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
3 Keys to Successfully Creating a Cardio + Weight Training Programme
Let’s face it, most clients fall into one of two categories: They either love cardio, or they love weight training. Most of us trainers spend time helping clients with strength training, flexibility, sports-specific workouts or general conditioning. Cardio is typically prescribed for clients to do on their own time.
So how do we help our clients get what their bodies need? In a word: experientially. They need to experience how good it feels to live in a strong and lean body. After just a week or two, they will feel their muscles changing, and their ability to do their aerobic workout gets easier too. Feeling the results becomes the motivator. Trainers need to point this out. Ask the client what changes they are experiencing and what more they’d like to experience. Then create a plan based on their personal goals. The method below can be used for pretty much any goal. Let’s dive in with a very common objective: weight loss.
1. PINPOINT PERSONAL MOTIVATION — ASK WHY
Get your client to identify a specific goal, such as “I want to look better naked” or “I want to be a better role model for my daughter.” That motivator becomes their personal carrot. Remind them that their motivator is internal not external – trainers are external factors and therefore cannnot be a motivator, although many of us tend to believe so; As trainers, we inspire, promote, push, drive, guide, correct and remind clients of their motivators through conversation before, during and after our sessions with them.
2. CARDIO CHOICES — DO WHAT YOU LIKE
Dancing, jogging in nature, spin biking, whatever gets that heart pumping will help torch those calories. With hundreds of workouts (or programmes) and exercises to choose from at repts, we are never short on ideas for our clients.
Lack of time is the number one excuse for not working out. However, studies have shown that 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day do make a difference. Try our 10-Minute Fat Burner and 10-Minute Energy Booster for your burst.
3. SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS — BUILD A REALISTIC PLAN
Success breeds success. Make sure clients can realistically commit to a programme for several weeks so they can truly witness the benefits. Logging and tracking sessions are great motivators and show actual progress. Specific goals are also crucial: time, intensity, distance. Pick one, all or customize based on need. Plan the plan, then work the plan. Flexibility is also important, so be sure to schedule sessions at their convenience. And finally make it affordable. Personal training although generally perceived to be expensive and affordable only to the affluent does not have to be. Our mission at REPTS has always been to make personal training more affordable and accessible by the masses. As such you can start a personal training program at repts for as low as $100. Imagine that – personal training at the cost of regular gym membership.
For more a more scientific view on how to build a cardio programme, check out this post on National Academy of Sports Medicine site.
Review and discuss your client’s progress and refine as needed. High-five what worked, stop doing what doesn’t, and find intuitive ways to overcome obstacles. Achieving a balanced cardio + resistance training program is spiral. So long as you’re constantly moving upward, you’re on the right path.
Keeping on your fitness game–with or without a personal trainer– is easier than ever with Repts4Life workouts.here’s a fitness programme to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Personalized programmes are also available for a nominal fee. In the meantime, take advantage of our ongoing special:
GET 10% OFF YOUR MONTHLY PERSONAL TRAINING FEES when you sign-up for any group personal training package within one week of liking and sharing our Facebook page/cover photo/videos etc at facebook.com/repts.fitness. Each package comes with a FREE diet. Renew on time and keep getting that discount plus free FREE cardio only gym membership each month. PACKAGES START AT $100. Returning clients pay NO REGISTRATION. Gift Certificates & FREE Trial Sessions are available! For more info call 722-3763.
REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) is a Personal Training Gym with locations in both Castries (upstairs Kaycees on Brazil Street opposite the Square) and Rodney Bay (opposite RJ Clarke).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 for details and to schedule a FREE consultation and trial session. You can also visit repts online at reptsfitness.com or on facebook at facebook.com/repts.fitness.