So you don't need a trainer......Right?

You want to build your dream house, but you have never done so before. You may have tuned a screw driver a couple of times, driven in a few nails, and maybe tightened a bolt or two. You may have watched a television show on how to build a house, or even watched a home built in person. Thinking better of doing it yourself, you decide to hire someone to build your dream house. So, of course you hire the guy that has built a dog house, an out house, or maybe even a club house. Why? Because a house is a house right. Let’s say you decide to take it a step further and you hire the best roofer that “dabbles” in pouring foundations. Or maybe the painter that has an “idea” of how to build walls.

Sounds crazy, RIGHT! You would certainly never do this, Right?!

Unfortunately this is the approach that many take to fitness. Borrowing bits and pieces of routines from magazines, TV shows, outdated exercises from high school sports, or others in the gym. Most give little consideration of how particular movements might impact their bodies or their goals. Your body is the only one that you have, why place it at risk by experimenting with regimens that are not intended for your specific needs? (Tip: If you could “figure it out on your own,” you would have already reached your goal.) For those that decide to hire a trainer, remember that you should make your selection based on results not price. (Would you prefer the cheapest doctor, or the best?) A good trainer will provide complete training, which includes diet, exercise, education, and support.

"Improve 1& Everyday!"

The Only Way is the Proper Way

The old adage, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat,” holds true in many scenarios and situations. But when it comes to good health and a lean appearance, there are two absolutes: Proper diet and Proper exercise. Notice the emphasis on Proper. Most would agree that the doing something the right way is the most effective way to reach your goal. Much of the inefficient training and attempts at dieting that I witness by individuals are due to lack of knowledge or, more often than not, the wrong knowledge. The average person adopts a program that they have seen in a magazine, TV, or simply copying those in the gym that they consider fit. I would caution that this is probably not the best strategy for improving your health, for these bits and pieces of knowledge have not been developed to specifically meet your needs. The first step should be to self-assess. Determine exactly what your goals are. I don’t mean the standard “I want to get in shape,” or “I want a six pack,” or “I want to get bigger.” Having an in depth understanding of what it takes to reach your target is critical. No matter the goal, the two “P’s” I mentioned earlier are key. After you have taken an assessment, WRITE IT DOWN. Documenting your goals, diet, and exercise is a great mechanism for tracking your progress, discovering holes in your program, and keeping you on track. The final component for effective, efficient fitness is education. Learn to combine exercise routines and programs that fit your needs. Warning: Do not rely on the fitness prescriptions in magazines because the person in the picture looked great. Be sure it is proper for you. If you are unsure of a routine or technique, consult a certified personal trainer. It’s a decision that could literally save your life.

"Improve 1% Everyday!"