Beware of the "So Called Personal Trainers"

I feel I need to address something that is extremely important to me, and that's your health and fitness results.

The problem I am seeing lately is that there are many "So Called Personal Trainers"... ready to take your money, who have no clue whatsoever on how to train you for maximum results. Some even employ techniques that are unsafe. I've seen so many group fitness instructors put their clients in harms way.

Some of these people who run boot camps, group fitness and/or personal training programs are not even qualified. Many don't have the proper certifications, degree (some are not even trained in CPR...) , much less they don't carry proper insurance or worst they don't have one.

Do you understand my concern now? I am truly worried for your health and overall fitness.

However, if you are not satisfied with your health and fitness level and are tired of just going through the motions on your own, never really accomplishing any of your goals, then it’s time to realize you need help. What if you are considering hiring a personal trainer?

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when deciding to hire a professional.

Let me address the first issue; is a personal trainer expensive? It’s not expensive when you compare it to surgery, liposuction, and other alternatives; that besides being expensive may not be safe as well. For example there are now less invasive techniques used by medical spa's (and by less invasive it means no surgery... but you must be almost naked or have someone rubbing you in an uncomfortable way) but types of lipo machines can cost over $3500 in treatments... You may see some results, probably not; however at the same time you learn nothing on how to prevent your body from getting to the same place again after a couple of months or years.

True, that in today’s economy we need to plan ahead and be smart buyers. However you either invest in yourself today or regret it tomorrow and pay a bunch more in costly health issues or by being deprived of enjoying your life with those you love. (By the way Personal Training is not a lifelong commitment… being fit and healthy is!)

Reality is that personal training fees may vary from one location to another and from the experience and expertise of the trainer. But remember you are investing in yourself. Ask yourself, what price tag do you put on a healthy and fit body? Keep this in mind, how you treat yourself today will define you tomorrow… what goes around comes around!

Now comes your concerns: how do I know if I hired the right trainer? This is where I like to highlight the differences between "the old so called personal trainer" and a true Fitness Specialist. In my opinion any personal trainer might take your money, count repetitions and get you tired. A true Fitness Specialist, will motivate you, guide you through the right path, work hard with you in order to inspire and educate you and get you in the best shape of your life.

A true Fitness Specialist will be able to understand your background. He would consider whether you'd had surgery, or been injured, or even whether you wanted to compete in a Figure, Fitness or Bodybuilding show. A true Fitness Specialist is able to explain his methods of training and why they are effective and how they relate to you. Is there an assessment process? How long will it take to see realistic results? Do they have past clients testimonials and references? For example take a look at Michelle Adams who's been training with me for a while...

What you are looking for is a reflection of trainer credibility and expertise. Anyone can print a business card with a muscle head or fit girl as their logo, and call themselves a trainer. SO… if the trainer makes cliché'd quips like, "I kick my clients’ butts…No pain, no gain, dude," thank them for their time and move on. Be an intelligent consumer. Ask for specifics and clarification if you don’t understand something. It’s your life you are trying to regain or looking to improve.

Also you should never base your selection solely on physical appearance. Sadly most of the times "Perception becomes Reality"...

A person with a flawless-looking body may not know the first thing about safely teaching proper exercise techniques or how they relate to your body. The person you hire will be teaching you skills and lifestyle habits and doesn’t need to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But trainers do need to practice what they preach. Let’s face it. Are you really going to respect someone’s opinion if you’re in better shape than they are? Probably not.

Above all, make sure you choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortable and whose personality is a good match with yours. Chemistry will go a long way towards your goals. Remember this…

ANY TRAINER can get you tired.

BUT A TRUE FITNESS SPECIALIST KNOWS HOW TO MAKE YOU BETTER!

ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

All you have to do is pick up the phone and call 941-301-9352 or e-mail: ed@fitlorenzo.com

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Today's Workout: 30 Minute Boot Camp

This week I want to start off the right way and be able to get your workouts in no matter what. So this plan is design to be used regardless if you hit the gym or stay at home.

In as little as 30 minutes you can get a great workout in. Plain and simple no excuses!!

Remember you must be accountable of your actions. Like I said in earlier post, you need to take charge of your life and take responsibility. Why stay home sitting in the couch wishing your body looked different, hoping for a miracle pill; or just the though of looking at yourself everyday in the mirror knowing you can do something about your physique and your health and yet you don’t move a finger; that sucks! Take charge of your life and do something about it. Take responsibility and don’t blame others… Remember P.R.I.D.E. = Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts.

If you take action steps to be better you will love the results and the way your body responds. But if you don't then you must accept the reality and the consequences of not losing weight, gaining fat and not liking what you see in the mirror.

This workout is designed to burn fat through interval workouts that target every inch of your body, strengthen your core and to challenge you.

The 30 Minute Workout Plan

Dedicated at least 5 minutes for a dynamic warmp.
Note: Never skip your warm up

- Perform 1 minute of some basic full body stretches
- 30 seconds Jumping Jacks
- 30 seconds Push Ups
- 30 seconds Body weigh Squats
- Repeat 1 more time

Fitlorenzo Interval Circuit 1 (10 minutes)
(Perform all exercises for 30 seconds and repeat 2 time)

- Boxing Drills. Punch a bag with cross over punches or a target mitt with a partner. If at home you can throw punches in mid air as if you have a target.
- 1 Leg Pushups. Alternate legs every 15 second.
- Jumping Jacks
- DB bicep curls
- 1 Leg Touch down balance (30 seconds each side)
- Rest for 30 seconds

Fitlorenzo Interval Circuit 2 (10 minutes)

- 1 minute DB Squats to Shoulder Raise (if at home you can use DB if you have or do bodyweight squats with your arms extended over your head... you will look as if you are praying)
- 1 minute run in place
- 1 minute 1 Leg floor hip raise 30 seconds each side
- 30 seconds Triceps Dips on a bench or chair
- 1 minute Jump Rope
- 30 seconds Rest and Repeat 1 more time

Cool Down (5 Minutes) - Full body stretching

Now go and get your workout in!

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

The Right Mindset

I want to talk to you about mindset, because mindset to an extent is everything. If your mind is not into it your body is not going to be into it and you’ll find ways to self sabotage everything that you do.

Some of the most successful people in business, life and in the fitness industry have pointed out key factors that have helped them reach their goals. Today I will share several critical things that I’ve seen works wonders in my personal life and with my clients:

1. Having doubt is normal: meaning that successful people know that doubt is a healthy part of our human coding. The difference is that they chose not to participate with it and throw those thoughts away.

2. Don’t dwell on your fear and doubts: well related to the first one. But you must understand, No, better yet you must have the courage to look at fear and doubt in the eye and don’t let it beat you. Instead take productive action steps that gear you towards your goals.

3. Be consistent: Believe in yourself that you can make it happen. Understand that there always obstacles to overcome. NEVER MISS A WORKOUT!!!

4. Don’t fear failure – fear regret: there are a lot of things you may want to do in life, maybe you have big dreams and big goals, and aspirations, but if you fear failing at those things you may never do them. What ends up happening is that you get older and start looking back and feel regret for all the things you could’ve done and didn’t do. Imagine looking at yourself everyday in the mirror knowing you can do something about your physique and your health and yet you don’t move a finger; that sucks! Take charge of your life and do something about it. Take responsibility and don’t blame others… Remember P.R.I.D.E. = Personal Responsibility In Daily Events.

5. Set goals – but be specific and realistic about your goals. Loosing 50 pounds in two weeks is ridiculous. But that could be your Ultimate Goal. Obviously it's up to you to set your own goals and to understand what it is that you wish to accomplish. Once you figure that out, then you need a strategic plan to will help you achieve this. It’ll be more likely that reach all of your goals them.

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
– Thomas Jefferson.

This is so true! In essence, if you decide you can do something, you can. And if you decide you can’t, well… then you can’t. Either way, the attitude becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that you control.

We decide how we’ll react and respond to any given situation. When you think about it, this is a very empowering thought. I read once that ‘a winning mindset is one of positive confidence. You never see successful people acting the victim or looking depressed, right? They understand that success is a direct result of their attitude’.

What if you have tried many times before? I see this all the time. People come to me wanting to lose weight and get in shape but hesitant because they’ve tried many times the so called yo-yo diets and workout programs with little to no results.

Unfortunately this becomes a combination of several things. For starters the fitness industry is full of rip-off gadgets and unhealthy choices designed to take your money. With a sea of information out there I understand the challenge this can represent.

To make a wise decision first look at credentials, track record, testimonial and success stories. And look at the people who have tried any given method at least a year or so after and see if they look the same.

Second you must admit that most of the time we tend to ‘not follow’ properly whatever plan we decide to start. Going back to point #4: Take charge of your life and do something about it. Take responsibility and don’t blame others… Remember P.R.I.D.E. = Personal Responsibility In Daily Events.

In one of my other post I wrote 6 things that will help you stay focus (have the right mindset)…

1. Set realistic goals – Reinforcing the message!!!!
2. Be accountable
3. Get a training partner
4. Know what you eat, write it down and keep a food journal
5. Have fun!!!
6. Talk with a Fitness Expert.

Think about the benefits of doing this:

1. Helps relieve stress, lower cholesterol and build a stronger heart
2. Strengthens bones, reducing risk of injuries and fractures.
3. Builds self-confidence and improves self-image
4. Re-energizes your mind and body
5. Transforms the body… You Look Sexy!!!
6. Makes you better and allows you to be better for those around you

I hope all of this helps you focus better and strengthens your mind set. Having a state of mind with all these elements is what makes a successful person.

The key message is, weather you are thinking of your business, your life dreams or your fitness goals… if you put your mind to it, you will achieve success.

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.

Motivate yourself with Enthusiasm

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” – Ralph W. Emerson

In other words enthusiasm and desire are key components to being successful. Think about it, have you ever seen a sports team win and celebrate without enthusiasm

I haven’t!... On the contrary I remember years ago when I was a kid watching a basketball game at a youth center where my brother was playing that day. His team was loosing by a landslide, I mean it was a horrible beating. (If you ask me I though they should’ve forfeit the game). Yet something amazing happened in the fourth quarter, they started to rally and made a huge comeback. The crowd was into the game, the cheers hardly let the players hear the coach... everyone was going wild.

Talk about nerve racking. When that clock turn to zero and the buzzer went off, everyone jumped off the bench ran into the middle of the court and started celebrating. It was amazing!!

Suddenly someone looks at the scoreboard and yells “guys we still lost the game”. For a second everything went silent, then weird as it sounds they started cheering and celebrating again!!! It’s the first time in life (and maybe the last one) where I saw a team lose and celebrate in the middle of the court as if they achieved something or won the NBA finals.

And you know in retrospect, I think they did achieve something. They learned to never give up, to accept challenges, to have a desire to be better, they understood the game. And looking forward today a lot those kids have become successful business people, great parents, spouses and most of them are healthy and in great shape physically.

They learned that being purpose driven and passionate about what they do, and playing as a team would bind them together and that would lead to something special. Same thing happens when we apply that same line of thinking to everything else in life.

Truth be told nothing is perfect and individually we have our own challenges to deal with and to conquer; some are work related others are of a more personal manner. Some of these challenges and difficulties we can control and some we can’t. However, there are always some things and areas where we can improve.

Personally I have gone through a lot in life, business and even my sports and fitness career. But if there is something that has never changed is that I’m passionate about what I do. When I look at all the great people I have met during my life (and I’m including the good the bad and the ugly), plus all of the people I’ve been able to help be healthy, look and feel good about themselves and their bodies… And then to see how they… “YOU”… have made a difference in my life as well, as it’s been enriched by your support, your trust, your friendship in me…. How can I not be passionate and driven to be better for me and for you?

Everyday I drill into my mind those feelings and I’m constantly looking at ways to promote love for health and fitness, to help people achieve excellence, get results, thus improving the quality of their lifestyle.

Aristotle said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”…

At the end it’s in your hands, you’re the one responsible for delivering excellence to your life every single day. Once you embrace that reality and start seeing changes, even if they are small in some areas… that leads to self P.R.I.D.E. = Personal Responsibility In Daily Events.

But make no mistake “success” is a work in progress and success requires commitment – and making that commitment is all the easier when we are enthusiastic about achieving it. Success itself brings its own reasons for being enthusiastic. Let’s say you have a goal in mind, fitness related, and you decide to work towards that goal. After a few weeks you notice that clothing doesn’t fits the same, maybe its more lose, you have dropped some body fat and weight, you put on a few pounds of muscle and now you look more tone and tight; even other people start noticing and you hear their comments of encouragement… Once you start seeing results everything changes, your morale improves and so does of the people around you. You become more positive, happier, you are more confident in your body and the way you look. That feeling leads to an improvement on how you feel on the inside and how you feel around those around you. Your love life gets better; your sex drive is higher and better, your focus and productivity at work gets better also. All of this leads to self P.R.I.D.E because we are doing something that inspires and makes a difference in your or somebody else life.

Being motivated and staying positive is always a struggle for everyone... even me! But when we are focus, passionate and purpose driven about life and our fitness goals we are one step ahead of the game. We are that much closer to success and excellence.

My next post will talk about how having the proper mindset will help you build enthusiasm.

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.