FAQ’s 

How do I lose belly fat?

Exercises that incorporate several major muscle groups and are weight bearing will utilize more calories per minute, and thus are going to be better suited for fat loss. The amount of adipose tissue burned after a workout depends, in part, on the exercise intensity during the workout. While both strength training and endurance exercise have been shown to decrease body fat percentage, a combination of endurance and strength training results in more fat loss than either exercise regimen alone.

Do I need to take dietary supplements?

The majority of individuals will not require dietary supplements unless they present with a documented vitamin deficiency or they are not consuming a balanced diet. Using supplements as an alternative to a sound diet can lead to deficits of other nutrients. It is healthier, and easier for the body to absorb and utilize, to acquire vitamins and minerals from whole food sources as opposed to obtaining them from a pill.

Why are my muscles so sore after a workout?

Soreness results from the high force production incurred when an exercise is new or a load is greater than normal. Although the general consensus among laypersons is that lactic acid is the cause of muscle soreness, the truth is that lactic acid (lactate) is removed from the muscles within 30 to 60 minutes post-exercise, so it cannot possibly be the culprit responsible for delayed onset muscle soreness.

How do I tone my flabby arms up?

This is a common concern among female clients. One of the biggest exercise myths is that we can lose fat in an area of the body by strength training or exercise that specific body part. The truth is that “spot reducing” does not work simply because we cannot dictate from whence our bodies will decide to oxidize fat.

Why can’t I just do cardio?

While cardiovascular training is great for building strong hearts and lungs, it doesn’t provide the stimulus the body requires for building bigger, stronger muscles. Bodies are able to adapt fairly quickly to whatever load we ask them to move. Adding strength training to an exercise program allows the client to increase the load on his muscles, alter the range of motion through which the joints move, and target different muscles than those utilized during typical cardiovascular training.

Why don’t my workouts get easier?

Individuals often assume that as the body becomes stronger and more familiar with the exercises performed each week, the workouts will eventually start to feel easier. However, a big advantage to working with a seasoned trainer is that he possesses the knowledge to dictate the training so as to keep your body guessing and moving forward at a reasonable rate. When exercises are progressed frequently and consistently, the body never truly adapts to the workout, making each training session feel just as challenging as the one before.

How much sleep should I get?

Although getting eight hours of shut-eye a night has been a general rule of thumb, new research has emerged indicating that seven hours of sleep is optimal for both longevity and brain function. Too much sleep can come with its own set of issues, some of which might be underlying health conditions and/or sleep disorders that need to be addressed such as depression, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, etc.

Should I train before or after work?

As with any new habit, 10-21 days are typically required to adapt to a new training regimen, including time of day. Stress to my clients the importance of commitment to both the exercise sessions and the agreed-upon time of day is key.

How do I stay in shape?

Most personal trainers love to receive this inquiry! While there is no “cookie-cutter” approach to designing client programs, some trainers will train clients using a similar philosophy to how they design their own workouts. Keep in mind that, although you may prefer running for cardio and yoga for flexibility, these may not be the ideal choices for every client.