Clarence and I tried Personal Training!

Clarence & I thought it would be a good idea to have the personal trainer give a report on us instead of us reporting on her. We want to thank Cindy for agreeing to do it.

Cindy Becker, Mercy HealthPlex Personal Trainer:

March 9, 2009 I performed a movement screen on Clarence & Joan to evaluate any musculoskeletal imbalances in order to add corrective exercises to their workout program. I asked them for their fitness goals. Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Clarence's goals are: increasing flexibility, strength, & core strength Joan's are: improve balance, improve cardiovascular endurance and lose weight. (safe weight loss is 1-2 lbs/week)

With this information, plus medical history & eating habits, a trainer can design an exercise program that best meets one's needs safely and effectively.

I changed Clarence's current exercise program to include at least 50% of standing cable exercises which focus on core training and gave him specific stretches. He has progressed quickly in the past 4 weeks.

(April 7, 2009) His percent body fat has decreased by 2%, compared to the initial reading 4 weeks ago.

Joan's program includes more single leg exercises for balance and standing exercises for core strength. Resistance training done in a circuit fashion (10-12 exercises done in sequence with little rest in between) helps to increase endurance and promotes weight loss. Joan is working toward circuit training taking only rests as needed. I also recommended that she add a 4th cardiovascular workout, either hydrorider, nu-step or recumbent bike.

(April 7, 2009) Joan's weight has decreased by 3 pounds and her body fat by 1.5% compared to the initial readings 4 weeks ago.

Joan & Clarence will be re-assessed after 3 months.

It was great fun working with Joan and Clarence because they were enthusiastic and willing to try new exercises. They are very open to change and this is usually what is needed when you plateau and no longer see results with your exercise routine.