So Many Fitness Choices....So Little Time!

How do you evaulate what is the best "fitness mode" for your goals, lifestyle and current fitness level?  I always tell people to proceed with caution.  It is great that you are ready to change up or start a fitness program, but you need to know a few facts. 

*Check Credentials- anyone can call themselves a fitness professional or personal trainer.  Heck, you need a license to cut hair in the State of Missouri, but anyone can condition another persons body.  Does that make sense?  Look for NSCA- CSCS, ACE, and ACSM preferable with a degree in exercise science or a health related field.   In the group conditioning word, AFFA and ACE are the two primarly certifications, but I would still look for a person who doubles as a personal trainer with one of the aforementioned certifications.

*Avoid the one trick pony- sit down with a fitness or health professional who has access or knowledge about various fitness modalities, not just one approach to fitness.  If pilates works for you, then great.  If running is your thing, great, get with someone to develop a strength training program that is geared toward enhancing running economy and injury prevention.  A fitness pro should listen to your goals, like and dislikes and build a program around your needs, not what they have to offer.   Fitness tools, such as kettle bells can get over-hyped when they first come out and many fitness people will jump on the band wagon.  These are just tools and should be incorporated into a well rounded program.  Otherwise, overuse injuries may occur.     

*The Team Approach- once you find the "mode" of training that is working for you, surround yourself in an environment that offers everything you need to keep working toward your goal.  Registered dietitians, physical therapists, massage therapists, a good chiropractic physician and an advanced personal trainer should be available when you are ready to continue advancing your program or when you need a little restoration!  Even better when you can get all these folks communicating with each other.    

*Keep it Simple- you should not be driving all over town to achieve your fitness goals.  Just because something is trendy doesn't mean you should do it 4x week.  If you are inspired by something, don't cut out everything that has gotten you to this point, instead, add a day and see how it goes.                   

 *Be Realistic- if you haven't exercised in a while, a lot has changed.  Many workout programs are bordering on unsafe for even the most advanced exercisers.  Start with the basics and build from there.  Build up your cardiovascular base with 10-30 minutes of cardio several times per week on an elliptical, bike or treadmill.  Get your nutrition evaulated by a registered dietitian and make some healthy changes to shed a few lbs. and lastly, seek a personal trainer or physical therapist to perform a functional fitness evaulation and let them guide you in the right direction.  Fitness shouldn't be fanatical, it should just be an aspect of your life that makes you more productive and healthy.

*Don't hesitate- if you are ready to get started, don't let this blog be an adherant to getting started.  Just consider this information when you start your fitness journey.

Best of luck and don't hesitate to post any questions or comments.