GUIDELINES FOR COMMON SENSE FITNESS AND GOOD HEALTH

There are many alleged "facts" floating around in the field of fitness these days. Some of these involve nutrition, dietary supplements, and the sciences used in actual physical training.

I have always trained my clients (and myself) using principles that can be scientifically proven to be effective. Through sixteen years of research, I have found these principles to include one common denominator: good common sense!

Here are some of my personal guidelines:

• Spend your time and money on knowledge and education. They will benefit you far more than any piece of equipment, gym membership, or pill ever will.
  
  
• Understand that as human beings, our bodies behave much like our caveman predecessors in that we are survival "machines". We react to movement and nutrition in straightforward ways...like it or not. If we factor this into our training programs, we can discover and implement solid programs that are effective.
  
  
• There is nothing as good for us as healthy food. No, we won't suffer from an occasional bacon cheeseburger, however proper sensible diet is as good as it gets for optimum health. Dietary supplements typically do not live up to their claims. Multi-vitamins and meal replacements have their place, I think, but try to get good food first.
  
  
• Quality over Quantity. I cannot stress this enough. We have all seen people working out by "throwing" heavy weights around. Not only can these heavy weights cause potential joint and connective tissue damage, but also let’s remember……our muscles cannot read. They do not know how many "pounds" we are lifting. It is far more important to properly apply a sufficient demand on the muscle so that it can respond and adapt accordingly. There is no substitute for a good quality movement with an appropriate resistance.
  
  
• Workouts do not have to be some endless formal session of misery. For most people, an effective resistance training session can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, and it is enjoyable if designed correctly. Sure it's work....but it's the kind that leaves you feeling good!
  
  
• Trainers should work toward educating their clients so that they can operate on their own. If we are doing our job well, our knowledge will transfer to our clients. While each person is different, and some may very well need numerous sessions, most do not. We, as trainers, should keep this in mind. The point here is that people benefit from long-term consistent training. I don't expect them to automatically know everything, but neither do I expect them to have to pay a trainer endlessly. I will get paid for the time I do give, but let's work on your not having to depend on this forever.
  
  
• Finally......Ethics rules everything! Trainers should do what's right for the right reasons. Be of help to clients, don't take advantage of them. This practice comes back tenfold.
  

No fads, no gimmicks, no wonder pills, no overnight miracles. Instead, I find that overall fitness and good health is something that can be achieved through consistent programs of movement and sound nutrition. In addition, I have found that the amount of shiny equipment needed is less than you probably think.