Top 10 Reasons To Hire a Personal Trainer:
1. YOU'RE NOT SEEING RESULTS: it happens all too often. You (or someone you know) signs up for their new gym membership around the time they set their New Year's Resolution to lose those pesky pounds. Then the days go by, then weeks, then months. Maybe you have been consistently AT the gym, but you're not seeing those results you wanted. Then discouragement sets in, and you decide it's not worth paying for those monthly dues anymore, and you cancel the membership, only to wait until next December 31st to sign up all over again. It makes perfect sense...why invest in something that has no positive dividend, right?!?
A trainer can look at where you are and what you do and create a fun and effective plan to help to meet those goals.
2. YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START: entering a room full of exercise equipment can be incredibly overwhelming. Even going to the little gym in the apartment complex can seem a bit spooky. All those buttons on the dreadmill...all those cables on the home gym system.
Trainers can help you find and use the right equipment for your needs. They can also make the dreadmill a much easier piece of equipment to enjoy!
3. YOU'RE BORED: day in, day out, same ole workout routines. Your bored, and a little annoyed. It can become too much repetition, making your health and well being seem more like a job.
A trainer can provide fresh perspective and new challenges to stimulate your workout. Whether you meet once a week or three times a week, a trainer can help you over that "bored" feeling.
4. YOU NEED A CHALLENGE: it's easy to stop at 5 or 6 reps during an exercise when you feel a little struggle. After all, no one WANTS to drop a dumbbell on their foot or face.
A trainer can help you push yourself beyond what you thought you could do, and open up a world I possibilities you never knew existed.
5. YOU WANT TO LEARN TO EXERCISE ON YOUR OWN: even of your goal is to exercise by yourself, a trainer is a great way to get some fresh ideas and perspectives on training technique and what's newest in the fitness training realm.
6. YOU NEED ACCOUNTABILITY AND MOTIVATION: it seems that the fastest way to miss your goals and set yourself back is to try training alone. You don't have to have someone standing over you for every rep, but at least have someone willing to make sure you're getting to the gym.
A trainer will not only help you push yourself to get in the gym, but also to push yourself beyond what you thought you could do. They will help you set and achieve real, attainable goals, and then challenge you to new ones when the time comes. It's much harder to fall off the bandwagon when you've got someone holding you up there!
7. YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC ILLNESS, INJURY, OR CONDITION: whether you have arthritis, battling heart disease, or old sports injuries, or during pregnancy, a trainer can help you find a program that will work for you, help heal your body, and help prevent any further injuries.
8. YOU'RE TRAINING FOR A SPORT OR EVENT: it's all about programming...whether you are training to run a marathon, get on the football team, or maybe join the chess club (lots and lots of thumb wrestling), a trainer can help develop a great program to meet your specific trainin needs.
9. YOU WANT SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT DURING WORKOUTS: you're the one who has caught on...training can be dangerous if not done with attention to proper form and function. A trainer can provide guidance to ensure you are training safely, and effectively. They can be a great spotter for both lift assistance and form.
10. YOU WANT TO WORKOUT AT HOME: sometimes it's a busy schedule...sometimes a fear of big gyms...other times it's sheer convenience. Whatever the reason, some folks would prefer training in the comfort of their own home. The only problem is they have little to no equipment, and even less of an understanding of how to use it effectively.
A trainer can provide equipment, and the knowledge you need to use it, and you never even have to change out of your pj's (though I would recommend it)
The bottom line is...whether you see yourself in this top ten list, or have a myriad of other reasons, a trainer can be a very effective tool in your fitness life. If you need some help, guidance, or accountability, get at me soon. Let's start 2012 off right, and stop that vicious cycle of discouragement.
Stay Strong,
Chad
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Actually, I live in south Texas, so it's about 70 degrees and raining. However, with the Mrs. and I on our small winter vacation, it has made for great outside running weather. I've changed my training focus right now from metabolic conditioning to strength training, and Tuesday/Thursday is rest or moderate cardio. Sooo, this weather is actually perfect for today. Not only that, but taking a little run by Lake Travis isn't too bad a way to start your day either.
So this December has been a little slow in the training world, but I know what everyone has on their mind: New Year's Resolutions. Don't be ashamed if you are one of the billion people in this world who are about to make that annual promise to lose another 5-10lbs. Everyone does it. Every year. The trick is learning to keep that weight off throughout the year. If there's one thing I learned in 2011 while dropping 60 lbs., it's that weight loss is similar to building Rome. (ain't gonna happen in a day) But for most people, the weight feels like it can come back in a day. Here's my challenge: TAKE IT SLOW! Most people in January cut out all delicious foods and starve themselves of everything but couscous and V8. The problem is the shock value this has to your system. When you change so drastically, only to go back to your normal feeding patterns a month later, you don't give your body time to adjust.
Like I've said before, it's all about the baby steps. Don't try to shock-and-awe yours system for those last pounds, because most of the time it won't stick. Instead, be patient and take it step by step, slowly changing things, until it becomes natural for your body and you won't have those cravings anymore. Trust me, going from a gallon of sweet tea a day to about 24oz. a week wasn't easy, but now it's second nature. In all seriousness, make sure you have a healthy dose of accountability and encouragement. If you need some, give me a ring.
Stick around this New Year, I'll be posting some great bodyweight exercises you can do in your own home if you don't have a gym. I'll also be available if you're in the San Antonio area and in the market for a new trainer.
Stay Strong,
Chad
So this December has been a little slow in the training world, but I know what everyone has on their mind: New Year's Resolutions. Don't be ashamed if you are one of the billion people in this world who are about to make that annual promise to lose another 5-10lbs. Everyone does it. Every year. The trick is learning to keep that weight off throughout the year. If there's one thing I learned in 2011 while dropping 60 lbs., it's that weight loss is similar to building Rome. (ain't gonna happen in a day) But for most people, the weight feels like it can come back in a day. Here's my challenge: TAKE IT SLOW! Most people in January cut out all delicious foods and starve themselves of everything but couscous and V8. The problem is the shock value this has to your system. When you change so drastically, only to go back to your normal feeding patterns a month later, you don't give your body time to adjust.
Like I've said before, it's all about the baby steps. Don't try to shock-and-awe yours system for those last pounds, because most of the time it won't stick. Instead, be patient and take it step by step, slowly changing things, until it becomes natural for your body and you won't have those cravings anymore. Trust me, going from a gallon of sweet tea a day to about 24oz. a week wasn't easy, but now it's second nature. In all seriousness, make sure you have a healthy dose of accountability and encouragement. If you need some, give me a ring.
Stick around this New Year, I'll be posting some great bodyweight exercises you can do in your own home if you don't have a gym. I'll also be available if you're in the San Antonio area and in the market for a new trainer.
Stay Strong,
Chad
Saturday, November 12, 2011
MOVE!
When it comes to weight loss and cardiovascular health, training can be summed up in one word: MOVE! Whether you are trying to burn calories or train for better endurance, just move. The more you move, the longer you move, the better.
I know a guy who just took up Zumba classes. While I'm no Zumba expert, I can pretty much guarantee that this big, football player body of his probably isn't the most graceful in those classes. However, I can tell you this: he is most likely burning a ridiculous amount of calories. It's all a matter of getting your heart rate up, and doing it consistently. Once a week isn't going to change much. 3-5 times a week would be preferred, but you could dance around once a day if you feel so inclined! Just remember, whether it's calorie killing or endurance training, just MOVE.
Stay strong,
Chad
I know a guy who just took up Zumba classes. While I'm no Zumba expert, I can pretty much guarantee that this big, football player body of his probably isn't the most graceful in those classes. However, I can tell you this: he is most likely burning a ridiculous amount of calories. It's all a matter of getting your heart rate up, and doing it consistently. Once a week isn't going to change much. 3-5 times a week would be preferred, but you could dance around once a day if you feel so inclined! Just remember, whether it's calorie killing or endurance training, just MOVE.
Stay strong,
Chad
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
New Beginnings...
I'm really excited to start with my new training position at a local fitness club here in San Antonio. It's a new beginning, with new faces, new location, and of course, all the free equipment a trainer could desire! New things are fun, exciting, but can also be a little frightening.
Health and fitness changes can be the same way. It may seem fun and exciting at the beginning, but can also prove to be a little scary. It's not always easy, but it IS always beneficial. If you are in that place where you want to get started taking care of your health and fitness level, I would suggest that you start small. Don't try to perfect every aspect of personal training in your first week. Take it one step at a time. Then take another step, until you are running full speed, continue to move at a pace you can handle that will not cause you to regress in the future. I know, I know, easier said than done.
Take this example: I have a terrible, terrible love for sweet tea. It virtually runs through my veins. Now sweet tea at my house has more sugar than should ever be allowed, but man it is delicious. I used to drink about a gallon of sweet tea a day. Think about that. A GALLON! That's roughly 1,120 unnecessary calories. My step one.......cut it in half. Step two: cut that in half.....you see the pattern. I still drink sweet tea, but in MUCH smaller quantities. It may take a little longer, but it will be much more effective.
The same goes for training. If you try to run a marathon during your first week of training, you will probably experience an epic fail, and then choose to quit training. Instead, take it one step at a time, running shorter distances, at lower speeds, and slowly building your strength and endurance naturally, ultimately training your body to handle more and more.
New beginnings are exciting, fun, and a little scary. Whatever the case, get some accountability, train hard, and get at me if you need some guidance.
Stay Strong,
Chad
Health and fitness changes can be the same way. It may seem fun and exciting at the beginning, but can also prove to be a little scary. It's not always easy, but it IS always beneficial. If you are in that place where you want to get started taking care of your health and fitness level, I would suggest that you start small. Don't try to perfect every aspect of personal training in your first week. Take it one step at a time. Then take another step, until you are running full speed, continue to move at a pace you can handle that will not cause you to regress in the future. I know, I know, easier said than done.
Take this example: I have a terrible, terrible love for sweet tea. It virtually runs through my veins. Now sweet tea at my house has more sugar than should ever be allowed, but man it is delicious. I used to drink about a gallon of sweet tea a day. Think about that. A GALLON! That's roughly 1,120 unnecessary calories. My step one.......cut it in half. Step two: cut that in half.....you see the pattern. I still drink sweet tea, but in MUCH smaller quantities. It may take a little longer, but it will be much more effective.
The same goes for training. If you try to run a marathon during your first week of training, you will probably experience an epic fail, and then choose to quit training. Instead, take it one step at a time, running shorter distances, at lower speeds, and slowly building your strength and endurance naturally, ultimately training your body to handle more and more.
New beginnings are exciting, fun, and a little scary. Whatever the case, get some accountability, train hard, and get at me if you need some guidance.
Stay Strong,
Chad
Monday, October 31, 2011
Trick or Treat....or geez I ate too much candy
Yea, it happens to all of us. For the kids, you score loads of delicious sugary goodness in your bucket or bag. You know you're supposed to wait and parcel this out over the next few weeks, but 1 piece of candy just never seems to be enough. For me, 23 pieces of candy sometimes isn't enough. As far as all the parents out there, don't act like we don't know you snag candy from your childrens' buckets and bags. It's the Parent Tax. I've seen it, and I'm sure I'll invoke that tax on my future kids one day, too.
Now don't go beating yourself up, or trying to desperately count every calorie you threw down in 30 seconds of candy munching. Instead, stay focused, and get back on the ball. It's okay to veer off the path every now and then, as long as we don't make it a habit. Make sure you down plenty of water, and get back to training on schedule....and for the love, don't forget to brush your teeth.
Stay strong,
Chad
Now don't go beating yourself up, or trying to desperately count every calorie you threw down in 30 seconds of candy munching. Instead, stay focused, and get back on the ball. It's okay to veer off the path every now and then, as long as we don't make it a habit. Make sure you down plenty of water, and get back to training on schedule....and for the love, don't forget to brush your teeth.
Stay strong,
Chad
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