REPTS4Life – The Fitness Revolution.
This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, who’s a Fitness Consultant, the owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) and co-producer and host of THE FIT FACTOR on Rhythm Fm (95.5). Rodja has over 20 years experience in the field.
Can a Personal Trainer Really Make a Difference? Survey Says “Yes”
What do skydiving and maximizing your workout have in common? They’re both pursuits that work much better with a partner. And as for the latter, a recent study proves it.
Research conducted by UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine revealed that individuals who work out with a trainer can expect greater results, specifically among the subjects of this study:
• Lean body mass increased by 3.3 pounds; the self-trained group saw no change.
• Muscle strength increased by 42 percent, versus only 19 percent among self-trainers.
• Maximum oxygen intake (VO2) rose 6 percent, versus a 3 percent decrease among the self-trained subjects.
Interview With a Guru Feeling inspired now? You may find that selecting a trainer is a little bit like finding a mate—it pays to make some basic first-date considerations:
Where did he/she go to school? Just about every gym and health club in the country requires its trainers to be certified by a third-party organization. After at least 200 training hours, a would-be trainer can receive certification(s) from the AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), ACE (American Council on Exercise), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), among others.
Most gyms offer trainer bios online or in the club. Don’t be shy about asking for them. After all, it’s in the gym’s best interest to find you the best possible fit with someone you’re going to be working closely with for at least 8 to 10 hours a month.
Does he/she have any special interests? Are you looking forward to your first triathlon? Working around a bad shoulder? Trainers must get continuing education credits to stay certified, so many develop a specialty. For example, a trainer can earn advanced certification in weight management, youth or senior fitness, and orthopaedic exercise, in addition to many other concentrations.
Is he/she tough? Some people want a supportive Danny Tanner-in-Full House type of rapport with their trainers; others may want to explore their inner masochist with someone like Animal House’s smarmy pledge master, Eric Stratton. It all goes down to preference. But just make sure that the trainer you choose listens to your needs, goals and circumstances–and responds with a solid plan.
Have you been hurt before? You must tell a potential trainer about any past injuries or physical limitations you may have, so that he or she can develop a programme addressing your condition.
Just like dating takes time, so does picking the right trainer. So why commit right away? Play the field a bit and take advantage of any introductory offers; it typically takes at least a few sessions to discover your potential interaction and the trainer’s overall style, anyway. But for the long term, get a package: It’s built-in motivation to stay on course and make that lasting commitment to total fitness. Personal training packages at repts starts at $100 per month. Free trial sessions are also available upon request.
Join Rodja next week for another very informative article. In the meantime here’s a fitness programme to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Each week, the workouts will become progressively challenging to keep you motivated toward your fitness and weight loss goals. Each exercise should be performed in sequence with one day of rest in between and each should eventually be completed within 30 to 45 minutes. Personalized programmes are also available for a nominal fee. You may also contact Rodja) or visit our website at reptsfitness.com or our facebook page at faceboook.com/repts.fitness for more information and videos.
REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) is a Personal Training Studio located both in Castries and Rodney Bay. REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable fitness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counselling and Planning, FREE Gym Membership, Classes and etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when travelling. Skype Training is also available for those who live abroad or travel too frequently to maintain a consistent training programme at home. Call 758-722-3763 to schedule an FREE consultation and trial session. Visit repts online at reptsfitness.com on facebook at facebook.com/repts.fitness. Call for details about our current special. 722-3763.