It’s that time again! 2014 has reached us and that means all that holiday food and consumption of sweets has found a new home around the waistline. Many Americans overindulge around the holidays and therefore feel bad when its all said and done. Guilt and a new year brings them hope that by signing up at a gym or contacting a personal trainer will help them shed those unwanted pounds. Have you heard this before? I have. For the past 30 years, my phone doesn’t stop ringing as potential clients fill the schedule hoping to get started with their new year’s resolution.
So I get asked questions all the time from people, “what type of program would best suit me”? This is a complicated question. It would be easy for me to say just join a gym and start working out with someone, but the real answer depends on many factors. 1. Your age 2. training background 3. Have you had any surgeries? 4.Are you on any medicine? 5. do you have any aches or pains at the present time? 6. When was the last time you worked out? 7. What are your short term goals? 8. What are your long term goals? After compiling all the data plus a few other questions the next step is to ask yourself do you want to workout inside or outside? Also do you want to workout on your own or in a small group setting? Many people make the mistake of getting all caught up in new years resolutions and jump into fitness routines that are either way too advanced for them or unrealistic for their present physical condition. The following information might make your decision easier regarding where to start your fitness plan.
If you are new to working out or haven’t worked out consistently for at least a year the best place to start might be a gym. Find a qualified certified trainer to assist putting together a plan for you and then have a couple of follow up sessions to make sure you are progressing and have correct form. If you would rather workout at home the P-90x home video program is good and has beginner to advanced conditioning levels. Its functional and movement based so getting strong, lean and fit is what this program is about. People have reported losing 10-30 pounds from doing their exercises consistently for 8-10 weeks. this program has been voted the best home exercise program on the market.
If you like to work out outdoors, there are many fitness bootcamps available to push you in the right direction. They involve running, jumping, calisthenics, agility, strength and cardio training. They will tailor the camp to your needs by pushing you but not beyond your limits. This is a great way to lose weight help your heart become stronger and workout in the sun. For those of you who cant stand gyms this might be the best thing for you! You can also do many of the trail hikes that the valley has to offer to either sprint, jog or ride your bike.
People who have had previous surgeries , orthopedic conditions, or have any illnesses or any other health conditions should seek the advice from their physician first before starting a program. Starting an exercise program with a licensed health care practitioner would be a good idea so that you aren’t given any exercises that would compromise any physical problems that you are or have experienced in the past.
If you are the type that enjoys stretching and core conditioning then Yoga and pilates classes are always forming. There are many types of yoga so, before you choose one research the various types .
These are just a few of the more popular ideas but whatever you choose to do, please get cleared by your physician first before starting up an exercise routine.
Michael K Butler B.A.;P.T.A.;CSCS*D;RSCC*D NMT is co owner of Kinetix Health and Performance center in Palm Desert. He holds a state license as a physical therapist assistant, national certifications of distinction through the NSCA as a strength and conditioning coach, Poliquin International state coach and as a Full Body Active Release Techniques Practitioner. He is the fitness expert on a sports radio talk show (1010 kxps) . He can be reached at 760-200-1719 or at michael@kinetixcenter.com. His website is kinetixcenter.com
