FAQ

Q. I've lost weight before. Can you help me lose it again and, more importantly, help me KEEP IT OFF?
A: Yes we can. Each time you lose weight without proper maintenance of muscle mass, the body is set up for a roller-coaster effect because muscle is the “engine” that burns fat. [A pound of extra muscle burns between 35-50 calories per day.] With reduced muscle, your body weight is lower for a time and you are now at a reduced capacity to burn fat. The inevitable result is to gain weight, most often up to a higher level than ever before. Besides maintenance of muscle mass and/or density, there are many other factors that support sustained weight loss, such as individualized strategy and continuous accountability, and we are able to help you with all of them. By the way, this does not mean that you will have to become “muscle-bound.”

Q. What about helping my golf game or performance in other sports?
A: Improvements in sports performance depends on intelligent, sports-specific conditioning, tailored to each individual body. Since poor body symmetry and/or posture leads to joint instabilities, movement restrictions and quite often overuse injury or pain, we begin with a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, looking at posture, range of motion and strength symmetry. Along with other evaluations, we’ll create your individualized exercise plan which could involve flexibility, stability, core conditioning, balance, agility, stamina, strength and power, all appropriate for your sport and your present-day condition, so you can begin successfully training today.

Q. Am I too old/young to benefit from hiring a certified personal trainer? How fit do I have to be?
A: You are ready right now, if your doctor will clear you for supervised exercise. We train people of all ages, capabilities and fitness levels, with and without physical limitations, so long as they are committed to fitness lifestyle improvement. Our first job with you is to evaluate where you are now in a variety of categories, such as stamina, endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Then we tailor a strategy to fit your needs and goals - gradually adding the appropriate challenges, as your body becomes ready for them. The body is miraculous in the way it responds to a correctly designed exercise plan, and you’ll be happy to discover that it was easier than expected and that “no pain, no gain” is a myth and falsehood.

Q. What is the Wellness Works Program? What is the process? What will I be doing?
A: There are as many “programs” as there are clients. As a result of a comprehensive initial evaluation, your trainer will create a strategy reflective of your goals and current physical condition. It may include work on stamina, cardiovascular improvement, flexibility, posture, strength, balance, core conditioning, body awareness, stress reduction, breathing, or mind/body connection. Your trainer will work with you hands-on giving you all the guidance and instruction you’ll need to do all of your exercises correctly, safely and effectively. Plus, you’ll be provided with proven techniques for staying motivated for life. Enhancements to your program will be made, as needed, based on continued re-evaluation.

Q. How much equipment do I need?
A: Very often, beginning clients already have all the equipment they need. Not only is expensive equipment not required, it can very often diminish the body’s abilities in the key areas of balance, stability and coordination, depleting its so-called “motor vocabulary.” This results in reduced sports performance and greater chance of injury or falling. All your exercises can be designed for you to do at home, without investing in any expensive machinery. In completing your initial evaluation, we will accurately be able to recommend what little, if any, equipment you will need. Since we ourselves sell no products or equipment, you can be assured that we have no profit motive in any of our recommendations.

Q. How long will it take to reach my goals?
A: We can answer this in greater confidence only after a good initial evaluation of your present condition and goals. This will help us “massage” your goals so that they’re reasonable and reachable, plus quite often the need for setting goals in other areas will be revealed. In general, if you are diligent in doing your homework and you do everything your trainer recommends, you will reach your goals as quickly and safely as possible.

Q. Will it hurt? Will I get too sore?
A: Based on your initial evaluations, the trainer’s job is to create a safe and effective strategy for you, and to teach you proper form for a variety of exercises. You will never get hurt. Some stiffness or light soreness may occur at times, which is a sure sign that toning continue and strength-building have occurred. Part of the purpose for a comprehensive initial evaluation is to find out which exercises are right for your body’s needs and at what level of intensity. Your trainer will teach you proper form and technique so that you will not only be safe doing them, but also preclude future injury.

Q. If I have any special needs, illnesses or conditions, can I still benefit from working with a trainer?
A: Many degenerative conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be halted, controlled or reversed through proper nutrition and exercise. If your doctor will give you clearance for supervised exercise, we can train you. We’ll work in close collaboration with your doctor and other health care providers for the duration of our training with you.

Q. I'm under the care of a doctor and/or am taking prescribed medications. How can I be sure it will be safe for me to use a trainer?
A: Your personal trainer will be working with your physician to be sure your training is in compliance with your doctors’ recommendations. Together they will make sure that your individual training regimen is effective and safe for you.

Q. I expect to undergo surgery. Can proper training help its success or improve recovery time?
A: Absolutely! Improvements in general conditioning, stamina, breathing techniques and muscle mass are well known to help the body withstand the trauma of surgery and hasten recovery time. Working in advance collaboration with your doctor, we can know what tissues will be cut and thus where to focus your training. There have even been a number of cases where surgery has been avoided as a result of proper training and conditioning.