As with all things, fitness trends come and go. Step Aerobics, Jazzercise, and the Thighmaster were just a few I remember as I was growing up. Or what about the treadmill that seemed like such a great purchase, but is now accumulating dust in your basement? Incorporating movement into our day isn’t always easy, and maintaining the motivation to do it ongoing can be even more of a challenge. So, where do you start?
If you have not had training to learn about how to safely and effectively move your body to achieve your particular goals, I would encourage you to find a trained professional you can trust to at least help you get started. Fitness professionals can have a really wide variety of training, from online certifications that take just a few weeks to four year degrees and beyond. Explore each professional’s level of training, philosophy of care, and areas of expertise to find providers that best fit with your personality, needs, and goals. From there, also consider location, availability, appointment options (do they offer one-on-one or group options), and pricing.
If you are working one-on-one with a fitness professional, the first session is typically designed to get to know you, your particular needs and goals. Expect mostly assessment and education, with maybe some demonstration and possibly a short, light workout. As you work together in future sessions, programming should be unique to you with an emphasis on education and how you can ultimately continue being active safely on your own. Maintain open communication, sharing how you are feeling during and in-between sessions.
Learning to incorporate movement into your day safely and effectively is an important part of improving your overall health and wellness for a lifetime. Working with the right fitness professional can help you get started, and can also help you make adjustments to your plan over time as your needs and goals change. Incorporating movement into your day can be easy and enjoyable…we can help you learn how!
~Nicole Hutchison, PT, CSCS, Health Coach, Integrative Nutrition Coach
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