Personal Training - What Should I Focus On?

There seems to be no subject matter debated more amongst fitness trainers, clients, coaches, exercise professionals and philosophers than, "What the focus should be of my personal fitness regimen." This question can and does cause confusion, inconsistency,and frustration.

Successful program design must start with a basic understanding of the physical
effects provided by the different components of fitness. For example aerobic exercise elevates cardiac output and, when practiced regularly, improves
cardio-respiratory efficiency.

Over time a regular stretching routine (component two) will improve range of motion through a given joint.

Weight loss (component three) is possible without exercise, but valuable muscle, connective and bone tissue may make up the majority of weight loss instead of fat, without the presence of a satisfying stimulus.

The only fitness component that is all encompassing is progressive strength training.

Strength training can and does increase muscular strength and endurance. More lean tissue means more fat burned and, for most people, weight loss.

Strength training can also improve cardiac output when applied with a high intensity. The heart supplies and works hard to push and draw blood to and from the muscles. The heart has to work harder to supply blood to the working muscles that are pushing and drawing blood for a steady supply of oxygen to those muscles.

Strength training helps to maintain precious tissue; muscle, connective tissue and bone.

It is paramount that the individual is fully aware of their personal motivations for exercise (i.e. what matters most to them). There are unlimited fitness goals like improving strength, endurance, cardiovascular output, flexibility, increasing bone mineral density, improving balance, agility, and speed, and fat loss.

The question that must be answered by the individual is "What is my highest priority?".

Chad Distler, Personal Trainer

more on the benefits of strength training

Great Definition of Physical Fitness

So many different definitions of physical fitness. I like this one from Greg Glassman of Crossfit. It's comprehensive and evocative.

Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and NO sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics:pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstands, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports!

Regardless of what your particular definition is, are you fit? Are you satisfied with your ability to move through your daily space with ease and confidence? Hiring a fitness coach isn't the only way to achieve fitness but having someone to coach you and hold you accountable could be the missing component in your program.