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 54 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.
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 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!
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.