When I first started getting back into exercise, (after a lengthy absence!), I loved it. I knew what I wanted to achieve, and I saw a trainer to get some help at the start. I worked on the stuff I wanted and achieved what I wanted. I felt better, stronger, healthier, reversed my sciatica and enjoyed working out. I enjoyed it so much and felt such a positive impact on my health and life that I wanted to share my passion and enthusiasm to help other people. So I trained as a fitness instructor.
After taking my fitness instructor course, I had a better understanding of how to help people and how to train myself. This course was basic and didn’t go into too much detail. After a while, I wanted to learn more. So I took a certified personal trainer course among many other more specific courses. I found the courses have great information based on good research and scientific fact. I completed my personal trainer course knowing a lot more about how the body works and all the ways exercise could help or hurt your body.
I found myself working out less and less after this! Why? There is so much research being done in exercise science, health and nutrition now. We know so much more about how the body reacts to exercise and nutrition. Many previously common practices are being slated as detrimental and harmful. A lot of the exercise I was doing before may not have been the best for me. So I didn’t work out as much for fear of doing myself harm, and of course my fitness suffered.
We are bombarded with negative information about what not to eat, how not to exercise, what machines not to use and so on… It can be tough to figure out what is best for you. So if you can relate to this at all, follow these steps to try and bring some clarity back to your health and fitness regime.
1. Be clear in your own mind what you want to achieve. Write down what you want to achieve … a weight, a size, a strength, a time, whatever it is. Write it down.
2. Get new information to supplement what you already know. Talk to a trainer, physical therapist, doctor, masseuse, rolfer etc. Learn more to train smarter.
3. Set a plan. Once you know what you want and have sufficient knowledge on how to achieve it, start planning.
4. Listen to your body. Every body is different. We all respond differently to exercise. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. It might just be a simple technique or flexibility issue … or it could be a warning sign. Ask an expert.
5. Beware of “short cuts.” There are lots of ads out there promoting miracle supplements and training fads. There may well be good research behind them, but make sure you do your research before jumping on board.
You are so right Tom regarding the conflicting information. I think it’s a matter of treating each person as an individual instead of one size fits all. Also I liked the fact you are telling people to listen to their body ! Wise words …..
Also, he have sorted out a great point which is the last one. People who are looking for fitness solution around the web, almost all of them came across some beautiful ads telling “Get 6 pack abs within 30 days” or “Grow your muscles within 7 days” and believe me, most of those products are crap. Gaining good fitness can never be so easy as they shows. Personal trainers are the best examples of this statement.
Too many times I have seen trainers with a one size fits all approach, in fact a number of my clients came to me because of this. Everyone is different and that should be taken into account when designing a programme. Great article.
The problem is there is too many information but desinformation. We work HIT as you can see here and the improvements are great
A proper workout is still the best supplement you need. Workout supplements are just for assistance.
The consumption of some dietary supplements may also help prevent cancer. A number of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E, act as antioxidants in the body. They work to neutralize chemicals called free radicals that cause oxidative damage within your cells.
this is very useful . earlier i was not aware of many things told in.
good work keep it up and thanks for providing such vital information
Hi Tom Parkin,
I totally agree with you. You have written Informational article buddy, which I also agree to be followed by every individual who gone through fitness regime. I am a personal trainer and I always tell my clients to accept yourself to what you area and become self-aware of how you feel which I also mentioned in my personal training philosophy. Through your article I get to know many new things of which I was not aware before. You know, everyone is actually aware of everything but sometimes we are not executing those things the way it should be. But now, am sure whoever comes to your article would appreciate and definitely learn something new atleast in a better way.
Good informative post. I am also a Personal Fitness Trainer. Even I started my own business where I provide practical and theoretical knowledge with proper equipments but still I saw so many candidates who don’t have a clear objective.
I must share this posts with them through my website. So that they can read and get some positive vibes for their future.
Thanks Tom