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As much as I prefer to call exercise a moving meditation, sometimes I do need personal attention to keep me focused on my fitness intentions. I am a 46 year old grandmother and have no intention of letting my body feel slow and lethargic, so the assistance of a personal trainer once in a while works for me.

What is my lifestyle?

Since my lifestyle includes a lot of sitting while writing or standing while lecturing, it is easy for my legs and joints or back and feet to feel tight and tired. This does NOT make me feel good, but I love what I do - so I do something about it. It is also important that my fitness routine involves the activities that I enjoy so I can think, meditate and talk to God.

The best kind of trainer

The best kind of trainer is one that works well with your fitness needs and your daily routine, not theirs. When I use a trainer, the first thing I do is let him or her know that I like to incorporate meditation and prayer while performing any fitness routine. If you know yourself really well and know when you're feeling lazy, the that's the perfect time to call in the trainer for a motivational kick in the butt. If you don't like to lift weights, then let the trainer know. If you like cardio, then let the trainer know. Leave it up to him or her to creatively figure out how you can get both in your fitness routine. For myself I want to move my body with my mind! So we'll rollerblade, bike ride, run or do yoga together depending on my needs for that particular day. I love it! Some useful questions to ask yourself

• Do I need personal attention?
• Am I seeing the results that I have been striving for?
• Do I need a motivational kick in the butt?
• Have I used proper form when I am active?
• How much body fat do I have anyway?
• Am I at risk for cardiovascular disease?
• Do I know how often I should be physically moving?
• What are my intentions?

A personal trainer can teach you how to move your body correctly and assist with a routine that is individually designed for you. If you would like a routine that allows you the freedom to think and clear your mind, share this with your personal trainer so they can suggest activities that would gel with you intention. Activity does not have to be strenuous, laborious or pain-staking. If you do not get the answers you are seeking or if a trainer thinks weight training is your only option, then keep looking for someone who understands your lifestyle. It's your life and your intentions.

Why should you work with a personal trainer?

No one has to seek the assistance of a personal trainer and it may not be for everyone. BUT - if your lifestyle seeks a tiny bit of motivation to keep you focused on your intent, then kick around the idea of having some personal one-on-one attention.

What will a personal trainer do?

A personal trainer will evaluate and gather information to determine your current fitness levels and to access and measure your progress over time. If you are going to 'kill two birds with one stone' and meditate, share this with the personal trainer when you are interviewing them. Your short and long term intentions will be established at this time. An individualized exercise and nutrition program should be planned based on your health, intentions, lifestyle, skill level, time schedule, interests, equipment and space available for your fitness routine. A trainer should assist and motivate you in becoming more physically active.

What does it mean when a personal trainer is certified?

A personal trainer takes an examination given by a national organization of their choice. The exam was developed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary to show competency in personal training. Some of the most well known national organizations are: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

The test is based on exercise physiology, human anatomy, biomechanics, applied kinesiology, nutrition, special health populations, exercise testing, legal issues, motivational psychology and cardiorespiratory, flexibility and strength training.

Exercise physiology helps one to understand how the body functions at rest and how it changes when stimulated by exercise. Human anatomy is a science that studies the structure of the body and how the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems relate to each other during physical exercise.

Kinesiology is the study of movement in relation to the structure of the body and the physical laws of motion. It is also important to understand nutrition, so that proper foods are selected to supply the body with essential nutrients and plenty of energy. Exercise programs are designed to not only be safe and effective, but to be compatible to how the body was built to function.

What should I look for in a personal trainer?

If you are looking for a personal trainer, check to see that the trainer is currently certified by an accredited institution and is trained in CPR. Since personal trainers are required to earn credits for continuing education to keep their certification, they should be up to date on the latest information available on health and fitness.

A trainer should not only be knowledgeable in designing exercise programs, but should be available to answer your questions or concerns. An understanding of your thoughts and emotions, along with good listening and communication skills is essential to develop a positive rapport. It is important that they have an understanding of what your intentions are, why you want to achieve that particular intention, and when you want to accomplish it. The personal trainer may use a fitness test that will help assess your physical condition and help them begin a program that will aid you in reaching a realistic image. The exercise mode, duration, frequency and intensity are established to ensure safe and proper workouts.

A personal trainer can assist you in losing or gaining weight, lower your risk for cardiac disease, increase endurance and strength for sports training, motivation, and of course, improve overall health benefits.

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DISCLAIMER: **This web site's goal is to provide you with information that may be useful in attaining optimal health. Nothing in it is meant as a prescription or as medical advice. You should check with your physician before implementing any changes in your exercise or lifestyle habits, especially if you have physical problems or are taking medications of any kind.