Maybe the most difficult part about getting fit and staying fit is the unwavering motivation and tenacity that is required. Whether you’re a superstar athlete or a first-timer trying to restore yourself to a healthy weight, everyone has “those days” where something inside of you just doesn’t want to listen to what’s best for you. Some people may have a tougher time with this than others, but what doesn’t ever change is the discipline that it is going to take to achieve the fitness goals you really want achieve.
One easy way to overcome this constant internal conflict is to make yourself accountable to someone. If you are already in the gym a few days a week, you’ll notice that many weight lifters show up with a couple buddies. Of course it is nice to have someone there to spot you and to carry on a conversation, but the real benefit of a workout partner is the knowing that he or she is expecting you to show up.
Another, and maybe easier to coordinate option, is to hire a trainer. The investment itself is great motivation to get to the gym and get the most out of your workouts. A trainer will also be able to show you new exercises and resistance training techniques that you can use even after your last sessions are complete. The big question, though, is what do you look for in a personal trainer? Trainers can get certified online now and can range from the Jillian Michaels’ of the fitness world to Joe Blow who seems like he could spend a little more time in the gym himself.
If you are looking at picking a personal trainer, here are a few tips. First and foremost, make sure that your trainer is certified. There are a bunch of certifications that are recognized and respected in the fitness community so be sure to verify that your trainer has one or a few of the following:
1. ACSM - American College Of Sports Medicine
2. NASM - National Academy Of Sports Medicine
3. NSCA - National Strength And Conditioning Association
4. NCSF - National Council On Strength And Fitness
5. NFPT - National Federation Of Personal Trainers
6. ACE - American Council On Exercise
7. CI - Cooper Institute
8. Scirion Institude (SIEP)
9. ISSA - International Sports Science Association
Decide whether you are more comfortable with a man or a woman trainer. This might sound petty, but if you are not comfortable sweating, grunting and getting downright owned in public by someone, your workout won’t pay the dividends that you are looking for. Lastly, be clear about your goals when interviewing your trainer. Are primarily looking to lose fat, increase strength, tone your muscles or build bulk? Do you have any injuries or limitations that might prevent you from doing any exercises? Do you like old-school exercises like free weights for strength and running for cardio? Or are you a fan of yoga-style training and core exercises?
There are thousands of trainers out there and thousands of ways you can grind out a tight and toned body. Just remember, it takes time and effort to achieve any fitness goal. Be sure you not only set your goals realistically, but you also create the support network needed to stay disciplined and on track.
I read an article recently about fitness and New Year’s Resolutions. According to a survey done by Franklin Covey, over 100,000,000 Americans made losing weight or getting in shape one of their major resolutions for 2009. This number is expected to grow even more this year. Although it is encouraging to see so many people setting goals and getting serious about fitness, I think it is even more important to know how to reach those goals. Many people still assume that they need to eat drastically less and exercise 6-7 days per week so that they can reach that goal as fast as possible. This works, of course, but can have a nasty lash back. Extreme changes usually make your results dissipate as suddenly as they are brought on. Here are my personal recommendations for everyone as to how you can achieve a healthy weight while living a healthy lifestyle and without having to follow any strict rules or deprivations.
1. Try to live in balance: The roller coaster ride of weight loss and weight gain is unhealthy in both directions. Keep your calorie intake under control, eat a variety of foods with high nutritional value, exercise regularly and get sufficient rest. Don’t over eat, over starve or over exercise and you’ll see lasting results.
2. Mix up your exercise regimen: I like to refer to exercise programs as regimens rather than routines. Routines are never fun. Routines mean repetition, boredom and burnout. Keep things fresh by finding a variety of physical activities that keep your heart rate up for 45-75 minutes that you can enjoy day in and day out.
3. Eat healthily: Don’t diet, just change the way you think about food. Food is fuel used to make energy so our bodies move the way we want them to. Food isn’t for pleasure or to cure a bout of depression. Think of food functionally and you’ll have no argument for eating fast food, junk foods, sugary foods, high fat foods, etc. unless you are packing calories for an Everest climb or marathon run.
4. Cheat once a week: Make sure you make one meal per week your cheat meal so that you will mentally stay in the zone. This will give you a reason to look forward to and be good all week long as well as keeping your cravings at bay. Also, it is important to eat your cheat meal on a day you exercise so the effects of the extra calories are not too drastic.
5. Be realistic: Nothing happens over night. If you are following your plan, you will reach your goals. Find ways to measure your progress so that you do not get discouraged. Don’t just judge your progress by using the bathroom scale. Check your BMI monthly. Monitor how many miles per week you run and in what time. Keep a record of your weight training and how much you lift. Some may find that sometimes the weight doesn’t come off like you had hoped but you begin to lean out and get stronger much faster.
6. Get rest: Try not to get too crazy with resolutions and the new workout routine. Most people consider themselves extremely busy already and then if you add the stress of a new eating style and the time needed to exercise, you might find yourself overwhelmed. Make sure to start slow and steady and if you can, get at least 6 hours of sleep every 24 hours.
Happy New Years to all and I look forward to everyone’s newly found fitness success in 2010!