Continuing with my theme of holistic body treatments, it’s time to give a shout-out to my profession of personal training. Many think of holistic as being synonymous with ‘Eastern,’ or ‘woo-woo,’ as friends like to call my unconventional methods of staying balanced and connected to my body. One might question why I would include training in the holistic category, but I think it’s obvious. If we think about the human system as a whole, rather than in parts, then strengthening muscles, improving movement patterns, decreasing body fat, and improving cardiovascular performance become critical components of being healthy.
The beauty of personal training is that it should be just that, personal. A Personal Trainer will speak to you about your goals and then provide the expertise to guide you through safe but challenging workouts. As a trainer I find joy in working with clients with varying goals. There are clients who need to begin a weight loss program; older women who need to increase bone density; hard-working professionals who need to blow off some steam; and of course those who are already fit and knowledgeable but enjoy the variability a trainer brings to the workouts.
There are many ways to receive personal training, even if you’re not a person who can afford to pay for several sessions a week. Look for small group classes being taught at gyms and community centers. Many trainers offer online coaching. Here at Sol Fitness Adventures we have developed training programs for a few of our favorite outdoor sports. CLICK HERE to view Sol’s selection of take-home workouts.
Unfortunately there are a lot of people who attend weekend courses and resurface Monday as ‘personal trainers.’ But finding a good personal trainer isn’t as complicated as you might think. Any reputable gym or training studio will employ trainers who have or are working toward valid certifications from one of the four main certifying bodies in the U.S.: the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Although college degrees are is not necessary to become a certified personal trainer, many trainers have studied exercise physiology, health promotions, or athletic training.
Stay on the look-out for the Hans and Frans type of trainers featured in this classic Saturday Night Live skit.