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Personal Trainer or Personal Chef?

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Celebrities make loads of dough, and keeping up their svelte appearance is part of their job. To help them stay slim and toned, most stars can afford to have live-in chefs prepare healthy meals for them all day, everyday. They can also afford to hire full-time personal trainers who coach them (in their home gyms, I'm sure) and give them advice on how to get the bodies they want. Most of us don't have that luxury, but if you could choose one, which would you rather have?

Personal Trainer or Personal Chef?

Personal trainer

Personal chef

Neither. I'd choose ______________ .

Fit Tip: Consider Your Personal Trainer Temporary

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Hiring a personal trainer is a fabulous way to start or pump up a fitness routine, just don't rely on her too heavily because eventually you are going to need to learn to exercise on your own. Use your trainer to learn new moves, how to use the equipment, how to establish a routine, and to end a plateau. Whenever I work with a trainer, I always bring along a notebook so I can take notes and do the things I learned on my own.

Also, before I even get started I ask how long she has had most of her clients for and if it's ever over more than a year, it's a red flag that the trainer may not be preparing you for life without her. Learning to be healthy and fit on your own could add years on your life, but it will also save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. So by all means, hire a trainer, just use her as a trainer and not as a full time reason not to learn anything on your own.

Source

Do You Have a Personal Trainer?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We usually see John Mayer working out on his own but recently it looks like he has enlisted the expertise of trainer Harley Pasternak. I've been off and on trainers for the past few years, but right now I am going about it on my own. What about you guys? Do you have a personal trainer right now?Bauer-Griffin Online

Do You Have a Personal Trainer?

Yes

Other — tell us below

5 Ways to Know You Need a New Trainer

FitSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

A personal trainer can help you tremendously in your efforts in getting fit. Most trainers are with you 100 percent in that goal, but some can be lacking in their efforts. Trainers aren't cheap so here are a few tips that could be indicators that you may need to put your money (and time) towards another trainer:

She did not sit down with you to get your history. Trainers should sit down with their clients to get their health history as well as assess their fitness levels before having them do a single sit-up.
He does not pay attention while you're doing your exercises. A trainer is supposed to make sure you are doing the exercises properly so you can get the best workout. If your trainer takes the time to clean up the weight room, check her voice mail or gossip with another trainer while you're doing your sets then you may want to look for another trainer.
She has you doing the same stuff over and over again. This is why you hired a trainer in the first place, right? Your trainer should have you switching up your exercises. A little repetition is OK, but doing the same stuff over and over again is not.

There are a few more so

Personal Trainer: Male or Female?

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:10:00 -0700

When it comes to personal trainers, I have no preference for a female trainer over a male. As long as a trainer inspires me, keeps me moving, and helps me get stronger to attain my goals, I am fine with either. So which do you prefer?

Personal Trainer: Male or Female?

Male

Female

Doesn't matter to me.

I would never see a personal trainer.

Fit Tip: Pick Your Own Personal Trainer

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

A lot of gyms will lure you in with a few free sessions with one of their personal trainers when you sign up for a membership. I am a big fan of taking advantage of this offer, but don't let the gym pick your trainer. Instead, ask questions so you can learn a little bit about each of them and then pick the one that seems to suit you best. If you don't, chances are your gym will just assign a trainer who is available (i.e. has a wide open calendar) to you that you may or may not like, and you probably won't get the most out of your time with them. Better yet, if you can wait, check them out while you're at the gym before you make your choice. You may see a trainer whose style you really like, or dislike, which could help you pick.

Source

Would You Want Danny Bonaduce as Your Trainer?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Recently I was checking out Podfitness, a new site that offers personal training podcasts by many prominent trainers. Names such as as David Kirsch (Heidi Klum's trainer), Mandy Ingber (Jennifer Aniston's trainer), Michael George (Reese Witherspoon's trainer), and Danny Bonaduce (former child actor?) are available by download. Wait, Danny Bonaduce. Yup, Danny Bonaduce. I have heard that Danny has had his hand in fitness lately (boxing and wrestling for charity), but didn't he recently drop someone on their head on stage during an award show? Battery and assault are not really things I'm looking for in a personal trainer. I've also watched about 1.5 episodes of Breaking Bonaduce and I can honestly say I would not want Danny as my personal trainer, but maybe I am alone here. Would you? Even if it were free (which it's not, Podfitness is $19.95 per month)?

Would You Want Danny Bonaduce as Your Trainer?

Yes—I loved Danny Partridge!

No—I'd prefer to keep my teeth.

Other—tell us below.

Have you ever worked with a personal trainer?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

It is often recommended that people work with a certified personal trainer when they are learning how to perform strength training excises. While a trainer can definitely help you learn your way around the gym, just a single session can be pricey. So...

Have you ever worked with a personal trainer?

Yes! I work with a trainer weekly.

Yes! I see my trainer once a month for a new program to get feedback.

I used to see a trainer but don't any longer.

I have never worked with a personal trainer.

Other - tell me below

Avoid Starting an Unrealistic Workout Schedule...

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

A lot of us get very ambitious when it comes to embarking on a new fitness program. We say, "Starting this week I am going to workout everyday for at least an hour. And I am going to do some yoga. And I am going to cook healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners from now on."

You go girl, but what about those two kids at home, the 9-5 job and didn't you want to make everyone's Christmas presents by hand this year?

Here is the thing: I am all for ambitions however, when it comes to working out, most of us need to start slow and work our way up to a full fitness routine. Start with a few days a week and as your body (and your schedule) adjusts, add another day. This way you decrease your chances of burning out due to not being able to fit it in. If you're working with a personal trainer, fill her in on your current schedule so that she can formulate a plan that will fit into your life, not take it over -- A good personal trainer will realize this is a necessity for adherence.

How Would You Spend $1000 on Your Health???

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

SourceToday is your lucky day. Someone just walked up and handed you $1000 - the catch though is that you have to spend it on your health. So I want to know...

Huge Personal Trainer: Motivating or Intimidating?

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I've been having myself a chuckle (ok, a few chuckles) over recent pictures of Ginger Spice and the Hulk, ahem I mean Gerri Halliwell and her personal trainer. Gerri is definitely looking toned lately so he must be working well for her, but I am curious what you guys think - Would having a seriously pumped-up personal trainer be motivating or intimidating?Bauer-Griffin

Huge Personal Trainer: Motivating or Intimidating?

Motivating

Intimidating

Other - Tell us below

Personal Trainer for Kids, A Good Idea?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

A recent report from Newsweek points to a trend in parents hiring personal trainers for their kids. Some parents do it to help with weight loss, others to give their kid a leg up in sports or simply because they want to instill in their child a love of physical activity, but regardless of the reason, I am curious how you guys feel about it. So do you think it's a good idea for parents to hire a personal trainer for their kids? Source

Personal Trainer for Kids, A Good Idea?

Yes

Other - Tell us below

Healthy Gift Ideas for Father's Day

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Forget the tie this Father's Day. How about getting your dad something that will encourage a long, healthy life? Here are some healthy gift ideas:

A massage to relieve stress and ease sore muscles, especially if dad has chronic pain.
1 year subscription to Men's Health magazine

Dark chocolate golf balls (Set of 3 for $6.00) - remember dark chocolate is good for us!
A bottle of red wine - full of healthy antioxidants that fight disease.
A Grill Basket, also called a Wok Topper ($24.99), so he can cook up some healthy veggies instead of a steak every time he BBQs.
Home visit from a Personal Trainer - The trainer can come to your dad's home and show him exercises and routines to help him reach his health and fitness goals. You can get 1 session or a few, depending on your budget.
Surprise your dad and plan a day hike, long bike ride, a doubles tennis match against your mom and sibling, a fun run, an afternoon of golf, or whatever sport or exercise your dad is into. It's great to support and encourage each other to be active.

You have only a few more days to buy a gift - Father's Day is Sunday, June 17th.

Personal Chef or Personal Trainer?

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Most of us plan and cook our own meals and when it comes to working out, we pretty much train ourselves. Celebrities are lucky because they have live-in chefs who prepare healthy meals for them all day, everyday. They also have personal trainers who work with them (in their home gyms, I'm sure) for a couple hours each day, giving them motivation and advice on how to get the body they want. What if you could choose one, which would you rather have?Source or Source

Personal Chef or Personal Trainer?

A Personal Chef

A Personal Trainer

Excuses For Not Working Out: I Don't Know How!

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

We've all got our excuses for not working out, but if yours is: I don't know how, then it's time to get over it and learn.

Here is the thing; there are many ways you can overcome that excuse, such as:

Do what you know. Everyone knows how to walk fast or jog and most of us know how to do a few push-ups, sit-ups and jumping-jacks, so get to it. You don't have to get fancy right away (or ever for that matter).
Hire a personal trainer. That is basically why they are there for, so take advantage of it.
Utilize the gym staff. Believe it or not the staff at the gym is good for more than just checking your membership card when you walk in. If you don't know how to use a machine, ask.
Utilize learning sessions. Most gyms offer a free session with one of the house trainers to take you through the gym and teach you how to use the machines. Don't be afraid that they are going to push you to workout; this is usually just an informative session.
Check out my videos to learn a few moves. They're fun, easy, informative and free.
Try a DVD. DVDs are cheap and informative, plus if you are worried about not knowing what to do, you can mess up in the comfort of your own home.
Don't worry about what others think. Chances are that 95% of the people in the gym are learning as they go along too, so don't worry too much about the chick next to you that looks like she's a pro -- Anyone can buy a pair of lifting gloves.

Source

Would You Hire an Overweight Personal Trainer?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I read an article in the Washington Post recently that touches upon the issue of overweight trainers and its implications, inside and outside the gym. It seems that overweight trainers are faced with major criticism and have a harder time getting hired at gyms. The whole thing got me thinking about my gym and the fact that I have seen several overweight employees there. The visual skepticism of their ability as a trainer has definitely crossed my mind, good or bad, I have yet to decide. I am curious how you guys feel about it -- Would you hire an overweight personal trainer?

Would You Hire an Overweight Personal Trainer?

Yes!

No!

Undecided.

Other. Tell us Below!

How to Choose a Personal Trainer

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you're in the market for a personal trainer, you may be a bit intimidated by those that you see at the gym. I have seen trainers yelling at their clients, which to some people may be motivating, but to others it's just downright scary. Here are a few tips from the American Council on Exercise on picking the right trainer for you:

Ask for references: Ask the trainer for the names and phone numbers of other clients with goals similar to yours. Call to see if they were pleased with their workouts, if the trainer was punctual and prepared, and if they felt their individual needs were addressed. The best personal trainer to hire is the one others give high marks to.
Make sure the trainer has liability insurance and provides business policies in writing: Many personal trainers operate as independent contractors and are not employees of a fitness facility. You should find out if the trainer you want to hire carries professional liability insurance. A reputable personal trainer should also make sure you understand the cancellation policy and billing procedure. The best way to avoid confusion and to protect your rights is to have those policies in writing.
Look for a trainer who is able to assist you with your special needs: A personal trainer should always have you fill out a health history questionnaire to determine your needs or limitations. If you have a medical condition or a past injury, a personal trainer should design a session that takes these into account. If you're under a doctor's care, a personal trainer should discuss any exercise concerns with your doctor, and should ask for a health screening or release from your doctor.
Find out what the trainer charges: Rates vary, depending on the trainer's experience, and the length and location of the workout session. For example, a personal trainer who works in a fitness club will probably charge less per hour than one who works independently and needs to come to your home or office.
Decide if this is someone you can work with: Some people like to exercise in the morning, some in the evening. Will the personal trainer you're talking to accommodate your schedule? What about the trainer's gender? Some people do better working with a trainer of the same sex; others prefer the opposite sex.

For a few of my own personal tips

Virtual Trainer: Maya Yourself! Fitness

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Personal trainers are a great way to get motivated. Problem is that some of us can't afford one, or that we are just too shy to even go there. Well, what about a virtual personal trainer?

Maya, the Yourself!Fitness ($24.99-$34.99) personal trainer, will help you choose your health and fitness goals and then she will work with you to achieve them. Virtual Maya will guide you through workouts (there are over 500 exercises) and you're not supposed to ever have the same workout twice. You get to choose everything from your music to your mood to your focus areas, and Maya will take care of the rest.

Once you set up your preferences Maya guides you through your workout, giving you step-by-step coaching from warm-up to cool-down, all in the comfort of your own home. You can buy Yourself!Fitness for your Playstation2, xBox or PC directly from the Yourself!Fitness site. I think I am more of a people person when it comes to training, but this is definitely a great concept!

Personal Trainer and Nutritionist: Just 6.99/Month

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 02:28:14 -0800

Have you always wanted a personal trainer and nutritionist but just can't afford one?

GymAmerica.com offers online personalized workouts and diets -- The artificial intelligence will change your plan based on your progress in relation to your goals. I like this site because it's great for the person who likes to go to the gym but has no idea what to do once they walk through the door. The site also offers many animated exercise demonstrations so you can see how to do certain exercises. The other cool thing is that you can print out shopping lists and recipes as well as see ways to substitute with your current recipes.

This site is not good for you if you are the type that needs a supportive community or if you need someone pushing you every step of the way. It is up to you to log on and fill out the forms so GymAmerica can track your progress.

Right now GymAmerica is offering a free 10 day trial (you do have to give them your credit card info though) so you can try it out with no obligations! Visit GymAmerica for more information.

When and How To Give a Fit Gift

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:30:00 -0800

I remember one Christmas my mom was hoping for some diamond earrings as a gift from my dad. Boy was she disappointed to find an exercise bike under the tree with her name on it.

Needless to say, the bike didn't get used much. Jazzercise was more her thing.

Anyway, I still think giving the gift of fitness is a great idea, but just make sure your friend or loved one has expressed interest in the subject. Folks tend to drop hints on these things or at least ask for advice on what gym to join. If you have heard someone say how much they would love to try a private session of Pilates - get them a gift certificate. If your sister thinks having a personal trainer sounds cool - purchase a session with a trainer at her gym for her. If your best friend keeps saying she wants to go to yoga with you, buy her a package of classes at your favorite yoga studio.

Gift certificates are an easy gift to buy, especially for folks out of state. Plus they always fit.