I always suggest to my clients to workout at least 2-3 days per week and a maximum of 6 days a week.  Doing 7 days a week is excessive and can lead to injuries and other potential medical issues.

2. What should I eat before I work out?

Something light that will give you a good source of energy to burn, examples would be a half a piece of fruit with a low fat cheese or Greek yogurt.  You can do this after your workout as well, just have the other half.

3. What should I eat after I work out?

Some clients like to have a smoothie that has some fats, a good source of protein and some good fruits and vegetables.  You can do this as well before your workout, make a larger one and have half before the workout and the other half after your workout.

4. What are the best exercises to get rid of my love handles/ bingo wings/ back fat?

The answer to this is that these are the areas that you notice the most.  If you have excess weight, you’ll see this in one or all of these areas.  Unfortunately we cannot spot reduce, but if you start a good program, or a great one with a personal trainer, you will lose weight overall and lose in those trouble areas naturally.

5. Why can’t I just do cardio?

Doing just cardio burns away muscle and fat.  Since it is typically focused on aerobic exercise you do not get the strength building that is needed to build muscle or maintain muscle mass.  In the short, you’ll start to lose muscle mass which will start to slow your metabolism down, making it harder and harder to keep weight off.

6. How frequently should I see a personal trainer?

Most of our clients see a personal trainer from 4,3 or 2 times a week.  Depending on time they have available, their commitment level and how long their goals will take to be achieved.

7. How quickly will I see results working with a personal trainer?

Most people start to feel the difference in just a few days.  A few things people start to notice right away is they sleep better, have more energy throughout the day, their mood is much better, etc.  Changes in body composition (weight, body fat, etc) take a little longer to notice, but when you notice them, you really notice them!

8. Which should I do first weight training or cardio?

This really comes down to personal preference.  There is no more advantage to doing one before the other.  Why it comes down to personal preference is that sometimes doing cardio before weight training you are too exhausted, but for others cardio after weight training they are too exhausted.  There is no set formula other than experiment and see which works best for you.

9. My workouts aren’t getting easier, why not?

You would think that as you continue to do an exercise it will get easier.  Your body becomes more efficient at the task but if you continue to do the same exercise your body cannot continue to make improvements.  Many people go to the gym and do the same exercise routines day in and day out for sometimes years.  They will become frustrated because of the lack of progress.

When working with a qualified personal trainer they are ever changing your workout routine to continue to progress you.  Having your muscles continue to guess what is coming at them we see continued progress and improvements overall.

10. What is the best way to lose weight?

Staying with a diet or a lifestyle of nutrition and exercise will help you continue to get results.  Many of our clients that work with a personal trainer need the accountability and support to help keep them on track.  Like a coach or a nice boss, having someone keep you accountable and supported helps you reach your goals quicker and more efficiently.