6 Secrets From the Pros
Getting fit isn’t always easy, but a little insider advice can set you on the path to success. We got the scoop from seven area trainers who gave us their top tips for staying healthy, motivated, and happy on the way to reaching your fitness goals.
Always Get an Assessment.
"This is the first step when starting a fitness plan. People are always seeking “get fit quick” tips, but until you consider your health history, understand what your body is capable of, and determine your goals, it will be difficult to make significant progress. A hard workout may not always be an effective one. Keep in mind that fitness is a process, not a program! You can continue to progress, but it’s important to understand the limitations of your body and not compare yourself to the next person."
Adam and Bethany Macke
Personal Trainers, High Point Climbing and Fitness
Mix It Up.
"I always recommend developing a “flow” of workouts throughout the week. Changing it up and adding variety will keep you from getting injured. The flow I use myself and offer to clients is a combo of high-intensity cardio, strength training with barbells and dumbbells, and barre class for working muscles not captured in the other forms of exercise. I also recommend daily core conditioning and stretching via Pilates or yoga to reduce fatigue in the body and keep the back strong. Using different forms of exercise each week will result in higher strength gains overall."
Teresa Wade
Trainer, Sportsbarn
Don't Focus on the Scale.
"Not letting the scale discourage you or hinder your progress is one of the hardest tips of all. But it’s important to base the majority of your progress on how you feel physically (Are you getting stronger? Do you have more energy? Are you sleeping better?), rather than numbers. Our bodies improve in a myriad of ways as we work out, but too many times people give up because the scale is stuck on a certain number. In no way am I saying that we shouldn’t have weight goals! It’s just a common mistake to view the scale as the sole benchmark for how your fitness is coming along."
Andre Glover
Fitness Expert, Gold's Gym
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone.
"I think it’s important to push yourself in every area as you work out – not just your body, but your mind and spirit too. So if there’s a particular workout that you’re doing, work to increase the time or intensity each time. Or if you’re used to just working indoors, get outside and push yourself to work out in the elements, whether it’s cold, hot, raining, or snowing. Find a team of people who will give you brand new ideas and motivate and encourage you no matter what."
Rachel Adams
Spartan Group X Coach, North River YMCA
Find Healthy Motivation.
"When you go into an exercise regimen, routine, or program, you need to ask yourself if your motivation is healthy both mentally and emotionally. If you’re motivated by vanity, not true health and wellness, you’ll still be empty when you reach your goal. You have to do it the healthiest way possible if you want to be content with yourself. Remember you can be thin but not fit and vice versa. Make sure you’re reaching your fitness goals in a safe, smart, and effective way."
Kyle Johnston
Managing Partner, Forte Fitness
Stay Positive.
"Thoughts become words, words become actions. Since the brain controls every aspect of the body, it all starts with your thoughts, and that means every day and every repetition can be a learning experience. Press those negative thoughts out of your mind and remember that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason! When starting a fitness routine for the first time, it's important to stay positive. Encourage yourself to succeed, and those encouragements will help you actively reach your fitness goals."
Jordon Afman
Professional Coach and Advisor, D1 Sports Training