Personal Fitness Training Services

“The benefits of youth strength training are similar to those for adults, thought the importance of getting an early start cannot be overemphasized - the most important benefit of any youth fitness program is an improved attitude toward lifelong activity. Improvements in muscular fitness, bone mineral density, body composition, motor fitness performance and injury resistance should be compelling evidence for all parents, though children will likely focus on things like enhanced sports performance and the social aspects of exercise. In fact, children don't usually have the ability to comprehend long-term concepts until the ages of 11 to 14, so abstract ideas like healthy bones and disease prevention will do little to motivate them, and may in fact demotivate some children. Stick with ideas like self-improvement and individual success, and always make sure that everyone is having fun. Fun is the number one motivator in almost every aspect of a child's life.”

“Another compelling argument for youth strength-training programs is that significant improvements have been seen in the self-esteem, mental discipline and socialization of children who participate. Think back to you days in PE. What games did you play? What types of physical attributes and skills were most often rewarded with success? Most likely, you are thinking of team games that featured speed, agility, jumping ability and overall athleticism. And those things should be rewarded! But a glaring omission in that list is muscular strength, and it is often overweight and obese children who will excel in that area. Weight training provides an opportunity to let children who typically struggle with group activities stand out from their classmates and perform well on an individual basis. What a tremendous way to boost self-esteem in the children who need it most.”

Fit Facts, from the American Council on Exercise | Strength Training for Kids: A Guide for Parents & Teachers

A better question might be, "What is your ideal weight? Body fat percent varies considerably for men and women, and age. However, there are some standards. The minimum percent body fat considered safe and acceptable for good health is 5% for males and 12% for females. The average adult body fat is closer to 15%-18% for men and 22%-25% for women.

Athletes, typically, find themselves at the low end of this scale. Optimal levels of body fat are much lower for those striving for high level performance. Ranges for professional athletes are quite a bit lower than for the average, healthy individual. Much of this difference can be attributed to the increased lean weight (muscle mass) of top athletes. The impact of body size on performance is one consideration that may correlate with body fat.

While levels of body fat seem to be related to performance, body composition alone has never been a great predictor of sports performance. Several studies have suggested that percent body fat is inversely related to maximal aerobic capacity and to distance running performance. Lean muscle mass seems to be positively related to performance in sports where the ability to generate maximal force is required (this may help to explain why a lot of those defensive linemen appear to have a high body fat levels). The body fat percents for elite athletes vary largely by sport. Clearly, the association between low body fat and improved performance is not precise, and there is little evidence of performance benefits when male athletes drop under 8% and women drop under 14% body fat.

You have health and fitness goals you cannot achieve on your own.
Adhering to an exercise program is not easy for many people. Personal training will provide you with emotional support, consistency, encouragement, guidance and motivation.

In addition, I would like to review what takes place between the client and the personal trainer. Prior to starting an exercise program we will meet to establish direction. Where do you want to go, long and short term goals must be determined. We then proceed by devising a workout structure. During sessions we will try different exercises, some will work some will not, some you will enjoy some you will not, some may be contraindicated while other exercises are safe and sound. The initial sessions are a bit of trial and error ultimately leading to just the right selection of exercises.

Very importantly, the exercise sessions stress training with proper technique, in a safe, effective and efficient manner.