If you’re beginning any physical fitness program, it’s a good idea to start with your physician and address any recommendations and possible restrictions to regular exercise. Also, there are some other key elements to keep in mind:
- Be committed. Success with any program requires commitment. Hiring a trainer or a coach is an excellent way to get structure, support and the momentum necessary to warrant positive outcomes, but ultimately long term success is contingent on what you do in between your scheduled sessions. One exercise bout per day won’t off set poor eating habits. You deserve it!
- Practice patience. Adaptation to new habits requires time. It’s been our experience, that most people feel better the moment they make a commitment to change and improve. Often, most clients see visible changes in as little as 2-3 weeks. Our goal is to partner with you to make life long habits.
- Don’t over do it. The excitement of starting something new is often contagious. Yay! Listen to your body and take it one day, one step at a time. The initial 4-6 weeks gives your neuromuscular system the time it needs to shift gears and adapt to your new stimulus. No pain, no gain, doesn’t fly with us.
- Show up. We understand that you have a lot of commitments and often times the hour that you carved out for yourself gets sacrificed. Build in a contingency plan. Reschedule your appointment in the same week if possible, cut your session in half, or exercise at home. Any movement is better than none. Your program only works, if you do.
- No cookie cutter programs. Regardless of where you decide to train. Your program should be unique to you. Your goals, strengths, motivators and expectations are unique to you and your program should be too. Start with a health screening to decide the best approach and share your goals and health history with your trainer. We put the personal in personal training. Every program begins with an evaluation and customized program design.
- Have fun! Let’s face it, if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re not going to be doing it very long. Ideally, you’re creating healthy habits for the long haul. It helps if those habits make you happy too.
Let’s get started! Angela
