A Personal Trainer’s Answers to your 4 Biggest Health and Fitness Questions
Trying to unravel the complicated approach to achieving your best health? Denver personal trainer Michael Moody answers your 4 biggest health and fitness questions.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GETTING IN SHAPE?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: The most common misconception about getting in shape is the primary importance of fitness. While fitness is pivotal in your strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardio endurance, it still relies heavily on your nutrition. Without the proper nutrition for your body type, you will not have the energy or building blocks to sculpt the healthy body you want. Any nutritional deficit or inflammation will certainly affect your ability to get in shape, live to 100, or reduce injury.
WHAT SINGLE PIECE OF PERSONAL TRAINING ADVICE DO YOU HAVE REGARDING FORM AND TECHNIQUE?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: With the endless circus act of exercises found online and in magazines, it would take years to point out every little piece of the form you should keep in mind while exercising. While you should study your body's response to different positions and movements, there are basic rules you should keep in mind for whatever you approach:
-Keep your feet hip-width and straight to maximize stability and glute/abdominal activation.
-Keep your shoulders above your hips to maintain a neutral position and reduce pelvic tilting.
-Maintain a neutral spine by periodically checking your lumbar curve (lower back) and cervical spine (neck).
There are certainly exceptions to these rules. Nevertheless, they will generally guide you through a safe workout routine.WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET A PERSONAL TRAINING CLIENT MOTIVATED WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Considering that each person is different, there isn't a single strategy to motivate a personal training client when he or she wants to give up. While some personal training clients persevere when given a strict structure to follow, others are intimidated and will be less likely to push themselves. Add societal pressures, personality traits, family and work demands, and natural limitations; surprisingly, anyone can sift through these factors and push through. The best advice is to help your personal training client become a human scientist - to study their physical selves and habits, decision-making process, and problem-solving approach. By utilizing this strategy, you are reducing the ambiguity of the process most simply and identifying the personal training client's strengths and weaknesses for the most efficient approach. The personal training client will feel more control over his or her situation and will be able to target the undermining reasons for giving up with more confidence.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER LEARNED ABOUT STAYING IN SHAPE?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: After nearly 20 years of personal training and research, I have learned that your mental approach is the steering factor of staying in shape. You will most likely reach your goal, but whether or not you maintain this success is questionable. Who can blame you? Too many distractions and pulls in life, including holidays, work, and family, easily pull you from your new healthy routine. The best advice is to define boundaries based on your needs clearly and wants. Use this set of rules as you approach the unknowns of life. I don't think assuming you'll make perfect daily choices is reasonable. With reasonable boundaries based on your body and habits (not anyone else's), you'll keep yourself in check and stay in shape.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
