hiring a peronal trainer

June 3 2015

The Post That May Put Me Out Of Business

Tera General, Motivation, Uncategorized 2015, Determination, excuses, exercise, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, health, hiring a peronal trainer, motivation, strength training, workout

Today while running sprints, I had an epiphany. Are you ready for THIS one? Wow, I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Here goes – You DON’T need a trainer to lose weight and get fit. WHAT!?!?! That;s what I said. Now, before I get into this, I need to give you a little info on how I got to this. Stay with me for a minute as I give you a little bit of the back story.

It’s no secret that I am not a fan of The Biggest Loser. The show portrays getting in shape as grueling, painful, embarrassing and damn near impossible if you don’t have a trainer screaming in your face and breaking you down. The contestants (real trainers call them clients) are pushed way past what is healthy, safe or even attainable in the “real world”. The time that they spend at the ranch with the trainers is a huge set up for failure. Hours of exercise, restricted diets and tv land tricks to make the scale move only equal two things: ratings and rebounds. All the while the trainers are there acting as if they are the ones responsible for the changes that are happening on THEIR TEAM.

Another weight loss show started up this past week – Extreme Weight Loss. I am a huge fan of this show. Chris Powell and his wife Heidi do things a little differently. They work with their client (not contestants) for an entire year to help them lose the weight. The show is much more real life like and inspirational. The problem I have with this show is this: the clients do a 90 day “bootcamp” with Chris and Heidi where they are pushed and taught what they need to do in the next “phase” of their weight loss journey. In the 2nd phase, the clients are sent home to live life as usual but incorporate what they learned while they were at “bootcamp”. Well, as you can imagine, going from being under Powell watch to being on your own, most of the clients start to flounder. Da, Da, Da -in comes Chris to rescue them. Have no fear – Chris is here. And bring them back from the brink of destruction he does.

Fast forward to the now. As I watched the latest EWL, I had a weird thought. “Why do people think that having a trainer is the only way they can lose weight?” Think about it….you watch weight loss shows like these and think, “If I was there with training with Bob, I could totally lose weight.” or “They are lucky. If I had a trainer I could do it too”. Buy why do you NEED a trainer? What could a trainer do for you that you can’t do for yourself? It’s kind of like the infomercials for P90X and the 21 Day fix, MLM’s such as Isagenix and Herbalife and all the gadgets and gizmos that claim THEY ARE THE ONLY WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT. These shows make it look like you can’t get healthy without them. Shit, I’m going to completely bankrupt myself by telling you this, but YOU DON’T NEED A TRAINER OR A MIRACLE SHAKE OR WORKOUT PROGRAM TO GET HEALTHY!!!! Yes, you read that right. I am a trainer and I said you don’t need a trainer to get healthy. Do you want to know the secret that WILL get you those results that you want to see. It’s something that a trainer CAN’T give you, a shake won’t offer you and something a gadget can’t produce. Are you ready? It’s….

DETERMINATION. It’s the one thing that every person who lost weight on a show and kept it off has. It’s what kept those people who drank the shakes going. It’s the thing that got the people out of bed, in workout gear and working out to the dvd’s. And it’s what drags their tired ass to the gym to workout with their trainer. IT WASN’T THE MIRACLE PRODUCT, DIET OR THE TRAINER THAT GAVE THEM THE RESULTS – IT WAS THEIR DETERMINATION THAT DROVE THEM TO DO THE WORK AND MAKE THE CHANGES!

Now, hold up. Before I lose all of my clients and you go off and fire your trainer, let me say this. Yes, a trainer can’t give you the determination that it will take to reach your goals. This is true. That is something that you have to find within yourself. But once you have it, a trainer can work with that determination and show you ways you can excel and put your determination to good use. Having a spark in you is great, but with a little help, a trainer can ignite the fire.

How?

Well, have you ever went to a gym excited to work out, but once you got there you felt lost? Maybe you spent a half hour walking on the treadmill, a few minutes doing the strength training exercises that you were sorta familiar with and left feeling like you could have done more?

Yes? This is when trainers like me can help. We can show you how to work out in the most effective and efficient way for your body and your goals. You could do a workout that you found in a magazine, but getting one that is designed for YOUR body will help you reach your goals faster.

Another way a trainer can keep you going is to give you new ideas! We have lots of time on our hands while we are sleeping to dream up new and exciting ways to challenge the human body. You think you have done every type of pushup possible? Trust me…we have 5 more versions up our selves that we save for special occasions. A trainer can not only show you new exercises, but we can show you different ways to train your muscles to keep you from getting bored.

And the best thing a trainer can do is keep you motivated when you are in a slump.

Even the most determined person can have off days, weeks or months. Having a standing appointment with a trainer (which you are paying for AND don’t want to upset the beast) can stop that little devil who is whispering in your ear “Stay home. Workout tomorrow. Watch a marathon of Game Of Thrones”. Many times, walking into the gym is the hard part. Once you are there, you get into the swing of things. Add in a motivating trainer who is encouraging you to push your limits, and woo-pow – your determination is back.

Investing in a few sessions with a trainer can change your workout for the better. When you can go into your workout with the confidence that you are doing what’s best for YOUR body, you will be much more successful. Long term or short term training, either one will complement your determination.

With determination in your heart – you are unstoppable.

April 11 2014

Take Your Workout Outdoors

Tera Exercises, General, Uncategorized, Workouts 2014, exercise, exercise demonstration, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, Health Your Way Online, hiring a peronal trainer, no equipment, personal trainer, strength, strength training, workout

This article was recently posted to Health Your Way Online

When the weather is beautiful, the last thing we want to do is be cooped up inside any longer than we have to. Step out of the gym and head out to your local park to change up the scenery for your workout.

WARM UP

Walk or jog 5 minutes around the park.

WORKOUT

Beginners: 10 reps each exercise for 1-3 circuits, resting 30 seconds between exercises

Intermediate: 15 reps each exercise for 2-3 circuits, resting 15 seconds between exercises

Advanced: 20 reps for each exercise for 3 circuits, no rest between exercises or do 30 seconds of jumping jacks between exercises

EXERCISES

1. Platform Pushups

Find a platform like a bench or a step. Place your hands about shoulder width apart on the platform. Keeping the back flat, core tight and hips down, perform a pushup. Make sure the movement comes from the elbow and shoulders – not the hips.

2. Bench Step Ups

Using a bleacher or a bench, step up on to it with your left foot. Use and up, up, down, down cadence. After 30 seconds, switch and step up starting with your right leg.

3. Plank

To get into the plank position, start on elbows and knees, locking hands together. Straighten legs and raise your body so that you’re supported by the balls of your feet, with feet hip-distance apart. Face the ground, being careful not to arch your back or stick your hips in the air.

4. Walking Lunges

Walking lunges are very similar to the way walk but include an extra element, the lunge. With your right leg, lunge forward about three feet until your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your left knee is nearly touching the floor. Pause momentarily and then repeat the forward motion with your left leg. make this exercise harder, try doing the walking lunges up a hill.

5. Bench Dips

Head back to the park bench and have a seat. Grab the edge of the bench keeping your hands close to your hips. Walk your feet forward slightly until your hips are off of the platform and your knees are at a 90 degree angle. Bending your shoulders and elbows, bring your hips straight down towards the floor. Push yourself back up.

6. Hanging Abs

This one is tough! Hang from the high monkey bars. (Your feet should not be able to touch the ground.) Pull your knees up towards your chest and then lower them back to your starting position. Be sure to keep the movement slow and controlled. This is an ab exercise, so try not to use the momentum and swing the legs.

February 24 2014

Is Your Fitness Waiting For Spring

Tera Exercises, General, Motivation, Uncategorized, Workouts 2014, excuses, exercise, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, Heath Your Way Online, hiring a peronal trainer, mood, motivation, no equipment, personal trainer, strength, strength training, Winter Workout, workout

This article was recently published on Health Your Way Online

Staying active in the winter can be daunting. Depending on where you live, it can mean bundling up, getting in a cold car, driving to the gym only to get sweaty and repeat the process back out in the cold. Well, like the old saying goes…”If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Winter is a reality that we can’t escape. It comes every year & there is no way around that. So instead of fighting the cold and snow, find a way to enjoy it.

Find a winter sport. You can find countless places dedicated to snow sports like skiing, skating or snowboarding and you can always find a trail that allows cross country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking. Not only will you get to get outside and enjoy the beautiful views, but you will be getting your heart rate up and getting a great workout.

Join a indoor sports league. Many community ed programs or local gyms have clubs or pickup games like basketball or volleyball that you can join in for free.

Have a goal. Set a fitness or health related goal that you want to reach by spring. Sign up for a running, walking, biking or swimming event like a 5K or triathlon or enroll in a charity event like Relay For Life, Mud Run or the 3 Day. Having a long term goal that you are excited about will keep you motivated to workout, eat right and reach your goals.

Make your home your gym! If you just can’t face Old Man Winter or if you get snowed in, have a workout that you can do at home. No equipment? No problem. Here is a great “Snow Day” workout that will keep you moving even when you are homebound.

December 31 2013

Workout Wenesday

Tera Exercises, General, Motivation, Timed Workout, Uncategorized, Workouts #workoutwednesday, 2014, exercise, exercise demonstration, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, hiring a peronal trainer, motivation, New Years Resolution, no equipment, Nutrition, personal trainer, strength, strength training, weights, workout

December 20 2013

There is ALWAYS time for fitness

Tera General, Motivation, Uncategorized, Workouts 2013, excuses, exercise, exercise demonstration, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, hiring a peronal trainer, interval training, motivation, personal trainer, strength, strength training, Tabata, weights, workout

Recently Posted On Health Your Way Online

Have you ever planned on getting in a great workout, but you have to skip the gym because you just don’t have the time? We are all running late, in a hurry or have something else that we need to be doing but that doesn’t mean that you have to forgo your workout. You just have to make the most of the time you have.

Time Your Rest Periods

In between sets or circuits, rest for ONLY the time it takes to catch your breath and feel ready for the next round and not a second more. Playing around on your phone, chatting with your workout buddy and flipping through a magazine will only distract you. Keep your rest breaks short and stay on task. You will be surprised how much time you save.

Interval Training

Unless you are training for a marathon or another endurance sport, there is no reason why you be doing long cardio sessions at a moderate intensity. Kick your cardio up a notch and decrease your workout sessions with interval training. By alternating high intensity bouts of exercise with moderate “recovery” periods, you can burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time. One great example is tabata training. Do a high intensity exercise like jump squats as fast as you can with proper form for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this for a total of 4 minutes. According to one study, “It would take five times the amount of typical cardio exercise, like a 20-minute brisk walk, to shed the same number of calories that result from a 4-minute Tabata.”

Strength Training and Cardio in One

Why split your cardio and strength training up when you can get them both done at once? Doing exercises that use multiple muscle groups as once in a circuit style with little to no rest between exercises, will raise your heart rate and challenge your muscles. Exercises like pushups, squat presses, lunges with bicep curls will have you breaking a sweat, toning your muscles and out of the gym in no time.

December 11 2013

Resistance Band Exercises

Tera Exercises, Fitness Equipment, General, Uncategorized, Workouts 2013, exercise, exercise demonstration, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, Health Your Way Online, hiring a peronal trainer, personal trainer, resistance bands, strength, strength training, weights, workout

This article was recently featured on Health Your Way Online. I am thankful and honored to write for them!

You don’t need a gym full of weights and machines to get a great full body workout. Using resistance bands can challenge your muscles in a whole new way. And the best thing about resistance bands is that you can do a workout with them anywhere. Here are 3 exercises that will are guaranteed to give you results.

Squat Press

Stand in the middle of the band with feet parallel and shoulder-width apart. Hold handles at shoulder height, with palms facing forward and elbows bent. Squat like you are about to sit on a chair, keeping knees behind your toes. Stand back up to the starting position and then press your arms directly over your head. Return hands back to shoulder height and repeat sequence. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Reverse Lunge with Bicep Curl

Place the center of the band under the arch of your right foot and hold both handles with the palms facing forward. Lunge backwards with your left foot and perform a bicep curl. Return to start position and repeat for 10-15 reps. Switch legs and repeat.

Crunch with Lat Pulldown

Loop the band around a stable object, like a railing. Lie on your back, gripping the band’s handles with arms extended over head. Raise your legs and bend your knees so your shins are parallel to the floor. Crunch your upper body forward while drawing your arms toward your knees. Keep the elbows locked and straight during this movement and maintain a relaxed and neutral position in the neck – do not bring the chin to the chest. Roll back to starting position. Repeat 20 times.

December 11 2013

Workout Wednesday

Tera Exercises, General, Random Workout, Uncategorized, Workouts #workoutwednesday, 2013, exercise, exercise demonstration, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, hiring a peronal trainer, mood, motivation, no equipment, personal trainer, strength, strength training, workout

December 4 2013

Workout Wednesday

Tera Exercises, General, Random Workout, Uncategorized, Workouts #workoutwednesday, 2013, excuses, exercise, fitness, fitness gift, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, free workout, health, hiring a peronal trainer, motivation, no equipment, personal trainer, strength, strength training, workout

12.4.

December 2 2013

Merry Fitmas: Even More Fitness Gifts

Tera Fitness Equipment, General, Uncategorized 2013, christmas, christmas fitness gift, fitness, fitness gift, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, free, health, hiring a peronal trainer, personal trainer, protein shake, running, strength, strength training, Top Fitness Gifts, weights, workout

This year I had SO many great health and fitness items that I added to my life, I just had to add on to the Top 12 Fitness Gifts for 2013 and include a few more!!! I have used each and every one of these items and I highly recommend them for you or the health and fitness finatic in your life!

Aprea Performance Duffel

The Apera Performance Duffel was designed to carry EVERYTHING that you and still keep you organized and looking stylish! Every Apera bag includes antimicrobial product protection inside and outside, ventilated compartments, a water resistant base and wipeable linings keep your bag clean, dry and healthy. No more stinky gym bag!!! Use Coupon code holiday2013 when checking out and receive free shipping and 20% off any bag.

Sweaty Bands

I fell in LOVE with these headbands the first time I ever used them. I can’t stand having hair in my face when I am working out and Sweaty Bands really do their job. Using a non slip grip, they stay put through your hardest workouts and no matter how much you sweat or hard the wind blows. And with over 900 patterns, you will have on trouble fining one you love. And if you can’t, you have the option of creating your own custom Sweaty Band.

Ninja Master Prep Blender

Vitamix – Shimitamix! This blender could slice, dice and puree a concrete block! The Ninja Master Prep Blender is perfect for making smoothies and protein shakes. Toss in ice cubes, nuts, fruits, veggies, whatever and it will come out smooth as silk! A little spendy but totally worth it. It has become a staple in my kitchen!

Mane Message

The hair tie that actually doubles as a super cute bracelet. I wear a few at a time, one in my hair and a one or ten on my wrist. I am always losing the plain black hair ties, which is ok. They are constantly breaking, stretching out and breaking my hair. Mane Message hair ties stay put without breaking my hair and because they are brightly colored, I never lose them. Mane Message hair ties come in a ton of colors, variety packs and gift packs. But online and used coupon code HOLLY and get 20% off and a free gift.

November 29 2013

Top 12 Fitness Gifts for 2013

Tera General, Uncategorized 2013, Christmas Gifts, exercise, fitness, Fitness To Go, fitnesstogo.net, health, hiring a peronal trainer, Holiday, motivation, New Years Resolution, personal trainer, running, strength, strength training, Top Fitness Gifts, weights, workout

Looking for that perfect gift for the fitness fanatic in your life? Look no further. Here are my recommendations for the best fitness gift of the 2013. I use these ALL of these products and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great gift for a loved one or yourself.

6 PACK FITNESS BAG

This is the ULTIMATE cooler for anyone on the go. I personally have the Innovator 300 in Hot Pink. This cooler carries everything you need for a days worth of meals, supplements and any must haves that you can’t go without. Fully insulated, 2 gel packs, shelving for your tupperware (it comes with 3), a pack for your vitamins and a spot for your shake bottle – this cooler has it all.

TRX SUSPENSION TRAINER

If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE gift to give someone, this would be it. The TRX system is great for the traveling fitness freak, an outdoor enthusiast or the average Joe who doesn’t have much space to work out. Hook the TRX up to a tree, pole or sturdy beam in your house and your set for a great workout using just your body weight. Great for all fitness levels. Use code HOLIDAY when checking out and get FREE SHIPPING and 30% off.

BOSU TRAINER

Do you BOSU? You should. The BOSU is an amazing functional tool to help improve your balance, strength, agility and speed. Can be used flat side up or flat side down. The BOSU takes exercises like lunges, pushups and planks to a whole other level.

VERSA GRIPS

Versa Gripps eliminate the need for gloves, hooks, and lifting straps. Taking the “work” out of the your forearms and hands, the Versa Gripps allow you to focus on the muscles you want to strengthen. The VG also help you grip the bar better and protect your hands from pinching and calluses. Use code BFSHIPUS when checking out and get FREE SHIPPING.

GYMBOSS

The Gymboss interval timer will give your workout the discipline and structure necessary to take your workout to the next level. This easy to use timer will allow you to stay on track during your workouts by eliminating the pesky issue of checking the time during your intervals. Just set it, forget it put all of your focus on the workout to get the best results possible!

ALTUS ADJUSTABLE 12-20 LB MAX-VEST

I love this vest!!!! It adds just enough weight to fry my legs during my plyo workouts or kicks up my leg workouts to the next level. I love doing walking lunges when wearing this vest. A 10# version is also available.

THE PERFECT PUSHUP

Don’t knock it until you try it! When a client of mine suggested I add it into my chest routine, I laughed at him. I am not one to try “infomercial” products because they are usually cheesy and junk. But I tried it and it took my pushup to a whole new level – it added depth and rotation into a normal pushup while keeping me in perfect form with less strain on my wrists.

T GRIP LITE FULL BARBELL SET

The T-grip Lite bar will not disappoint. This bar is versatile in terms of the exercises you can do and since it’s just one single piece of equipment, you won’t have to make much of an investment to get started lifting weights. The bars unique shape allows you to do various types of grips for any style of exercise.

PRO COMPRESSION SOCKS

The benefit of wearing compression socks over 26.2 miles, 18 holes or 8 hours at work is the delay of muscular breakdown that comes from spending hours on your feet. PRO Compression socks and sleeves increase blood flow, relieve discomfort and assist in recovery. The minute you put them on, you’ll understand why PRO Compression socks are the World’s Best Athletic Performance Socks! Every race I have run this year, I wore my Marathon Socks and I noticed a difference in how my legs and feet felt during and after the race. No cramping, no swelling and a few new PR’s.

LEBERT EQUALIZER

The Lebert Equalizer is a simple, portable, yet multi-purpose and versatile piece of strength training equipment that works arms, chest, back and core muscles like no other can, using your own body weight as resistance. Participants use their own body weight as resistance and decide what level is right for them by “self-spotting” (using the legs to assist the user to perform exercises and/or when they cannot continue an exercise. Modified pullups, pushups, tricep dips can all be done on the Lebert with ease. You control how much of your own bodyweight you use to perform an exercise. Use coupon code EQGIFT10 during checkout to receive $10 off.

BOWLFEX SELECTTECH 552 DUMBBELLS

With just the turn of a dial you can automatically change your resistance from 5 lbs all the way up to 52.5 lbs of weight. No more picking up 30 different dumbbells to give you the results you want! All you need are two Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells to transform your body for good. And the best part – they only take up the space of ONE SET of dumbbells – you won’t need an entire room dedicated for all your weights. Use coupon code SNOWFLAKE when checking out to get FREE SHIPPING.

FITNESS TO GO GIFT CERTIFICATE

Give the gift of health this year. Purchase Gift Certificates that can be used for any Fitness To Go Service. Classes, Training, Equipment Orientation, Custom/Private Bootcamps, Program Design – you name it, Fitness To Go can help you get in the best shape of your life in 2014!