Don't Make New Years Resolutions!

Ask A Trainer

Question: I “resolve” to get in better shape and or lose weight this year… again! How can I start and stay on track?

Answer: Here are “top ten trainer tips” that will help you begin and maintain a healthier more active lifestyle.

1) Don’t wait until the New Year to get going. Start today! Start slowly and build up. Try a walk at the mall before you go gift shopping. 5-15 minutes is a great start, and then add a minute or two each time out.

2) If you have physical limitations or restrictions, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting your exercise program.

3) Local health clubs, gyms and recreation centers that have personal trainers and structured classes are great resources for safe, effective and even fun workouts/activities.

4) Set realistic goals for yourself. Remember it took a few years to put that extra weight on … give yourself a few months to lose it. Use a pound or two a month as a sensible guide. Use an event or activity as another goal. It might be a 5 or 10k fundraiser run/walk, a walking tour in Europe, get fit to build that great garden or home project, ride bikes with the kids.

5) Adding sound nutrition, proper hydration and good rest into your routine will only further your chances of success.

6) Don’t be intimidated by all the equipment available at the gym or on the market.
All it really means is more variety and adaptability for you. Be sure to ask for assistance in getting a routine or program designed just for you. If you don’t like a particular exercise (don’t say all of them) don’t do it. The best exercises/activities are the one’s that you will consistently use and stick with.

7) Be sure to include strength, endurance and flexibility work into your program. Strength training tones muscles but also burns calories even hours later. Endurance building can be as simple as walking. If you can talk while walking, that is a great starting pace. It’s best to do that this with a partner. Improvements in your flexibility can enhance your posture and reduce back pain. Try a yoga class or tape. All of these areas of fitness are great stress reducers as well.

8) Make time for you to do this. If you can’t commit to 30-60 minutes continually, just 5-10 minutes a few times a day will work. It is better than limiting yourself by just thinking you can’t find the time to do it. This is important! It is an investment of your time into your own health and happiness that pays big dividends.

9) Use a buddy system or have a family member join you. It creates a more enjoyable and social workout. You can also set a great example. Your success at this may be the inspiration for someone else you care about; your spouse, kids, mom or dad, siblings or good friend.

10) Keep in mind that this exercise/activity time will help you in many ways. You will feel better, play better, work better and even sleep better. Try it … you may even end up enjoying yourself. After the entire ultimate goal is for you to want to be active versus feeling like you need to be active. Of course, have fun while you are at it.

Keep these tips in mind (tape them to the fridge) and you will be on your way to a…

“Merry Fitness and a Healthy New You”

Scott Fushi B.S.

Scott is a certified trainer with a Bachelors
degree in physical education. This article is
part of a regular column in the Villager
newspapers. Please submit any fitness
question to scott@midtown-fitness.com

Circuit Training 101

Circuit Training 101

People want different results from a workout. You may want to slim down, work off stress, increase your energy level or just feel better about yourself.

The following workout should be used by individuals with little or no strength training experience. These workouts will focus on improving your muscular strength and muscular endurance. Strength training will also improve your body composition by decreasing fat tissue and increasing lean tissue. An increase in lean or muscle tissue will assist you in burning more calories at rest. Additionally, strength training improves tendon, ligament, and bone strength, and strength training will improve your muscle tone.

The following 8 exercises will utilize your major muscle groups: hips, legs, chest, back, shoulders, and arms:

Perform 1 set of each exercise and perform additional sets as your fitness level increases.

1. Lying Leg Press

2. Leg Extension

3. Lying Leg Curl

4. Chest Press Machine

5. Shoulder Press Machine

6. Seated Row Machine

7. Arm Curl Machine

8. Tricep Pushdown

Seat adjustment is important. Please see a staff person for this setting.

You should perform strength training exercises 3 days/week with a minimal rest period of 48 hours between workouts. Start with a weight that you can lift for 8-12 repetitions.

You should increase the weight once you can perform 12 repetitions with the weight that you are using. If you can’t lift at least 8 reps then lower the weight. Strength training machines are recommended for beginners because they are generally safer than free weights. After you gain experience using machines and your fitness level improves, you can incorporate free weights into your strength training routine.

For more fitness education or if you need a custom designed program we suggest using a certified personal trainer. We have a brochure available at the desk with more information.

Go to our web site www.midtown-fitness.com for free fitness tools and a free fitness newsletter.