   Metabolic Rate, and much more

-  Have your progress regularly evaluated and adapted to your changing needs,

   abilities, body composition, and goals

 

The following is a brief summary of my background and experience as a personal trainer:

 

•  National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer

 

•  National Council on Strength and Fitness Certified Personal Trainer

 

•  Certified in CPR and AED through the American Heart Association®

 

•  Silver Sneakers® Muscular Strength and Range of Motion instructor and

    Silver Sneakers® Yogastretch Instructor

 

•  Certified Personal Trainer for over six years

 

•  Extensive experience working with individuals with health challenges and

    unique needs

 

As your personal trainer, we will start by having an initial consultation so that I can get an idea of your background as it relates to fitness.  After our initial consultation, I will begin to develop a personalized approach that takes into consideration your workout history, medical history as it relates to exercise, your goals, and eating habits.  My goal is to help every one of my clients live a better life through fitness.  I would greatly enjoy the opportunity to work with you.  Please take a moment to look at my testimonials page to hear in their own words what some of my clients have said about their training.  References are always available upon request.  Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. 

8RUBDKAMGDM7 Using Aerobic Activity To Assist With Weight Loss

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Weight loss can be a difficult thing even for though accustomed to working out and exercising.  Many people incorporate resistance training into their workout routines, but fail to take the proper time to incorporate aerobic training as well.  Aerobic training is especially important for those looking to lose excess fat.  The reason for this has to do with the source of energy that the body utilizes for workouts.  When a person engages in resistance training, the primary source of energy is stored carbohydrate.  Aerobic activity however relies primarily on oxygen and fat for energy.  This is why when a person engages in aerobic activity, the rate of breathing can typically be seen going up.  While resistance training is very important, aerobic training is a huge part of helping people lose weight and keep it off, and should therefore not be neglected.   

Reverse Curls: Why This Exercise May Be Just What You Need To Help Tone Up Your Arms

Very often when it comes to working out, people gravitate to certain exercises and stick with them.  While this may be more comfortable for many people, they very often neglect or never even try exercises that will pull in other muscle groups and thus challenge their muscles in new and different ways.  As anyone who is familiar with exercise knows, one must constantly be challenging the body in new and different ways so that progress does not become stagnant.  As a personal trainer in Cleveland now for over six years, I’ve seen numerous people get very comfortable with the same old routine week in and week out.  By adding in reverse curls to the biceps routine, a person can challenge the biceps in new ways and pull in additional muscles that are not used in a normal (supinated) curl. 

 

People are by nature creatures of habit.  I’ve read before that well over eighty percent of what we do on a daily basis is totally habit.  Similarly many people when it comes to working muscle groups like the biceps come into the gym and do the same thing over and over again; a few standard dumbbell curls here and a few standard barbell curls there.  This is fine for the novice but for those who have been at it for a while, varying up the workouts is important.  With that in mind, I present to you the reverse curl.

 

The reverse curl is done by basically taking a reverse grip from what is typically done with the palms up.  This is known as a pronated grip.  This means if your arms are bent at a ninety-degree angle, you palms are facing downward.  Reverse curls can be done with dumbbells or barbells, but they are typically done with barbells as the wrists will naturally gravitate back to a neutral grip, which is palms in (i.e. hammer curls).  Many people prefer to use an EZ curl bar when doing this exercise as it is better designed to place less load on the wrists during the movement as opposed to using a standard barbell  The curling motion itself is done in the same up and down manner as a normal curl, but the change in palm position pulls in other muscles not worked with a normal curl.  In particular, muscles on the top of the forearm, which are known as the extensors, are utilized.  This exercise pulls in more a major muscle in the forearm, the brachioradialis, as well as the smaller outer part of the biceps muscle, the brachialis.  These muscles are not highly utilized with a standard supinated grip whether they be with dumbbells or a barbell. 

 

Consider incorporating some reverse curls into your workouts to change things up a little bit.  You may notice a new kind of soreness you have not experienced before, particularly toward the top part of the forearms.  This exercise can help to bring about additional definition in the outer part of the biceps area, as well as the top part of the forearms.  Enjoy switching things up a bit with this new exercise. 

The Problem With Your Workout Routine

People are generally creatures of habit.  If you think about your average day, chances are the majority of actions you take are somewhat routine.  In fact I have heard it said before that at least eighty percent of what we do on a daily basis is routine.  This makes life more simple, predictable, and less risky. 

 

Do You Have A Workout Routine?

 

Sometimes when I speak to people for the first time regarding their workouts, I will purposefully ask them what their workout routine is.  The person then goes on to describe what they are doing and how they are doing it and how it has been going and so on.  I must admit that when I ask this question my interest is in large part to find out if someone even has a workout routine, not so much what it is.  The details of a person’s workouts in respect to this particular question I ask are of less concern to me, at least for the time being.

 

The Body’s Adaptation Ability

 

The body has an amazing ability to adapt.  When the body is given a stimulus that it is generally unaccustomed to, it has the ability down to the cellular level to make adaptations.  This takes place both in terms of anaerobic and aerobic activity.  For someone lifting heavy weights, the Type II muscle fibers generally grow in size and in strength.  In terms of aerobic activity, the body gets more efficient at taking in and distributing oxygen, as well as increasing the endurance of the Type I muscle fibers.  Once the body adapts to the stimulus, it generally stops growing, advancing, or improving performance.  This is where getting out of a workout routine becomes imperative. 

 

Variation As The Key

 

In order to keep the body in a constant state of improvement and adaptation, a person must constantly be forcing the body to encounter and adapt to new and different forms of stimulus.  As a personal trainer in Cleveland, this is one of the biggest things I do for my clients.  This can be difficult for many people to do on their own, since after all we are in large part creatures of habit.  Additionally, most people really have a limited knowledge and understanding of how to work the body and the various muscles.  This is where a good personal trainer can be a huge help.  A good trainer knows numerous ways to challenge the body to improve and adapt, and knows how to do them safely.  Through constant variation a good trainer can introduce you to new exercises that will force the body to stay in a state of adaptation and growth, avoiding stagnation and plateaus in your progress.

 

Final Tips For Varying Workouts

 

A few tips can go a long way toward making sure you don’t stagnate in your workouts.  First, take a look at what exercises you constantly gravitate too.  Consider doing other exercises that work the same muscles but in different ways.  Secondly, consider varying up the number of sets and repetitions.  If you’ve always done low repetition sets, consider throwing a high repetition set into the mix every once in a while to “shock” the muscles.  Thirdly, consider working with a good personal trainer who can introduce you to exercises and workout methods you may have never seen or heard of before.  These are just a few tips that can help people break through their workout plateaus and end stagnating workouts.  Ultimately, the problem with your workout routine is that you have a workout routine.  Change that, and you should see improvements and gains again.  Good luck with your progress and make sure to check back for more great tips and articles.   

 

 

Why Custom Built Personal Training Sessions Are Superior To A Cookie Cutter Fitness Mentality

Within the field of fitness, there are many approaches that can be taken when it comes to one’s workouts.  Some people get the bulk of their information with regard to exercise from talking to other people at the gym.  Some people try to learn by watching those who they perceive to have had success in their workouts, and then attempt to replicate those actions.  Still others utilize workout dvds and videos to help them reach their fitness goals.  The idea of a “one size fits all” approach or what I call a “cookie cutter approach”, is not only an inferior means of reaches one’s maximum potential, but it can also result in injury and/or other health problems.  A cookie cutter or one size fits all approach assumes that what works best for one person will also work best for another.  This idea is not true in many aspects of life, and it is not true in fitness either.  A custom built personal training program can be just the thing you need to maximize your results and keep you safe. 

 

With the various methods mentioned that people use to develop their workout programs, there are some inherent problems.  First, there are many people who workout at gyms and fitness facilities who consider themselves experts, but are not.  These people may offer advice and workout techniques that could potentially hurt another person.  I have seen this myself numerous times over the decades I have spent in workout facilities.  These individuals may have the best intentions for helping someone, but they may inadvertently hurt someone without even realizing it.  Based on individual backgrounds, there are certain exercises that should not be done regardless of whether or not the person uses good technique.  Certain diseases, ailments, and physical conditions can contraindicate any number of exercises.  The person in the gym who thinks he or she is an expert would likely fail to know this, much less think to ask.  A good custom built personal training program will factor in all appropriate facets of your background. 

 

Part of studying for and passing any of the top personal training certifications entails learning what not to have someone do, and when not to have them do it.  These are some of the most important things that a personal trainer can learn.  Failing to know and understand these important precautions and contraindications can lead to serious injury or worse.  Before even starting a workout, a good certified personal trainer will sit down with a potential client and review various factors in order to ascertain which methods of exercise and resistance training will be safe and appropriate.  A good personal trainer is educated in what to look for, and how to deal with any relevant issues.  Your customized workout program should help you maximize your goals while being mindful of your medical background and fitness aspirations, and a good personal trainer can be crucial to that end. 

 

Watching others and trying to duplicate their results by mimicking their actions can also be counterproductive and even dangerous.  Again, not all exercises are appropriate for all people even if they do the exercises correctly.  Additionally, there are many finer points particularly when it comes to free weight resistance training and plyometrics that the average onlooker may not pickup on.  A good personal trainer will first decide if an exercise is appropriate for you to do.  After that, the trainer will then instruct you in the proper way that an exercise should be done.  As you proceed to do the exercise, a good trainer will watch your form and technique, and correct you accordingly so that you move in the way your body is bio-mechanically designed to do so. 

 

Workout dvd’s can be a great tool for many people who like to workout in the home.  One problem however that can arise here is the fact that many workout dvd’s operate on the one size fits all approach.  If a person has any number of orthopedic problems, cardiovascular issues, or other medical problems, some or all of the dvd may be inappropriate.  It’s important to check with one’s doctor before engaging in any workout routine.  It’s also very prudent however to get the opinion of a good experienced personal trainer who, based on knowing your background, can caution you or steer you clear of certain exercises and movements that may be dangerous for you to do.  Even if you do not intend to work with a fitness professional long term, a good custom designed personal training program can set the stage for future success with your workouts. 

 

What To Expect With A Custom Built Personal Training Program 

When you first meet with a good certified personal trainer, he or she will usually spend a good amount of time having you fill out various forms related to your health, medical, and fitness background, as well as your eating habits and fitness goals.  Without this information, a good personal trainer can neither safely guide you through an appropriate workout, nor can he or she optimize your custom designed personal training program.  Information is key when it comes to training someone, and the more information the better. 

 

In a custom designed personal training program, a good personal trainer will carefully examine your background and goals, and then come up with a game plan for your workouts.  He or she will then begin to actually take you through the workout giving you proper instruction as to how to maximize the exercises, how to keep your back and various joints in the proper position, breathing techniques, and so on.  He or she may also help to educate you on some of the different aspects of nutrition as it relates to your goals.  The top personal training certifications devote a fair amount of emphasis on making sure that trainers understand a considerable amount regarding diet and nutrition. 

 

Avoiding A Bad Personal Trainer

Unfortunately not all personal trainers are competent or excel at helping others reach their fitness goals.  I have seen more than a few personal trainers in years past who themselves instituted cookie cutter programs with their clients.  They would go from one client to the next basically doing the same workouts in the same way.  Whether this be from laziness or ignorance, clients who have such a trainer will not realize optimal benefits from this approach.  Finding a personal trainer should entail taking the time to search for a certified, experienced professional who takes their work seriously and has a track record to prove it.  A good custom built personal training program will be unique to you and your needs and help you see the results you’ve been hoping for. 

Using A Weighted Vest In Your Workouts: Why This Piece of Equipment May Launch Your Training To New Levels

Of all the numerous pieces of workout equipment I have used over the years, a weighted vest is by far one of the best.  I have used weighted vests many times with clients over the years with great success.  There are some unique benefits to using a weight vest, as well as some things to look for when deciding which weight vest to buy.  A good weight vest can greatly increase both the intensity and results you get from a workout.  In this article I will cover aspects related to choosing and buying a weighted vest, exercises you can do using a weighted vest, and other factors to consider before purchasing one.

 

Benefits Of Using A Weighted Vest

 

There are many benefits to using a weighted vest.  For athletes it can improve speed, strength, and performance.  When an athlete trains with a weight vest, the body must increase strength and power output to accommodate the extra mass being moved.  The result is that when the athlete is performing in his or her given sport, he or she is typically able to move even faster and with greater power because the body is no longer required to move the extra mass, even though it is accustomed to doing so.  For this reason, many athletes choose to workout with a weighted vest as part of their performance training. 

Another benefit of using a weight vest as it pertains to the average lifter in a gym, is that it allows for additional weight to be moved.  While there are other means of adding extra weight to exercises that involve bodyweight, the great thing about a weight vest is that you don’t have to hold onto it and it stays out of the way.  Compare this to holding a dumbbell, barbell, or having weight hanging from you.  Walkers, joggers, and runners can add a little bit of extra weight and not have to worry about holding onto dumbbells to do so.  Finally, changing weights in a good weight vest is usually pretty quick and easy.  Most vests have Velcro tabs or buttons that can quickly be lifted up to get at the weights.  This is great for changing exercises quickly, or increasing and decreasing weight in between sets. 

 

Choosing A Weighted Vest For Your Workouts

 

Like many products on the market, as soon as you start looking into buying a weighted vest, you are going to realize that there are many on the market to choose from.  One of the first things you will notice as soon as you start searching for a weight vest is the difference in the amount of weight that the vest can hold.  This single factor serves to affect the price greatly.  Upon searching for weighted vests, you will see models that hold only ten pounds or so all the way up to vests holding well over one hundred pounds.  As of the time of this writing, I have seen various vests ranging in price from twenty dollars or so, well up to over two hundred dollars. 

 

Before you choose a weighted vest to go with, you want to take a moment and assess what your intended purpose for using it will be.  For example, some people may want to wear a weighted vest when they run or walk.  The extra weight creates a tougher workout, allows one to burn more calories, and particularly when going up hills will work the leg muscles more.  Others however may be looking to use a weight vest for walking lunges, body squats, or chin-ups.  Your intended purpose for using a weight vest should factor into your purchasing decision.  If you intend to run many miles with a weight vest on, it is unlikely you are going to need to purchase a weighted vest weighing over a hundred pounds.  Conversely, if you do intend to use the weight vest to add to your resistance training workouts, a weight vest weighing only ten pounds or so is not going to provide a huge challenge for many lifters.  It’s better to get a vest that weighs too much and be able to reduce the weight, then spend the money on a lighter vest and one day wish you could add more weight.

 

Buying A Weighted Vest:  What To Consider Before You Buy

 

The basic design of weighted vests is pretty similar.  They typically go on over the shoulders.  This is something to consider if you have back pain; particularly lower back pain.  If you are thinking about buying a heavy weighted vest and have chronic or reoccurring back pain, you should consider that all the weight will be weighing down on your spine.  Wearing a weighted vest is not like wearing a backpack where there is a belt that goes around your waist.  When wearing a backpack, the waist strap makes it so that your hips bear a great deal of the weight rather than your shoulders and back. This is not the case with a weight vest.  Because of this, if you are going to purchase a weighted vest that holds a great deal of weight, you may want to take note of the kind of padding that is underneath the shoulders.  While this may not seem like a big deal, if you are out training and are hoping to improve your aerobic conditioning or increase strength in the muscles, you do not want to have to end your session early because the vest is too much of a strain on your shoulders.  You may be able to find some insights on weighted vest reviews by customers online who have already purchased a vest. 

 

If you are going to use a weight vest for walking, jogging, or running, you should make sure that the vest has visible reflective strips.  Many vests today have this feature.  Additionally, if your intended purpose is for walking, jogging, or running, you may want to ensure that the vest you buy has colors other than black for those times you head out after dark. 

 

Weight Vest Quality And Design

 

When it comes to weight vests, one factor to consider before you purchase one is what the weights that are in the vest are made out of.  Many weighted vests have sand type bags that can be inserted or removed to adjust the total amount of weight.  Others have iron inserts that slip in and out.  I personally prefer the iron inserts.  Sand filled bags can break or get punctured.  When they do, you may be out of luck.  Hopefully the manufacturer sells extras.  Additionally, in my experience the iron inserts slip in and out quicker and easier than the sand filled inserts.  The only issue I have had with the iron weight inserts is keeping them in a good dry area.  They can be prone to getting rust on them if you do not. 

 

In addition to the types of weight in the vest, you may want to inspect the vest for its stitching and material.  The average weight vest is going to hold anywhere from a few pounds to over one hundred pounds.  You will likely be moving and perhaps even jumping up and down in the vest if you do plyometrics.  That means that those weights are going to be moving back and forth against the material.  Because of this, you want to make sure you purchase a high quality vest.  This may entail spending a little bit more money up front, but if you plan on really using your vest for the long term, it should be well worth it.  So before you buy a weight vest and have to break out the duct tape to seal up where the weights are breaking through the material, check the vest’s quality. 

 

Exercises That Are Ideal For Weighted Vests

 

In addition to walking, jogging, and running with a weight vest, there are many great resistance training exercises as well.  Below are some great strength training exercises that can be done using weighted vests. 

 

1:  Body Squats:  Unlike the back squat or front squat, there is nothing to hold here.  Users can focus on the movement and posture rather than gripping a bar or dumbbells. 

 

2.  Walking/Stationary Lunges:  No need to hold dumbbells out to the side or a barbell on your back for these lunges.  The weighted vest here keeps your hands and arms free, thus allowing for greater balance and less likelihood of falling. 

 

3.  Push-ups:  Want an extra challenge for doing push-ups?  Try adding twenty or forty extra pounds.  In the old days guys would place a plate on a persons back while doing push-ups.  Not only was this not that effective but the plate would often slip off of the back.  With the weighted vest you get great resistance that stays in place.

 

4.  Chin-ups/Pull-ups:  You may be used to having weight hang from a weight belt, but if you ever have you know that you must always be mindful of your hips swinging and the weight belt slipping off.  A good weight vest will add the extra resistance you want and keep the weight out of the way.

 

5.  Planks:  One of the best overall core exercises around, planks offer a great means of strengthening muscles throughout the torso.  Throw on a good weight vest and you can push yourself that much harder.

 

There are many other great exercises that can be done using a good weight vest.  The five above however are some of the best, and most avid weightlifters are already familiar with them. 

 

Using A Weighted Vest For Plyometrics

 

In addition to the above mentioned exercises, one of the single greatest benefits of having weighted vests are for use in plyometrics.  While not appropriate for everyone, plyometrics are ideal for improving sport performance through greater speed, acceleration, and power output.  Whether the activity is vollyball, football, basketball, or any other number of sports, there are great plyometric drills that can be done which can greatly improve total performance.  The use of weighted vests for sport training can be used with great efficiency to improve one’s vertical jump, which is important for many sports.  As the body is forced to overcome the additional weight from a weight vest, the body’s adaptations will ultimately make it easier to perform jumps when there is no extra weight added.  Jump training and plyometrics carry an increased risk of injury, and having a weight vest on can increase the risk due to balance factors and the potential for falls.  Fractures and other injuries are possible with plyometric training, so make sure you work with a professional with solid credentials who knows what he or she is doing. 

 

Final Thoughts On Using A Weighted Vest

 

A good weight vest will last you many years and provide you with the opportunity to do exercises in a way otherwise not possible.  A good weight vest that holds a decent amount of weight is not going to be cheap, but the benefits you will realize from using one should be worth it.  Working out with a weight vest by its nature places more compressive load on the spine and other parts of the anatomy.  Because of this, you will want to talk with your doctor before purchasing one and make sure he or she clears you for using one or gives you any restrictions to follow.  If you see a chiropractor regularly, you should review the idea with him or her before you purchase and use one and make sure to listen to any restrictions or limitations he or she has for you.  Finally, if you have had other injuries, ailments, or conditions in the legs, hips, or feet, you again will want to double check with your doctor before using a weight vest.  It’s always appropriate to check with your doctor before you engage in any exercise program.  Good luck in your decision regarding the use of weight vests and make sure to check back for more great articles. 

Choosing A Workout Buddy: Finding A Workout Partner That Will Help You Get In Shape And Stay Motivated

Many people enjoy exercising with a workout buddy.  For some, it helps to motivate them, hold them accountable, and provide someone to interact with during their fitness routines.  A good workout partner can be a great asset to your workouts.  A bad workout partner however can hinder your fitness progress.  In this article I’ll outline a few tips to keep in mind if you are considering a workout buddy. 

 

Similar Goals

Before you choose a workout partner, make sure you have similar goals.  If one person’s goals are to improve aerobic conditioning or to compete in marathons while the other persons goal is to put on more muscle size and increase strength, then the two are clearly mismatched.  Consider sitting down and going over your goals together to see if they match up.  Factors to consider when talking to a potential workout partner are whether or not your goals are aerobic, resistance training, or both.  Do either of you plan on competing in any sort of race, competition, or event?  Ideally, you should both have similar goals and outcomes in mind when it comes to your workouts. 

 

Similar Abilities

When choosing a workout buddy, it’s important to choose someone who has similar physical abilities.  There are a few tips to keep in mind.  First, if one person is much stronger than the other, than there is going to be a lot of changing of weight amounts.  This is not so much a problem if you plan on using machines that utilize pins for changing weights, however if you plan on using free weights, you’re going to be physically moving a lot of weights in between sets.  Additionally, consider the injuries and any kinds of medical limitations of a prospective workout partner.  If one person has a bad rotator cuff or knee problem for example, it can greatly reduce what both partners will be able to do.  If you are looking to increase aerobic endurance for example and want to engage in bicycle riding or running, consider whether the person your considering can keep up with you and even push you.  The last thing you want to do is to be holding back because your workout partner cannot keep up with you. 

 

Similar Attitudes

Before you choose a workout buddy, it’s important to consider the attitudes and workout mentaility that he or she has.  When the person shows up to workout, do they have a great workout ethic?  Are they intense about their workouts?  Do they prefer to stand around and talk or do they engage in intense exercise sessions?  Make sure that you and your potential workout partner are on the same level when it comes to workout philosophy and attitude.  Not doing so can create friction and long term problems.

 

Similar Schedules

Before you agree to be a workout buddy with someone, make sure to talk with them about their schedules.  The obvious here is to ensure that your work schedule’s match up, but there are other important factors to consider.  Does the person own their own business or have a demanding job that could have issues rise up on short notice, demanding his or her attention?  Does the person have children involved in sports that may require them to cancel workouts regularly?  Do they have a long commute to get to the gym? Will they be affected by adverse weather, traffic, or construction issues?  Consider such factors before you decide on a person to workout with. 

 

Similar Workout History

When you begin working out with your new workout partner, you want to be able to hit the ground running.  You probably won’t want to have to lag behind or explain and instruct him or her on what you intend to do and why you intend to do it.  Good workout partners often have similar backgrounds and history when it comes to their fitness experience.

 

Similar Exercise Preference

When it comes to working out, there are hundreds and hundreds of options.  Some people prefer to only use machines.  Some people prefer to use free weights.  Some people prefer primarily body-weight exercises.  Some people prefer a combination of all different forms of exercise.  Before you settle on a workout buddy, make sure to talk about what forms of resistance and aerobic training you have both done in the past.  Talk about what you would like to do, and what types of training you tend to steer clear of.

 

Final Considerations Before You Choose Your Workout Buddy

Having a great workout buddy can be a huge asset.  It can help offer motivation, accountability, and a more interesting workout.  Many people benefit from working out with their spouse.  In today’s hectic world, it can be difficult to find time to spend together.  Working out with your spouse can help you accomplish the important task of staying in shape while spending time with your spouse.  If you don’t feel that working out with your spouse is beneficial, consider at least going to the gym at the same time regularly with him or her.  It will help to add a level of accountability, and you will at least get the time in the car going to and from the gym to talk to each other.  Good luck with your workouts and in choosing your workout partner. 

Fitting Into Your Wedding Dress: 4 Tips To Help You Get In Great Shape For Your Wedding Day

As a personal trainer, one of the most rewarding and fun experiences for me has been helping clients prepare for their wedding day.  Without exception, the clients I have trained who are preparing for their weddings have been some of the most motivated and disciplined clients I have ever worked with.  Although the title of this article is geared toward women, the tips mentioned in this article could equally be applied to men and women.  Having trained both men and women preparing for their wedding day, I am excited to convey some great tips for getting in shape for one of the most memorable days of your life. 

 

Tip Number 1:  Start Early

Over the years, I have been a personal trainer to numerous people getting ready for their weddings.  Some of these people have planned ahead and had months to get in shape.  On the other hand I have had clients who only had a few weeks.  It’s going to be very stressful on you if you’re trying to lose excess weight and get in shape with only a few weeks left before your wedding.  In addition, you will likely have higher stress levels related to other aspects of your wedding in the weeks right before the big day.  Give yourself a break and start with plenty of time in advance.  That way, you can concern yourself with other aspects of your wedding rather than trying to lose that last fifteen pounds or so with only a few days remaining. 

 

 

Tip Number 2:  Major On The Majors

What I mean when I say “major on the majors” is that when it comes to a persons wedding day, they typically have an idea of how they want things to play out.  Just like a person has an idea of how they want the flowers to look, how they want the dinner to be, and what kind of music they want played, most people have an idea of what they want to look like on their special day.  Take a moment to envision what you would like to look like in your wedding photos, as well as standing up in front of everyone at the ceremony and reception. 

 

Now that you’ve taken some time to think about what you want to look like, it’s time to start narrowing things down a bit.  Today many bridal dresses tend to show a lot of the shoulders, as well as the arms.  In fact many of the popular dresses being worn at weddings today do not cover the shoulders or arms at all.  Having bingo wings on your wedding day is probably not something you’re hoping for.  With this in mind, some resistance training that focuses on the triceps and biceps of the arms may be a great idea.  Additionally, incorporating some shoulder work into your routine can help to create a nice defined look where the shoulder, side of the shoulder, and back of the arm tie in together.  By majoring on the areas that are going to be exposed to the camera and to others, you can help ensure that those areas look great. 

 

A Quick Word About Spot Training

Many people falsely believe that if they weight-lift in a particular area, that they will lose excess fat in that area.  This belief is known as spot training and it is false.  Losing fat requires additional practices to be employed, as we will explore next in this article. 

 

Tip Number 3:  Losing Weight For The Big Day

If you need to lose a few extra pounds or more for your special day, there are two important ways to go about it.  Whether your goals are dramatic weight loss or simply to lose a few extra pounds, the principals are the same.  The only thing that need vary based on your goals is the extent to which you employ the principles.  Having said that, let’s take a look at these two methods of creating weight loss.

 

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is quite simply exercise that gets you moving for an extended period of time.  Aerobic exercise increases the heart rate and rate of breathing.  One of its main sources of energy is fat.  As such, it’s a necessary component for those looking to lose weight.  One pound of fat is equal to thirty five hundred calories.  That can translate into a lot of time on a treadmill or elliptical machine.  Keep the thirty five hundred calorie number in mind, but try to take the approach of doing reasonable periods of aerobic activity; perhaps thirty minutes to an hour at a time.  Additionally, it’s often helpful for people to focus more on the amount of calories burned than actual time on an aerobic machine.  Make sure to put your personal information into whatever cardio machine you are using before using it.  It will ask you for your age and weight.  The machine combines that information with something called a MET to calculate with relative accuracy the amount of calories you are burning.  Machines typically keep the information updated by the second so you can see your continual progress.  Finally, if you have a lot of weight you are looking to lose, think in terms of cutting down a tree with an axe.  You wouldn’t try to cut down a tree with one strike of the axe or even a few.  It would take many hits before the tree would come down, but eventually it would come down. 

 

Dietary Considerations

When it comes to losing weight, a person’s daily food intake is imperative to factor in.  It’s helpful to know how many calories a day your body requires in order to maintain your current weight.  There are a few ways to do this.  There are online calculators that will estimate this based on your age, sex, and weight.  There are also some machines that will estimate this for you.  One simple way to calculate how many calories a day your body currently requires involves no machinery and costs nothing.  This method simply requires that you are currently maintaining the same bodyweight.  In other words, in order for this method to work, you should be eating normally and not gaining or losing weight.  To calculate the number of calories your body is currently expending, simply add up all of the calories from food and drink you consume on a daily basis.  It’s helpful to do this for several days or so, rather than just one day.  It can take a bit of time and be a bit of a pain, especially for foods that are cooked and prepared rather than prepackaged foods.  This is important to do however because once you know how many calories you are taking in on a daily basis, assuming you are not gaining or losing any weight, this is how many calories your body needs everyday.  Knowing this, you can start to create a caloric deficit through diet, which is the second major way (next to aerobic training) to lose weight. 

 

Creating a caloric deficit through diet simply means that after you have calculated how many calories your body needs on a daily basis, a person takes in less than that.  For example, let’s say that a person has calculated using the method explained above that everyday their body requires sixteen hundred calories.  All things being equal, if that person reduces their daily caloric intake to say thirteen hundred calories, then that person will start to initiate immediate weight loss.  There are many diets and eating programs that focus on carbohydrates, protein, and fat.  There is definitely significance to focusing on these three important factors.  Focusing in on calories however is a very quick and easy way however to start bringing about immediate weight loss. 

 

Putting The Two Weight Loss Methods Together

So now that we have our two main methods for losing weight in preparation for the big day, we can combine those two ideas to get an even bigger effect.  For example, let’s say we have a woman who wants to lose thirty pounds for her wedding.  After estimating her daily caloric needs and her timeframe, she estimates she can reasonably lower her daily caloric intake by two hundred and fifty calories.  Furthermore, she believes she can average two hundred and fifty calories a day of caloric expenditure on average doing aerobic activity.  She is therefore creating a caloric deficit of about five hundred calories a day on average through diet and exercise.  Remember, one pound of fat is equal to thirty five hundred calories.  Therefore, this woman will lose about one pound of actual fat a week.  In reality, she will likely lose more weight than this.  The reason for this is because as people lower their caloric intake, they consequently lower their carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake as well, generally speaking.  Lowering carbohydrate intake will help to initiate some immediate weight loss in terms of water weight.  Many people who go on low carbohydrate diets see weight loss of a few pounds or more in their first week or two based on this principle. 

 

Tip 4:  Develop A Wedding Day Timeline For Getting In Shape

Now that you know the methods for getting in shape for your special day, it can be helpful to come up with a timeline to work with.  For example, if someone were three months out from their wedding, and they wanted to lose about twenty five pounds before the actual wedding day, then they know they need lose on average eight pounds or so a month.  This can be further broken down into weeks, whereby the person would then know that they need to lose about two pounds a week.  Combining the principals indicated in this article, the person can achieve that goal in a methodical manner, preventing any last minute panic about not looking the best for their wedding day.   

 

Time To Get Started

If you have a wedding coming up in the future, it’s best to get started early.  By starting early, you will avoid any added stress right before your wedding.  You will have achieved your goals with time to spare.  You will look and feel great as you walk down the aisle and as you stand in front of those most important to you.  Your wedding pictures will last a long time.  Plan your fitness and diet work, and work your fitness and diet plan.  Also consider working with a good certified personal trainer.  A great trainer can help you meet specific goals and show you the most effective and safe ways to get there.  If you are having trouble losing weight, you may want to consider working with a licensed dietician.  Finally, always check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise or eating program.  He or she may have certain restrictions for you based on personal injuries, past surgeries, ailments, and/or medications you are on, in addition to other factors.  I hope you have a great wedding day and enjoy the process of getting in great shape for it!

The TRX Suspension Trainer: 6 Reasons This Is One Of The Best Pieces Of Workout Equipment I Have Used As A Personal Trainer

The field of fitness is filled with various types of workout equipment.  Some machines and devices date back decades or longer, and some are relatively new.  The TRX is one of those pieces of workout equipment that is somewhat newer to the fitness industry.  You may have seen the TRX suspension trainer advertised on television or you may have seen people using it in the gym or fitness facility that you workout at.  I purchased my own TRX after seeing the commercials for it on television.  As I will explain in this article, many of my clients have come to enjoy the challenging workouts that can be done using the TRX.  I have also greatly enjoyed using it in my own workouts and found many of the exercises to be both challenging and a nice change from my normal routine. 

 

The TRX suspension trainer functions primarily off of using your own bodyweight against gravity.  As I have stated in other articles, I am a huge fan of exercises that utilize moving your own body mass against gravity.  Since we all must move our own body mass against gravity on a daily basis, movements that require moving your body are both demanding and helpful for everyday activities.  There are six reasons in particular that I have come to be a big fan of the TRX.  Let’s take a look at those reasons.

 

Reason 1:  Durability

 

As someone who has been working out for over twenty years and done thousands of hours of personal training sessions, I have run across my share of equipment.  I put durability as the first reason because one thing that irks me more than anything is when I come across cheap equipment.  Cheap equipment to me means that the manufacturer doesn’t care about the quality of their product, or they assume that the people who purchase it will either give up on using it after a while or cease with their workouts.  If the person stops using it, this typically either means the person is not motivated long term, or simply doesn’t like the product.  If the person doesn’t like the product than that doesn’t say much for the product.  If a product is made to only a last a while because the manufacturer only thinks it’s users will use it for a short time, than that’s not saying much of what the manufacturer thinks of it’s potential customers.

 

When I first got my TRX, I immediately examined it for quality.  I was pleased to see that the components are made of solid materials.  The parts that clamp the straps into place are made of solid metal (not plastic) and the straps themselves are made of solid material as well.  With normal care it should last a very long time if it is taken good care of.  The entire thing came with a nice netting type bag that is great for storing and transporting it.  It would be vary clumsy and annoying to carry the TRX around if not for the bag they provide for it.  Additionally, the TRX came in a nice box with some instructional materials.  Again, this is all indicative of a product whose makers care about both the quality and perception of their product.

 

Reason 2:  Working The Core

 

One of the great aspects of the TRX suspension trainer is that virtually all of the exercises utilize core muscles in one way or another.  Some of the exercises require a little bit of core use, while others are demanding and challenging for even the most serious of athletes.  Certain exercises with the TRX specifically target various core muscles.  Many of these exercises can be done in a similar way using machines and/or weights.  The unique thing about TRX exercises that target the core is it’s unique ability to challenge the muscles due to a lack of stability.  Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned athlete, or experienced weightlifter, the TRX has exercises that can challenge your core in new and unique ways. 

 

Reason 3:  Appropriate For Different People

 

One of the aspects of using the TRX relates to its fundamental use of gravity as a means of resistance utilizing body weight.  Because of this, changing the angle at which the TRX suspension trainer is used can accommodate the needs and abilities of many different people.  While not all exercises are appropriate for all people, the TRX can allow people of differing ages and abilities to modify the setup so that many of the exercises are practical for them to do.  I have a client in her sixties that loves doing some of the TRX exercises.  Of course if you have any questions regarding what exercises are appropriate for you or how to do them, make sure to work with a good certified personal trainer who is familiar with the TRX and your own background and abilities as they relate to fitness. 

 

Reason 4:  Easily Transported

 

The TRX suspension trainer is very light and takes up very little room.  It can easily be transported to and from the gym or fitness facility you train at if they don’t have one there.  If you travel a lot for work, you can easily take it in the car with you.  It should fit fine in most luggage and not take up much space.  If you stay at hotels often, there is an attachment that the makers of the TRX sell that makes it so you can use a door fixture for the attachment point.  Many hotels don’t have workout facilities at all, or if they do they are very small and offer little equipment.  The TRX can be your means of working out on the road and help prevent you from neglecting your fitness routine. 

 

Reason 5:  Variation Of Exercises 

 

The way the TRX is made, the average person can work pretty much every major muscle group in the body.  Many of the exercises are multi-joint in nature.  Such exercises naturally pull in more muscles to do the work.  Whether you want to work your arms, chest, back, quadriceps, glutes, or pretty much an other major muscle group, there is a TRX exercise that will target it. 

 

Many of the TRX exercises available stem from other exercises.  Lunges, squatting movements, and rowing motions can all be done on weight lifting equipment and free weights.  The TRX adds a new and challenging dimension by requiring the person using it to move their own body mass rather than a fixed weight or object.  While this may not seem like huge difference, those who try out the TRX will notice a substantial difference after using it compared to standard weight lifting exercises. 

 

Reason 6:  Lack Of Stability

 

The lack of stability may be the TRX real claim to fame.  I have had clients who have been working out for years that are strong and in very good shape and have found TRX exercises to be very challenging.  In my opinion, the reason many of these exercises are so much more challenging is due primarily to the lack of stability.  When a person uses a weight machine, the movement or range of motion is controlled for them.  Even when a person moves a bar or dumbbells, it is not quite the same as moving one’s own body mass against the force of gravity.  The lack of stability forces it’s users to exert a level of strength and muscular control that is not found in many machines and even free weight exercises. 

 

Final Thoughts On The TRX Suspension Trainer

 

The TRX suspension trainer is a great piece of workout equipment whether you like to workout in a gym or in your own home.  The TRX offers a durable product that provides a great workout for the core.  There are different exercises for people’s ability’s, and it is easily transported.  The variation of exercises and lack of stability make the TRX a unique piece of workout equipment.  I don’t use the TRX personally as a replacement for other exercises, but I do use it regularly in conjunction with various other forms of exercise.  I have had numerous clients request to use the TRX after training with it because it is such a unique and great workout tool.  Always check with your doctor before engaging in any workout routine for any restrictions or precautions you should take.  Also make sure to work with a good certified personal trainer if you have any questions on proper technique and form.  Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check back for more great fitness related articles. 

Your New Years Resolution To Get Fit And Lose Weight: 5 Principles To Help You This New Year

With the New Year fast approaching, many people will be turning their attention to their New Years resolutions.  Many of these resolutions pertain to fitness, weight loss, and overall wellness.  Unfortunately, many people will never see their fitness goals realized.  In this article I’ll point out some ideas and principles for you to consider as you prepare for your New Years resolutions as they relate to fitness.  

 

According to most of the New Years resolution statistics I have seen over the years, less than half of those who initially commit to New Years resolutions relating to fitness will actually accomplish their goals.  In fact, based on what I have observed over the last two decades working out in gyms and fitness facilities, I think this number is actually conservative.  It’s quite probable that when asked, many people will not admit to others or themselves that they have failed to live up to their New Years resolutions.  Based on what I have personally observed in the gym environment over the years, and working with people one-on-one extensively, I believe the real number of New Years fitness resolution failures is at least seventy five percent.  Even if the New Years resolution statistics are correct, that means and least half of those who set such resolutions ultimately fail to see them realized.  This article will help you establish some tools that will ensure you will be a part of that twenty five percent that sticks with it.  Having said that, let’s go ahead and take a look at some New Years resolution ideas that you can implement to ensure a higher likelihood of success with your fitness and wellness goals. 

 

1.  Analyze And Understand Your Past

 

Have you worked out aggressively in the past?   Have you never worked out?  Are you an on again off again exerciser?  It’s important to take a few moments to honestly look at yourself and your workout history.  If you have began working out in the past but have never been able to stick with it, it’s important to analyze and understand what got you off track.  Only once you understand this can you take steps to ensure that it does not happen again.  If you have been on again off again with your workouts, take the time to seriously think about what steered you away from your workouts or contributed to your discontinuation of your exercise routine. 

 

2.  Establish Clear And Concise Goals

 

It’s great for someone to say that they want to lose weight and get in shape, but this kind of statement is extremely vague and unclear.  What kind of shape do you want to get in?  By when do you want to be in shape?  How will you know when you have reached that goal?  Will there be an empirical or definitive way or knowing rather than a subjective feeling or observation?  Saying you want to lose weight and get in shape is really more of an aspiration.  Saying you want to lose thirty pounds by a certain date and fit into a certain dress or pant size is a much better example of a goal.  It’s not a bad idea to start with your aspirations, such as “I want to lose weight and get in shape”, and then transition those aspirations into solidly defined goals, such as the one mentioned above. 

 

3.  Establish Some Accountability

 

One of the most important aspects of accomplishing fitness goals is to have some sort of accountability.  Some people are internally motivated to workout.  For these people, working out is enjoyable, a stress reliever, and a fun way to spend part of the day.  For externally motivated people, they may require some external motivators to help push them in their workouts.  Having a workout partner, a personal trainer, or a person who holds you accountable to your workouts and fitness goals can help a lot if you are this type of person.  Be honest with yourself.  If you don’t like working out, it’s ok. Neglecting your health and welfare however is not ok.  Take an honest look at yourself and your personality.  Take a moment to assess what type of person you are, and then take the necessary steps to set up accountability measures if you need them. 

 

4.  Choose What Is Fun For You

 

When it comes to fitness, one of the most important factors that will dictate long-term success is whether or not what you are doing is fun.  If you have the attitude “I have to exercise today”, the chances of you being successful long term are very low.  One of the best ways to find activities that are fun and active is to think back to when you were a child.  What kind of activities did you do in high school or even younger?  There are many great ways to get exercise and have fun at the same time.  You can walk or run with a friend.  You can go for a walk with your dog.  You can get involved in local team sports like basketball or baseball.  You can try out a new martial art.  You can try a workout class.  Maybe you’ve always thought about indoor rock climbing or getting into paintball.  There are numerous options to choose from if you think about it. 

 

Gyms are fantastic places to workout and offer benefits that are hard to find outside of their walls.  However, many people get their aerobic training outside of a gym and then do their resistance training inside a gym.  This can also keep your workouts different and exciting.  Be creative and try to brainstorm as many activities that you can that would be fun for you and physically active at the same time.   

 

5.  Work With Professionals

 

One of the best ways a person can increase their workout and fitness success is to work with professionals.  This may involve working with a certified personal trainer and/or licenced dietician.  Working with such professionals not only helps in getting professional and competent advice, it also helps to keep a person accountable and moving forward with their progress.  A good certified personal trainer can help design and implement a workout program that is safe and appropriate for your needs and goals.  A good licenced dietician can also help to bring about weight loss via dietary changes while taking into consideration a person’s medical background and needs. 

 

Making The New Year The Best Year

 

If you’re thinking about implementing some New Years resolution ideas that are fitness related, it’s important to have a sound game plan.  By understanding your past as it relates to fitness, establishing clear and concise workout goals, maintaining some level of accountability, choosing fun workouts, and working with professionals, you are much more likely to experience workout and fitness success.  Whatever your New Years Resolutions are, good luck to you and make sure to check back for more fitness related articles and tips. 

How To Get In Shape: A Beginners Guide To Starting Out And Getting Fit

If you are just starting to workout, or you are planning on doing so, it can be very intimidating and overwhelming if you have never done so before.  Walking into a gym or even trying to workout at home can feel very frustrating, and frustration often leads to discontinuation of one’s workouts.  In this article I’ll outline some tips, principles, and ideas that will help ensure that you reach your fitness goals. 

 

If you came across this article, you probably are already aware of the many benefits associated with working out, and don’t need to be convinced that it’s important to do so.  It’s often helpful though for people to write down the reasons they want to workout, and post the list somewhere that they will see it daily.  When you are feeling less then motivated, this can be a great means of helping to push you along.  It’s important to have such a list somewhere that you will see it daily, such as a refrigerator door.  If you place the list in your workout room or right near your workout equipment, you’re only going to see the list when you’re motivated enough to workout, and that defeats the whole purpose.  Below is an example of a hypothetical list of reasons why a person might want to workout.

 

1. I need to lose weight so I can play with my kids and not get so tired.
2. I need to get my cholesterol down.
3. I want to be able to walk longer distances and not get tired.
4. I want to not feel so lethargic all the time. 
5. I want to feel more comfortable about how I look. 

 

Of course this is a small list.  Many people’s lists include dozens of reasons.  The point here is to create a list that is meaningful to you and will help to keep you motivated in your workouts.

 

Getting Started

 

One of the most important things you can do before you begin an exercise routine is to talk with your doctor.  You may hear this a lot but it actually is very important.  Any number of medical conditions or ailments can affect what a person should do, and/or the way they should do them.  Your doctor may have restrictions or precautions he or she wants you to take when you workout.  Additionally, when people lose a lot of weight, it can sometimes affect medications.  Your doctor knows best and you and him or her should have a conversation about such matters before you start working out.

 

Choosing Your Workout Environment

 

When you workout, your choices will likely be a gym or similar type facility, or your home.  I can tell you from a lot of experience that people typically experience more success working out in a gym environment.  This is due in large part to the lack of distractions.  When a person goes into a gym to workout, there’s really not a whole lot else to do there besides workout.  In the home however, many things can distract a person from working out.  Many activities other than working out go on in the home, so a person’s mindset is very often not one hundred percent on the task at hand.  If you can workout at a gym or fitness center, I highly recommend you do so.  Many gyms today that are very basic in nature are very affordable today.  For the cost of a cup of coffee a day, you should be able to find a good gym to workout at. 

 

If you do choose to workout in your home, you want to make sure you have an area devoted to your workouts and a good selection of quality equipment and gear to workout with.  Ensuring you have the proper equipment from the start will help you that much more with your workouts.  Now that we have established some of the ideas to consider before you workout, lets talk about fitness and exercise in general, and some concepts you should keep in mind. 

 

Moving Your Body

 

Moving your body for an extended period of time involves an aerobic response by your body.  If you’re wondering how to get in shape, aerobic activity is one of the most important factors to consider.  Aerobic activity is the type of activity that increases rate of breathing and heart rate.  The main sources of energy for the body when engaging in aerobic activity are oxygen and fat. Because of this, aerobic activity as a form of exercise is very important for people looking to lose weight as well as improve overall health and wellness.  Activities that qualify as aerobic include walking, jogging, running, tennis, swimming, basketball, or spinning, to name a few.  While all of these activities will burn calories, some activities, based on their intensity, will expend calories at a more accelerated rate. 

 

If you have the opportunity to use a treadmill, stationary bicycle, or elliptical machine, make sure to input your personal information such as your age and weight when the machine prompts you to do so.  The machine will take your information and combine it with something called METS to calculate your approximate caloric expenditure.  This is very helpful information when it comes to losing weight.  Rather than focusing on time, one can setup their workouts so that once they reach a level of caloric expenditure, he or she is done with the workout.  On most aerobic style machines, the caloric expenditure is updated constantly so that you can see how many calories you burn as you progress.  Obviously, the faster and harder you go, the faster you burn calories.  Consider using this feature with any exercise machines you use. 

 

Moving Against A Resisting Force

 

The question of how to get in shape must ultimately touch upon resistance training.  Take note that I said resistance training, and not weightlifting.  Resistance training, or moving in some way against a resisting force, can come in several forms and includes weights, exercise bands, bodyweight movements, and even water providing fluid resistance.  The idea of resistance training is that your muscles must overcome an outside force pressing on or against it.  Resistance training is a little bit different than aerobic training in that it is much easier to do the movements wrong.  Doing weightlifting movements incorrectly can cause one of two types of injuries.  The first injury is one sustained immediately, often initiating a pop or surge of pain.  The second type of injury is one that is sustained over the long term from doing a movement incorrectly.  While both injuries need to be avoided, it’s the second injury that can be particularly bad because it comes from years of doing repetitive movements incorrectly.  This is why it is so important to do resistance training exercises correctly.  Because of this reason, I highly suggest that anyone starting out a workout program work with a good certified personal trainer.  Even if you only do a few hours worth of training, you can learn invaluable information that will help you stay safe while lifting.  A few hundred dollars may seem like a lot to some people, but if it keeps you from getting hurt in the long run it may be well worth it. 

 

Diet And Nutrition

 

No method of getting in shape is complete without having a sound diet and nutrition plan.  A great place to start for many beginners is to record and assess their eating habits as they currently exist.  It is a sad reality that most Americans eat more on a daily basis than their bodies require.  Before physical activity is factored in, the average adult male needs somewhere in the range of sixteen hundred calories a day, whereas the average female needs somewhere in the range of twelve hundred calories a day.  When a person takes in more than this everyday, a surplus of calories is created.  Those calories must either be expended or stored.  Unfortunately, for most people the calories end up getting stored, which translates into excess weight gain. 

 

One of the most important aspects of getting one’s eating in good order is to take a good look at your caloric intake.  If you can, try to calculate how many calories you take in on a daily basis.  Once you have done this, if you are overweight and hope to lose weight, you can then begin to fine-tune your caloric intake.  Even a reduction of a few hundred calories a day can translate into immediate weight loss.  One helpful factor to keep in mind is that one pound of fat is equal to thirty five hundred calories.  If you can lower your caloric intake over the course of a week by thirty five hundred calories, then you should be well on your way to losing weight.  Many people can cut out a few hundred calories a day just by eliminating pop and other drinks from their diet, or simply switching to the diet form of the drink if they feel they absolutely must have it.  Many people benefit from the advice and council of licensed dieticians.  I have had clients myself who have been helped greatly by working with these professionals in regards to their diets.  Consider working with a licensed dietician if you feel you need help or have special conditions for which professional help is needed. 

 

You’re Making A Great Decision

 

I congratulate you if you are starting a workout program and trying to learn everything you can to get the most out of your workouts.  Working out can be a lot of fun.  I have personally trained many people who had never worked out in their lives, were very overweight, and then after training for a while realized they really liked it and didn’t want to ever stop!  Working out helps people feel better about themselves and improves confidence and overall self-esteem.  I have never trained anyone who did not see benefits from working out, and have trained many people with serious physical problems and clients as old as ninety years old.  Stick with it, educate yourself, work hard, and get some accountability with a friend or spouse if possible.  If you do these things, you will be well on the way to having a better life through fitness.  Make sure to check back for more great articles that can help you in your quest for fitness and wellness.