Tag Archives: Fitness

The Rise of Pickleball: Exploring Why this Fun Sport is Taking the World by Storm

26 Sunday Feb 2023

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I have played pickleball for over a decade and people are always surpassed to learn this since most have never heard of the sport before until recently

Pickleball was created in 1955, by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, and his friend Bill Bell. The story goes that one summer day, they couldn’t find their usual equipment for badminton, so they improvised by using some plywood, a perforated plastic ball, and some paddles that they had lying around. The game they invented was an instant hit, and they soon began refining the rules and equipment to make it more fun and competitive. The name “pickleball” is said to come from Pritchard’s wife, who thought the game reminded her of the pickle boat in crew, which is made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats.

Today, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports and is played all over the world with a growing number of tournaments, clubs, shops, and professional players. This fun and easy-to-learn sport is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it can be played indoors or outdoors. In this piece, I’ll explore some of the reasons why pickleball has become so popular.

Accessibility

One of the main reasons why pickleball has grown in popularity is its accessibility. Unlike some other sports, pickleball can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a low-impact sport that is easy to learn, and it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or a large playing area. This makes it a great option for people who want to stay active but don’t have the time or resources to commit to a more demanding sport.

Social benefits

Another reason why pickleball has become so popular is the social aspect of the sport. Many people enjoy playing pickleball because it allows them to meet new people and make friends. It’s a great way to stay connected with others and to enjoy some friendly competition in a relaxed setting. Pickleball is often played in a doubles format, which means that players have a partner to talk to and work with during the game.

Physical benefits

Pickleball also offers a number of physical benefits. It’s a great way to get some exercise and stay active, and it can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance. Because pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, players have to move quickly and be agile, which helps to build strength and endurance. Plus, it’s a lot of fun, which can make it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.

Easy to learn

One of the biggest draws of pickleball is how easy it is to learn. Unlike some other sports, you don’t need years of practice or specialized training to become proficient at pickleball. Most people can pick up the basics in just a few minutes, and with a little practice, they can start playing at a competitive level. This makes it a great option for people who want to try something new or who are looking for a sport that they can enjoy without a lot of fuss.

Inclusivity

Finally, pickleball has become popular because it’s an inclusive sport. It’s a great way to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, and it can be adapted to suit different skill levels and physical abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, you can find a way to enjoy pickleball and get involved in the community.

In summary, pickleball has become popular for many reasons, including its accessibility, social benefits, physical benefits, ease of learning, and inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active, a chance to meet new people, or just a way to enjoy some friendly competition, pickleball is a great option that is sure to continue growing in popularity in the years to come.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Adjusting Your Workouts When Life Changes

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Setting Goals

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Lately, I have been receiving a lot of requests for new blog postings. Yes, I am guilty of being MIA. My life took some unexpected bumps and turns – as life can be. I needed to revamp my current comfortable day-to-days to a new unfamiliar and out-of-sync schedule to meet the change and challenge.

Shifting and rearranging one’s days and weeks can sometimes take weeks and months to settle into a new routine and to feel comfortable once again. The change can impact everything, even your eating habits and your workouts. I know it has for me, including even finding time to write my blog.

Whereas before it was easy for me to get my daily workouts in, the twist in my weekly schedule at first made it a challenge for me to hit the gym. My crazy new hours left me little time and energy for “me,” but I refused to give in to the infamous cliché, “I just don’t have the time.” Life is about priorities, and getting to the gym and staying fit is one of mine and hopefully one of yours.

So when a bump in the road hits, it’s simply time to reroute your workout another way verses taking the easier route of throwing in the towel. Change is always good in a workout anyway (“The Change Up,” October 5, 2011), so embrace your new allotted time, location, or whatever the change may be and turn a lemon of a situation into lemonade by remaining fit as a fiddle.

How to Adjust Your Workouts

Okay, there’s been a change of your life. Good or bad, staying healthy and fit needs to continue to be a priority in your life regardless of your new situation. Working out will help you to continue to feel good about your body and the released endorphins will give you that natural high of well-being. Two added pluses to any type of situation.

React, reconfigure, rearrange and redo to retain. This is what needs to occur when adjusting your workout when life changes. For me, my weekends remained the same during my change, but long gone (at least for now) are my two-hour early morning workouts, unless I want to be up at 5am every day. So to modify my fitness schedule, I had to start to plan ahead – which is key – as to when I would be able to get to the gym during the week and when I would also get in my outdoor runs, indoor swims and other fitness endeavors.

Make the most of your time. Some days require that I do a split workout; some of it in the morning and the balance in the evening. Even if you have only 15 minutes in the morning, walk up and down the steps for the 15 or do an abs workout. Combine it with another 15 minutes in the evening and now you have a 30 minute workout.

Be effective and efficient. Don’t even have time to get the gym or would rather same the drive time for working out at home? Invest in some home equipment or in fitness DVDs (“My Top 10 Favorite Fitness DVDs,”December 11, 2011). I love my treadmill. It’s always readily available when I have limited time. There are also so many effective DVD workouts that can bring you the same results as being in the gym.

Have zero time right now? Then you might also have to get creative. Park your car further away from the front doors of your destination. Take the steps instead of the elevator. Spend your lunch hour going for a walk. Going to the game? Get tickets high up in the bleachers. Have a stationary bike at home? Ride it while catching the news or your favorite show. You get the idea.

The bottom line is that there may be many changes during one’s life and you need to learn to go with the flow and just adjust and adapt to a new workout schedule. Yes, there may be times it’s tricky to get it in. But believe in yourself and get it in. Your health and well being is essential, so never lose sight of the importance of staying fit – no matter what.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Group Classes versus Gym Equipment versus Fitness DVDs – Which is Best?

12 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by in Exercising, Fitness Classes

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Getting fit is the goal, but is it easier to achieve by participating in a group class or following along a fitness DVD? What about all the other exercise equipment that can be found in the gym? This could be a great debate question among exercise enthusiasts; work out in a group, in a gym, or solo in front of a TV. Which gets you the best results?

When I first joined a health club, I became curious to the aerobic exercise classes that went on behind the closed door in the gym. As a person who came to the gym to use the equipment, treadmill and swimming pool, I would take a quick look inside of the room – filled mostly with enthusiast women –sweating it out in almost complete synchronization to the vociferous instructor. It was almost as if I was in envy as I stood there watching. At the time, I had never taken group fitness class, so I was very curious what it would be like to work out in a synchronized group. What kind of results would I get?

Many of the participants in the group classes seemed more flexible and more coordinated at the choreography than I’ll ever be. But as I gazed in more often and frequently, I also noticed that most of these very same women do not work out in the free weight room or on the circuit training equipment. They solely come to the gym to take a class, then exit out the door. That’s it. That’s their workout, well, from what I can tell from the gym’s side.

Can someone get fit just from a fitness class? For many years (since I was 17), I had used the equipment in the gym – from the free weights and weight machines to the indoor track and swimming pool. This was my main training means when I worked out for fitness competitions to which I got great results.

I have also used and still use fitness DVDs, with Mari Winsor’s Pilate series my absolute favorite, (especially the ab sculpting DVD). Results have been very good; so good that I continue to use the Pilates DVDs to this very day.

I did eventually try the group fitness classes at my gym. I wanted to see what type of results I would achieve but was also drawn to the socialization, something you do not get with a DVD or dumbbell.  I soon became hooked, and before you know it I became a regular and pro at the Advance Step Aerobics class, a high cardio step routine on risers. I also many others, including Pilates, Yoga, and Boot Camp.

So what about the classes? Are they just as good? Well, like the fitness DVDs, there are so many to choose. Step. Body Pump. Lift It. Kickboxing. Interval Training. Spin. Zumba and many more. For many and most, results are achievable. If you put in the time, determination and dedication – as much as you would any other workout – then yes, goals are definitely attainable.

The true bottom line is the best workout – may it be group classes, gym equipment or fitness DVDs – is the one the gives YOU the best results. Everyone’s genetic makeup and how your body reacts to your chosen exercises and venue is different. The personal preference to what you enjoy best varies from person-to-person as does their time availability to get fit. Do what makes you feel good and the one you see the most ideal results. Find what works best for you and enjoy most. In the end, it doesn’t matter “how” you achieved your results as much as the fact you “have” reached your goals.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

The Change Up

05 Wednesday Oct 2011

Posted by in Exercising, Health and Wellness

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Now that autumn is falling into place with its brisker weather and shorter days, what better time than now to restructure your workouts to not only to accommodate the cooler days and shorter daylight, but to jolt your muscles into getting even stronger and fitter.

In order for your body to keep developing and becoming more fit, your workout program has to keep changing. When you continue to repeat the same workout over and over again without altering it, you prevent your body from evolving and making any gains. Your mile times won’t approve. Your bench press won’t make an impact. Your exercises won’t be effective. All because you forced your body to hit a plateau. You muscles have become accustomed to what you are doing and are no longer responding at the level they once did.

Muscles react to change. They actually thrive on it by growing stronger, bigger, firmer, and toner. Change is their fuel. Fat also reacts to change. If you change up the exercise routine, not only will your body be continually challenged, but it will also burn more calories, resulting in a more successful weight loss. In addition, you avoid boredom and prevent possible injuries.

You should switch up your exercises about every four to twelve weeks or whenever you feel like you aren’t improving anymore. Typically, I change my workout routine four times a year, often coinciding with the change of the seasons. So now that autumn is falling into place with its brisker weather and shorter days, what better time to restructure my workouts to accommodate the cooler days and shorter daylight. Now my workouts occur mainly indoors, starting with a 6:00 am fitness class three days a week for one hour. This is following by a run on the treadmill and then abs. Alternating days I continue my runs and abs but add weight training and Pilates. Plus two days a week I swim and one I bike. I will also be starting with a new trainer to continue with the change up and help me target particular areas.

But a changeup shouldn’t be just for your workout routine. When it’s time to change your exercises, you should also take the opportunity to re-evaluate your diet. Is it as healthy as it should be? Is there any way you can improve your eating lifestyle? Have you been slipping back to past bad eating habits?

For me when it’s just me by myself, I often fall into the rut of eating almost the same foods for at least breakfast and lunch. So with the changing of my gym workout in combination of less availability of fresh seasonal fruits at the supermarket, I have also changed up my daily diet. Breakfast is now oatmeal with unsweetened applesauce, walnuts, cinnamon, blueberries and strawberries while lunch is a boneless chicken breast and a green vegetable. Snacks are nuts, banana or carrots. Dinner is usually on the run and may be as simple as organic peanut butter on 100% whole wheat bread or a fresh fish dish at a favorite restaurant.

The bottom line is that with dedication and determination, your fitness goals are achievable. Stay discipline and remember to change up your exercise routine regularly. Get creative and explore new and exciting fitness routines. If you feel you are at a loss as to how to change your workout, seek the advice of a trainer from your gym who may provide wonderful new moves for you to try. Any way you change it up, it’s the change that’s the key to your fitness success.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Walk Your Way to Wellness

26 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by in Cardio, Exercising

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I often mention my mother when I write and the influence she has had on my healthy lifestyle. My dad also played a major role with his athletic and physical activities and healthy eating. Dad raced track in school, played golf regularly in his single years, and performed calisthenics in his later years.

His one favorite fitness activity that he did for as long as I can remember is that he walked every day and usually twice. Dad walked no matter what the weather conditions was like – rain, winds and even snow. He would wake up at dawn and out the door he went, walking to Lou’s Sandwich Shop a few miles away to have breakfast with his longtime friends. Afterward, he would walk home to work remotely from his home office for the day and repeat this same walk again to have lunch at the same eatery. Dad also learned to master reading and listening to a talk radio while he walked; as if he body was placed on automatic cruise control!

Greek physician Hippocrates once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” He’s right! For starters, it is simply one of the easiest, cheapest, and safest activities for burning calories and tuning up the cardiovascular system. Dad walked for years. We lived in the suburbs, he had a car, but he still made it a point to walk. It made his heart strong, his leg muscles solid, and his mood happier. Walkers also have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer and get mental health and spiritual benefits. Studies also show that regular walking increases bone density, helps to fade fibromyalgia pain, offsets stress, lessens the need for medications, and provides the time to refocus and reflect in addition to the increased fitness levels and a way to whittle down the weight. There’s also the bonus of soaking up some vitamin D from the sun when walking outside on sunny days.

So if you want to get healthier or trim down a little bit, than walking is a good exercise of choice with no gym membership required! If you are not a walker but want to begin, start the first week by walking 20 minutes three times a week. For the next few weeks, increase your time to 30 minutes. As you feel more energetic and fit, add an extra session or two to your weekly walking program. Try to work up to five sessions a week, for 30 to 45 minutes each time, especially if you are trying to pare off fat pounds. Remember to walk at a good pace, too.

Here are some additional tips. Wear good sneakers or walking shoes with great support. Let your heel strike the ground first, then roll from the heel to the ball of your foot. Push off with the ball of your foot for more momentum. Maintain your elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle and keep them close to your sides. Swing your arms back and forth as you walk. Keep your head level as you walk and look straight ahead. Take long, smooth strides. Walk as briskly as you can. Breathe deeply but naturally as you walk.

What’s especially great about walking is you can do it almost at any time and at any place. You can go solo or take your dog, friends, co-works or children with you for a team effort. Walk on a treadmill at the gym while catching up on your reading, listening to your favorite show, or watching a show on the gym TV. Don’t have time today? Then take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further from store entrances. And purchase a pedometer to keep track of your steps. You might be delightfully surprised.

Walking is fun. It’s great and safe for all ages, from the very young to the very old. Best of all, it’s free. So put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes, grab some chilled water, and get out there for a healthy walk and healthier life.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

High Intensity Training (HIT) – Not for the Meek and Mild

19 Tuesday Jul 2011

Posted by in Exercising, Muscles, Weight Training

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Since my son Michael has come home for the summer from college, he has been especially dedicated to his workouts and diet. He hits the gym faithfully, follows a healthy muscle building diet and even frequents GNC for supplements. His dedication reminds me of when I was his age. But now the tables have turned slightly as Michael has introduced me to something, HIT; a workout regimen that became widespread in the 1970’s, decades before he was even born.

High Intensity Training (HIT) is a method of strength training first made popular by inventor Arthur Jones, the founder of Nautilus and MedX. Everyone who has ever worked out is knows of Nautilus equipment. The latter company manufactures both spinal rehabilitation and premium exercise equipment. I was first made aware of Jones and his commitment to the fitness world with his creation of the portable Bowflex. My oldest brother, also named Michael, took that apparatus with him everywhere, including family vacations. Yes, you can see that discipline and a dedication to fitness runs in the family.

The basic principles of HIT are that the exercises are brief, infrequent, and intense.  The participant works harder for briefer amounts of time and less frequently than the typical high volume approach that trainers often encourage. It stresses intensity over repetition and focuses on performing quality weightlifting repetitions to the point of momentary muscular failure. The training takes into account the number of repetitions, the amount of weight, and the amount of time the muscle is exposed to tension in order to maximize the amount of muscle fiber recruitment. Many bodybuilders used this training technique as it’s an excellent means to build muscle mass which is my son’s goal.

A HIT workout targets one body part at a time with one or two exercises, a single set of 6 to 10 reps for your upper body and either 8 to 15 reps or more commonly 12 to 20 reps for your lower, performed until the exerciser is spent. Dead lifts usually have a rep range of 5 to 8 reps, and calves are sometimes trained with 1 to 2 sets of failure. Be certain to choose a weight that allows you to complete your reps to exhaustion. When you are able to do 10 or more reps, increase the weight for your next workout.

A rule of HIT is, as the exerciser get stronger, the stress is greater and more rest more is needed between workouts. So HIT workouts should be scheduled from 4 days a week to only one workout every 10 days. A sample HITs workout on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays would include: barbell squats, leg extensions, leg curls, calf raises, chin ups or lat pull downs, barbell rows, bench presses, dumbbell flies or pec decks, shoulder presses, dumbbell lateral raises, barbell curls, and tricep extensions.

Not every strength training or exercise program is for everyone. I do not do High Intensity Training as I do not want my muscles any larger than they are already. But for those who would like be more well-built, like my son, than I suggest giving HIT a try. It’s been proven to be very effective and accomplishing increased strength and muscle mass.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

My Secrets to Aging Young – Part 2

21 Monday Feb 2011

Posted by in Anti-Aging, Cardio, Cycling, Diet, Exercising, Fitness Classes, Swimming, Weight Training

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In Part 1 of “My Secrets to Aging Young,” I discussed some of my own secrets of how I stay fit and look young-looking and shared my cardio and ab routines. Slowing down the aging process can definitely be achieved with a commitment to fitness and wellness. Documented studies have shown that people who are in good fitness shape are able to delay the signs of natural aging, including the decrease in physical resistance and muscular mass, flexibility and slower metabolism. In Part 2, I am going to continue sharing some of my secrets to anti-aging; what I do for weight training, fitness classes, swimming, and cycling.

Weight Training. I typically start my weight training with the circuit, which provides a total body strength and aerobic workout. There are an assortment of pieces I often utilize, based on what is available at the facility I am using, and usually a minimum of seven machines. I usually start with lat mid rows, working my back, followed by vertical press machine to improve my chest muscles. I also use the hip adductor and abductor machines for my inner and outer thighs and will other circuit machines to work my triceps, biceps, abs, gluts and legs. I then move on to a free weight workout with dumbbells for my upper body. My weights range from 25-10 pounds, depending on the exercises, and include presses, flys, extensions and kickbacks.

Fitness Classes. I have taken an assortment of fitness classes over the years, and now currently partake in four classes regularly and, when my schedule permits, two additional. On Saturdays and Sundays, I’m in the gym three hours each day. Saturdays I run my long run, complete a circuit training rotation, lift free weights, perform abs, then wrap up with an one hour Lift It Class that works all my major muscle groups using a variety of equipment chosen by the instructor. Sundays, I run five miles, perform abs then take a one hour Yoga Strength Class for strength training followed by one hour Boot Camp Class of intense lifting techniques. I additionally try to make two other Yoga Strength Classes during the week. When my calendar allows, I attend Pilates Classes for core strengthening and take Zumb Classes, a fast-paced dance workout that firms and tones. On the days I can’t make the Pilates classes at the gym, I get the exercises in at home by following a DVD.

 

Swimming . On average, I only manage to get in two to three swim workouts in a week. I typically swim at the crack of dawn or late in the evening. With goggles, cap and one ear plug in my left ear, I swim a minimum of 30 laps (60 lengths) nonstop. I mainly swim freestyle, but sometimes will add the breast, side and back strokes to work other muscles. I frequently use swim paddles to strengthen my stoke mechanics , a kickboard to work my legs and a pull buoy to push my upper body. If it weren’t’ for the fact that my legs build out when I use training fins, I would definitely use them regularly as I love the speed I gain through the water.Whentraining for an upcoming triathlon, I will perform a lot of sprint work in the water to simulate what I will be doing in the first leg of a sprint tri.

Cycling. While I could easily ride every day, I have restricted this workout to once a week. Like the step aerobics classes I use to take and swimming with fins, this workout also increases my leg size.  I typically ride hard just for 30 minutes, either inside on a stationary or outside on one of my three bikes.

By now you are probably think that I never sleep and live for the gym. Well, I must admit I do love to work out as it seems like playing to me, and I love the endorphins that kick in when I have a long, thorough workout. In my final installment of “My Secrets to Aging Young,” I will lastly divulge what I do for my daily diet, skincare and sleep, other important areas to anti-aging that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

My Secrets to Aging Well – Part 1

14 Monday Feb 2011

Posted by in Abdominal Muscles, Anti-Aging, Cardio, Exercising, Fitness Classes, Health and Wellness, Running

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Yesterday was my birthday; I turned 40-something. I wasn’t ashamed to admit my age to those around me since I very easily look 10 years younger. Whenever I tell my age, all respond, “Noooo! Really?” in total disbelief, which of course puts a grin on my face as it would anyone hearing those words.

In celebration of my special day, I took myself shopping to some of my favorite clothing stores. I easily slipped into my standard XS or size 0. While changing in the dressing room, I smiled to myself and felt very blessed as my body still looks only 25 with its firmness and sleekness.

At 5’4″, I weigh 100-105 pounds. I am very tone and still very solid with just the right amount of muscle definition; not to the point I look like a body builder, but to the point one can tell I go to the gym regularly. No belly fat. No saddle bags. No double chin.

My facial skin shows no wrinkles, only a hairline which no one else notices but me. My Italian olive skin keeps a year round slight tan while my dark chocolate brown hair falls past my sculpted shoulders. And to top off my younger-than-my-age look, I dress the latest fashions and keep my hair cut to current trends.

So how do I do it? Besides dressing the part, how do I stay so young and fit looking? What are some of my secrets that have defied the aging process? What is my regimen like to achieve such lasting results?

Well, there’s a lot that goes into it how I have evolved to where I am today. All has been a way of life for me from the very beginning, with my parents’ own healthy ways, and have continued to develop throughout my life. I fell in love with sports and fitness at a very young age, so working out is like playing to me. I have never smoked, rarely drink alcohol and always pay attention to health in the news. I also maintain a balanced lifestyle of work, family and fun with as little stress as possible.

My Schedule. I am Type A and have an enormously high energy and endurance levels as anyone close to me can vouch. I am ambitious, driven and determined; the Energizer Bunny without any given caffeine. Here’s a quick rundown of what I do weekly to stay fit. I run six days, lift three to four, abs six to seven days, yoga one to three times a week, Pilates three times, cycling once, swimming one to three times, and finally boot camp and lift-it classes once a week each. Yes, that’s all in one week. Yes, I do have a full-time job and thensome. Maintaining my workout regimen is a priority for me. I love doing it and I love the payoffs.

 

Running. This is my number one, must do workout activity. If I just have 30 minutes to workout, this is how I will spend it. Depending on my availability and if I’m on a treadmill versus outside, I run 4-5 miles a day, six days a week. If I am training for an event like I am now, then one of the days I will reserve for a long run and run a higher mileage based on my planned out schedule. I prefer to run outside as I enjoy the fresh air and scenery and like the end results I see on my body better. I do believe running outdoors versus on a treadmill are two different types of running (like swimming in a pool versus the ocean) and exert certain leg muscles differently.

 

Abs. I love working my abs and do so almost daily. I start out with a warm up, 100 crunches on a fitness ball followed by 25 sit-sups with a six pound medicine ball, twisting my torso side-to-side when I’m in the almost upright position. Next, 300 straight on crunches with my legs at three varying angles to catch the three areas of my abs. Then 200 crunches on the ground with my lower torso turned 90 degrees left, then another 200 twisted right. This is followed by 300 sit-ups with bent knees and hands behind my head. In between each 100, I do 25 reps of hand reaches. I wrap up with three sets of toe-to-toe beats while still on my back, then I flip over for planks. Remember, good form is very key and pulling your belly button to your spine at all times is a must or else you will build out.

 

Check back next week when I continue to share how I stay fit and young looking. I’ll discuss what I do for weight training, fitness classes, swimming, cycling, diet, skincare and sleep.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

The Pros and Cons of a Hiring Personal Training

17 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by in Exercising, Personal Trainer, Setting Goals, Training

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Many individuals go into working out without a plan of action. They may jump on the stationary bike and ride it for a few miles, follow others in the circuit training, or grab some free weights and do random routines. They may watch others, ask others, and envy others.

Then there are those who are self-dedicated, have worked out for years, and know exactly what to do to achieve the results they want. They know which exercise works best and they have fallen into a faithful routine.

The last group is those who hire a trainer for various reasons such as changing up their own made routines, achieve different results or certain new levels of fitness, or need to depend on someone to motivate through a workout.

My reasonings for hiring a personal trainer have always been the same; to change up my own existing routine and give it some fresh light. I’m also on a constant quest to sculpt my muscles more and reach beyond my fitness plateau into perfection, if such a destiny for myself exists. Over the past 10 years, I have had six personal trainers, three men and three women, each with their own unique approach and method to reaching fitness nirvana. Three utilized the weight equipment and machines in the gym to help me get where I wanted to be, and three taught me new methods of using my own body weight to achieve my results. Of the six trainers, only two worked for me in the sense that I felt the benefits and witnessed the results in my body. They have had such an impact on my fitness level, I will always sing their praises and have put them high on a pedestal. The others were not a match and, looking back, it was a disappointing waste of my energy, time and money.

Ironically, the peak of my own self ultimate fitness level was when I trained alone for fitness competitions. Two months out, I decided to start competing and, in that limited lead time, whipped myself into competing form. How? I spent 90 to 120 minutes in the gym every day with a third of that going to cardio. The balance went to weight training and ab work with routines and equipment I had learned over the years work for me. I was religious and diligent with my exercises. So much so, many thought I was a trainer. Working out was the easy part for me since I enjoyed my time in the gym. It’s like playtime for me. I unwind, relax and let go. It’s my sanctuary.

It was the diet part that was initially challenging for me as I had become accustomed to not having to necessary watch what I ate. I read up on eating and watched my food intake. I developed a diet plan that would burn the most amount of fat and incorporated good fats with omega-threes. I was heavy on the proteins, such as egg whites for breakfast, tuna for lunch, and chicken for dinner, and included lots of fresh vegetables. I eliminated sugars and processed starches and drank lots of water to flush my system. No sweet treats. No bacon or bread. Not even pizza. This was definitely the hardest part of my self training.

My hard effort and self discipline proved itself as you can see in the photo above. I kicked myself into outstanding form and proved I could do it alone and without a trainer. At the same time, I have immensely enjoyed working with trainers Thomas Lengyel and Leann Pacinelli who have truly listened to what I expressed my fitness goals to be and who created personalized workout plans that became successful means for me achieving my fitness objectives.

So just like anything else in life, you need to be wise when selecting a personal trainer if this is the route you decide to go. Get a referral from a satisfied friend in your gym and interview the trainer about their method and philosophy. If possible, schedule a trial workout to see if like the trainer’s approach to working out, that the two of you mesh with your personalities, and that the trainer genuinely shows an interest in you and your goals. Or, if you feel you have the willpower, you can go solo just like I have. Either way, it will take a few weeks to a few months to see your results that will be ultimate true measure of your success.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana