Fitness

How to choose the best personal trainer for your fitness goals — and budget

Published

2 months ago

November 2, 2024

How to choose the best personal trainer for your fitness goals — and budget

Irv Rubenstein holds a doctorate in exercise science and has run a personal fitness training studio for 35 years in Nashville, Tennessee. Obviously, he speaks positively about the benefits of using a personal trainer, and this goes for grizzled-gym goers as well as beginners.

“Most anybody can teach you how to do a bicep curl,” Rubenstein said in an interview with The Associated Press. “But only a few people can tell you how to do it if your shoulder’s hurting.”

It can be a maze finding the trainer who is best for you, Rubenstein acknowledged.

How much should credentials and education matter, or are personality and motivational skills more important? What about the cost? And how frequently should you use a personal trainer? These are just a few of the questions anyone who is searching for a trainer should ask.

“How do you discern who is best?” Rubenstein asked. “That which works best for you is the best. But finding that is the challenge.”

Education and credentials

In the United States — and in many other countries — there is no national or local government body that licenses trainers. Certification is typically issued by private entities, some more respected than others and many are in the business of generating income more than credibility.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the best known in the United States. In Canada, it’s the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Personal fitness trainer Richard Lamb, leads a group in an outdoor gym class in London, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Credit: AP/Alastair Grant

“You probably should ask if the person is certified,” said Rubenstein, who runs STEPS Fitness. “I think that’s valuable, but I don’t think it’s essential. And you should ask about academic training.”

He also issued a caveat.

“If a person is getting all their information off the internet — to the extent you can discern that — I would avoid that person,” he said of a potential trainer.

Personality and motivation

Guy Andrews runs Exercise ETC. out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Like Rubenstein, he says trainers and clients have to jibe. Credentials are important, but a personality match is essential.

Personal fitness trainer Richard Lamb, gestures as he leads an... — Personal fitness trainer Richard Lamb, gestures as he leads an outdoor gym class in London, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Credit: AP/Alastair Grant

“Primarily, it’s a service relationship,” Andrews said. “So, first you have to bond with the trainer. You’ve got to like them. The personality of me is paramount. I don’t care how well qualified someone is, how well educated they are. If you cannot enjoy working with them, the relationship is doomed to fail.”

Asking friends or gym operators for referrals could be helpful in your search. A good benchmark for a successful relationship is how many years has the referrer spent with their trainer?

“If clients have been with a trainer for eight or 10 years, that’s a good sign,” Andrews said. “Looking good in a tank top is not enough.”

Rubenstein injected another truth and laughed: “Most people who are working with a trainer for any length of time will tell you they are the best.”

Another good sign when rating trainers is whether they offer a “non-contractual relationship.” Meaning, you would not lose money if you discontinue the service.

“Then you have a trainer with integrity and confidence and probably the skills to help you,” Rubenstein said.

There is also a trainer’s style of motivation to consider. Rubenstein repeatedly said the quality of “compassion” was key in choosing the right person. But some may want a basic training drill sergeant to push them.

“The rah-rah military attitude might work for the young, the very fit,” he said. “But for the average person that type of behavior might not be motivating or stimulating.”

What’s the price?

Price is difficult to pin down. Costs vary by country and within countries by geographic region. In the United States you might pay $100-150 per hour in larger cities, maybe $50-75 in other areas. Rubenstein also said the cost compared favorably with manicures and similar personal-care services.

The cost can be prohibitive for some, Rubenstein said. It often eliminates the young and might favor older clients who have more spending power and need the service more.

“It weeds out the people who would like a trainer from those who need one,” he said.

How often with a trainer?

Andrews and Rubenstein said that beginners should meet with a trainer two or three times per week for the first six weeks. After that, once a week might be enough, or even once or twice a month for maintenance and evaluation.

“In terms of motivation, for the average person I don’t believe once a week is enough at the start,” Andrews said.

Rubenstein elaborated: “If a person is not accustomed to being in a gym, not comfortable with it or not feeling safe, twice a week with a trainer is a basic routine that will give them benefits — muscular, cardiovascular, balance, etc. Once they learn it, a person can go once a week or once a month. But that means they have to be motivated.”

Setting goals

So, you’ve found your trainer and are ready to get to work. Now what? Set some goals.

There are four main goals — depending on the client: weight management, overall fitness, special needs and overall health.

For each client, “the routines may intersect but the frequency, intensity and duration will vary,” Rubenstein said.

Setting goals in the initial interview was critical, Andrews said.

“If both parties are not on the same page when it comes to what they want, they’re doomed to failure,” he said.

A good trainer will recognize unrealistic goals, Andrews said.

“It’s often centered on how they want to look after hiring a personal trainer,” he said. “In my experience, a client whose focus is on how they will look after training — instead of how they will feel — is setting themselves up for disappointment.”

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Fitness

Grant from energy company funds exercise equipment for Ohio firefighters

Published

25 minutes ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Grant from energy company funds exercise equipment for Ohio firefighters

By J Swygart
The Lima News

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Employees of the Shawnee Township Fire Department now have access to updated exercise and fitness equipment, with more devices to arrive soon, following the receipt of a $12,367 grant from Energy Transfer company’s First Responder Fund.

According to Chris Koop, manager of public affairs for the energy logistics company with more than 120,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure located in 44 states, the program is unique as it focuses on cardiovascular health.

“That’s something the public doesn’t usually think about,” he said.

Shawnee Township Fire Department Chief Austin Miller said statistics show a majority of deaths among firefighters are cardio-related. He thanked the Energy Transfer representative for the funding that has already resulted in the purchase of a large weight-lifting machine and numerous dumbbells. Two treadmills and other new devices will arrive soon.

Miller said current equipment in the fire station is showing wear and tear, including some pieces that deteriorated to the point where they are no longer safe to use.

“This grant from Energy Transfer will enable us to replace outdated equipment, ensuring our team can safely exercise and remain fit on the job,” Miller said. “By maintaining our physical health, we can continue to meet the rigorous demands of our profession and provide the highest level of service to our community.”

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East End Firefighter Eric Frantz worked with fire chiefs to create a new source of future first responders

December 24, 2024 12:00 PM

“When we arrived, the baby had no pulse and was not breathing,” Sacramento Firefighter Adrienne Bisharat said, recalling the highway incident

December 24, 2024 08:00 AM

Henderson County Fire Chief Joseph Lynn Murphy experienced cardiac arrest hours after responding to an emergency call

December 24, 2024 06:34 AM

The chief commended firefighter/paramedic Christie Kerby for taking the lead on the grant application, saying her “dedication and hard work made all of this possible.”

Kerby said firefighters are required to work out for an hour each day and must meet fitness incentive requirements and undergo annual physical testing and health exams.

“Health and wellness is very important, not just for us but also for the community we serve,” she said.

The newly purchased equipment has been placed, due to its massive size, in a garage located behind the fire station. Other fitness equipment remains in the basement of the firehouse but will be moved into the garage area soon.

“At that point we will invite the (township) police department and township employees to join us and use the equipment after things are all set up,” Miller said.

The new exercise equipment could be moving again in the not-too-distant future. Miller said discussions surrounding a new fire station are in the early stages, and a new facility could become a reality in the next two or three years.

(c)2024 The Lima News (Lima, Ohio)
Visit The Lima News (Lima, Ohio) at www.limaohio.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully-developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.

Fitness

Bigg Boss 18 Digvijay Singh Rathee's Guide to Achieving A Well-Built Body: Expert Shares How You Can Get Those Six-Pack Abs

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Bigg Boss 18 Digvijay Singh Rathee's Guide to Achieving A Well-Built Body: Expert Shares How You Can Get Those Six-Pack Abs

Digvijay Singh Rathee, recently evicted from ‘Bigg Boss 18’, has made a name for himself as a fitness enthusiast. With his first appearance on the reality show ‘Roadies’, the 26-year-old has been in the limelight for his well-built physique and six-pack abs. His journey to achieving a well-built body is inspiring and can serve as a guide for anyone looking to enhance their physical fitness. Regarding his abs, our expert, Varnit Yadav, exercise coach had a few tips on getting the perfect body.

Strength Training

The Bigg Boss 18 ex-contestant incorporates various strength training exercises into his routine, focusing on major muscle groups. His workouts typically include weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and dips that enhance functional strength.

Running Early In The Morning

To maintain cardiovascular health and manage body fat, Digvijay integrates cardio workouts into his weekly schedule. It consists of running or jogging for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity running several times a week.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Digvijay Rathee opts for short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods to maximize calorie burn.

Regular Intake Of Meal

For his workout, the former Splitsvilla contestant opts for meals at an interval of three hours. Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes play an important role in supporting muscle repair for the youngster.

Adequate Sleep

Understanding that recovery is vital for muscle growth and overall health, Digvijay emphasises having quality sleep. He ensures to have adequate sleep each night to allow the body to recover.

ALSP READ: Ram Kapoor’s Incredible 42 Kg Weight Loss: Actor Once Followed 16/8 Intermittent Fasting, Expert Weighs

Expert Tips On Getting Six-Pack Abs

Achieving six-pack abs is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts, and requires a strategic combination of exercise, nutrition, and consistency. Regarding the same, our expert, Varnit Yadav, exercise and nutrition coach, gave a few tips. To take your body to the point where those abs are visible and popping out, you have to act on the following.

Keep dropping your body weight till you are satisfied with the body fat composition

Creating a calorie deficit is crucial, which can be achieved by eating less, exercising more, or both.

Ensure a high protein diet when reducing calories to preserve your hard-earned muscle mass; 1.5grams per kg of body weight should be a decent place to be in (considering you are staying reasonably active)

Prioritise sleeping 7 or more hours to ensure the most optimum results

Supplement if required with necessary vitamins and minerals if you are not able to meet them from your diet

Strength training at least 3-5 times a week will ensure consistent progress

Treat your abs like any other muscle in your body, but do not overtrain them, as it will be counterproductive. You can train your abs three times a week by including movements such as hanging leg raises, crunches, planks, etc.

Achieving a well-defined six-pack is a dream for many fitness enthusiasts, but it’s essential to prioritize your overall health and well-being in the process. Before embarking on any intense exercise regimen, it’s highly advisable to consult with a dietitian or fitness expert. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you follow a balanced approach that supports your fitness goals while safeguarding your body.

Fitness

This vibration plate is a secret weapon for ‘losing all that jiggly stuff’ — and $50 off on Amazon

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

This vibration plate is a secret weapon for ‘losing all that jiggly stuff’ — and off on Amazon

New year, new goals, and new products to help achieve them — that is our 2024 retail scene wrapped.

For anyone committed to working out and eating healthy, there’s nothing quite as frustrating as the last couple of inches that refuse to come off your waist. If you’ve been in that boat, you’ve probably tried all the home gym equipment under the sun — from waist trainers to resistance bands, ankle weights, treadmills, and everything in between.

Apparently, shoppers have come across one machine that seems to be working miracles for stubborn fat. The LifePro Vibration Plate creates a full-body vibration that stimulates musculature, causing extra contractions and increased activation at all stages of your workout. Best of all, it’s currently 25% off on Amazon, right on time for your new year’s workout regimen.

RELATED: Save $150 today, hit gym goals tomorrow — Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are on sale

If it’s any testament to its power and efficiency, 10,000 of these compact exercise machines have been purchased in the last month alone. Over 25,000 customers have left reviews, and many are alleging that the LifePro Vibration Plate reduces pain, improves strength, and even shakes some weight off.

“I am a ‘very mature’ young lady and find it challenging to find a gym I like. When I saw this advertised, I knew I had to have it!” one customer shared. “I can balance on it, jiggle on it, massage on it, and do exercises on it. I am losing all that jiggly stuff that is hard to get rid of when ‘mature.’ Try this machine. It is so worth it!”

If you’ve been curious about vibration plate technology, now is the time to try it out without breaking the bank (or scale)!

Amazon

According to LifePro, the benefits you’ll get from your vibration platform go far beyond building muscle. With consistent use and a speed range from 1 to 99, the LifePro Vibration Plate can boost metabolism, lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation, which can also help burn unwanted fat and suppress stress levels (especially helpful around the holidays). The set comes with resistance bands, a remote, and access to free online workout videos to get you started. It’s also placed on wheels, which makes it easy to transport and tuck away when you have company over.

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.