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A Match Made in Heaven

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on September 18, 2013

Written by Judy Joyce, Certified Personal Trainer

The marriage of diet and exercise is the one relationship that will never let you down. But, like any successful relationship it requires commitment.

If “You’re too Busy to Diet”, you’re probably thinking you’re really too busy to exercise.

First, the diet, then the gym membership and the grueling hours of exercise to burn those calories.  Wrong!  You don’t hear too many personal trainers saying “slow down” but charging into exercise can be as disastrous as trying to lose weight with a drastic calorie reduction.  We’ve all been there, myself included. Yo yo dieting, too much exercise in a short period of time and we can barely stand – for days, if not longer. My motto is: slow and steady wins the race.   Number one goal:  to establish a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Some trainer tips for committing to an exercise program:

1. Physician clearance.  Depending on your current level of activity and fitness, it’s always a good idea to start with a physical.  It’s one of the best preventions for early derailment of an otherwise sound exercise program.

2. Here’s the “S” word again.  Start Slow and progress cautiously, especially if you are new to exercise.  This is also good advice for those who may be seasoned “exercisers” but are changing routines or starting something completely new.

3. Find something you enjoy.  If you’re new to exercise, try different routines or classes.   I give new meaning to “2 left feet” in a step aerobics class.  But, I’m completely at home in a cardio kickboxing class.  I also thought I would never like yoga or Pilates.  I now teach Mat Pilates and do yoga 3- 5 days a week; and my joints thank me for it.  Remember, walking is still one of the best forms of physical activity.  When in doubt, take a walk. It’s free and as close as your front door.

4. No matter what you choose, include some sort of strength training.  The benefits abound.  It is my exercise of choice so, more on that topic later.

5. When in doubt, consider a personal trainer.  Be leery of “Big” gyms that want to sell you packages and randomly assign you to a trainer, more likely than not, based on scheduling rather than your fitness goals. A trainer should have only one thing in mind, your goals, not their favorite routines.  If you do consider a gym that has personal training, ask to speak with the trainer before you purchase.

6. Consider an independent trainer.  I left the big gym in order to train clients privately.  It allowed more flexibility in scheduling for me and my clients.  I am not rushing away from clients at exactly the 30 or 60 min. mark because someone else is waiting at the desk.   There is also more flexibility in how you utilize a trainer.  Maybe it is for an initial consult to find the best type of program for your personal needs.  Maybe you want to train once a month or check in when it’s time to switch up your routine.

7. Remember, the key to success is finding something you can stick with.   Your combined relationship between a sound nutrition program and an active lifestyle will reap a lifetime of benefits.