Fitness FAQs
What is Personal Training?
A program designed specifically for you, it will include a balance of exercise (cardiovascular, resistance/weight training, use of traditional or functional training methods, and flexibility), nutrition, and stress management. Includes one-on-one instruction. Program considerations: your goals, motivation, schedule, fitness level and ability, access to equipment, personal preferences, and medical conditions. First session consists of a fitness/wellness assessment to establish a baseline fitness level, discuss goals, motivation and nutrition basics. Second session will review fitness/wellness assessment results and start fitness/wellness program based on those results.
What is a personal trainer?
A certified personal trainer is a professional who has the experience, education and expertise to design an individual exercise program. With the guidance of a trainer, you can maximize your results in a minimal amount of time.
What is Functional Training?
Functional Training is a method of fitness training that replicates everyday-life activities or those specific to a sport. Traditional exercises train your body in a non-functional way, training the body to use machines. How many times do you use these machines in everyday life or sports to do a specific activity? Functional training exercises incorporate specific moves and balance, while it enhances core strength and stabilization. Functional training is great for everyone from the beginner learning to exercise to the extreme athlete.
What if I am recovering from an injury?
Trainers will work with you, your doctor or physical therapist to make the transition to an exercise program specific to meet your new needs.
What if I am pregnant or recently had a baby?
(Pre- and Post- Natal Training)
Pregnancy is not the time to start exercising. If you are already active, this training will help you make the modifications necessary to meet extraordinary changes that are happening in your body. In order to have a healthy pregnancy and baby without sacrificing your own fitness and lifestyle, you need a fitness program to meet these specific changes. All pregnant women will not share the same fitness goals for their pregnancy. For some, pregnancy will be the first time they face how healthy they are. For others, they are in pretty good shape. They exercise regularly and need a program that will change with their changing body. Some may be elite athletes who want to stay in optimal shape and find a program that will be safe and effective. The program will continually change as you move through different stages of your pregnancy. Written docto'rs approval is mandatory before any pre- and post- natal training.
Choosing a Fitness Trainer
Having your very own personal trainer has several great advantages: Trainers provide motivation, professional expertise, and personalized attention--all key components of reaching your personal health and fitness goals. However, personal trainers vary greatly, not only in educational background and costs, but also in personal philosophy, training and consulting practices.
We have put together this short list of items to cover when you first meet with a trainer you are considering to help reach your fitness goals.
1. Why did you become a personal trainer?
Personal trainers should not only have a passion for good health and fitness, they should also love to share their expertise and help others reach their personal goals.
2. Do you keep current with research?
The answer must be yes! Personal trainers need to continually update their knowledge through seminars, workshops, books, etc., in order to provide you with safe and effective information.
3. Can you supply client references?
Good trainers have satisfied customers and won't hesitate to put you in touch. Give two or three of the clients a call, asking about the trainer's strengths and weaknesses, and if they were professional, informative, and dependable. Also ask them if the trainer explained the reasoning behind their recommendations and program decisions.
4. Do you have liability insurance?
Personal trainers should protect their clients by insuring themselves and their services against personal injury and property loss.
5. Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
The trainer must know the proper procedures to follow in emergency situations.
6. Are you available on the days and times I've selected?
The whole point of having a personal trainer is to get the personal instruction and motivation you need, at times that are convenient for you.
7. What are your training/business policies?
It's a good idea to find out up-front their policy on extra fees, contracts, cancellations, and billing procedures.
After speaking with the personal trainer, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Did the trainer ask me questions about myself and my lifestyle?
2. Does the trainer promote an integrated program that includes all five components of optimal health (strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training)?
3. Did the trainer have good listening skills and communicate well?
4. Will I get along with this trainer and look forward to working with him/her?
