AS a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer, Jerry Diaz says one of his biggest challenges is motivating his clients to stay consistent after embarking on a fitness journey.
Maja Diaz plays volleyball outdoors with her mother.
With the number of Covid-19 cases rising on island, however, fitness is not the first thing that comes to mind for most people, he added.
So how do personal trainers respond to these hurdles?
“The most important approach is based on an individual’s needs,” Diaz said. “It can’t be a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”
To help ensure that his clients are fired up and motivated, he commends them for every progress they make. “Even putting in 10 minutes a day three times a week is progress,” he added.
Diaz listens to each client’s concerns and he also wants to know their daily challenges.
Then he and his clients discuss possible solutions. “The key here is to remain flexible,” he said.
“So many individuals fall off the wagon because they try to follow a strict, single fitness training and nutrition approach,” he added.
For example, if an individual is supposed to train with barbells and weightlifting bars, but s/he can’t go to the gym because of the pandemic, then his/her entire fitness plan is thrown out the window, Diaz said.
As for an individual who is supposed to strictly follow a specific diet and nutrition approach, but ends up overeating because of stress or anxiety — that person will end up gaining weight and feeling frustrated, Diaz said.
“A trainer does not have to design a great workout or nutrition approach,” he added. “But a trainer has to create a mindset that will help the client achieve success and stay motivated, especially during this global pandemic.”
Still, motivation isn’t easy for anyone including athletes and trainers, Diaz said.
“Getting people to follow a specific program is challenging and it becomes harder as an individual’s interest begins to decline, especially now that many of them have to work out at home,” he said.
Diaz recommends a simple workout program at home that matches a person’s abilities, and a fitness and nutrition approach based on the person’s goals, interest, available space and equipment.
Start with the basics
If, for example, an individual has only five minutes to spare, Diaz recommends performing any of the following exercises:
• Chair squats
• Knee push ups
• Running in place
• Bridge hip raises
• Plank series
• Conventional crunches
Diaz said many problems will still arise even with the best intentions and assistance.
“Maintaining consistency will be the main challenge,” he added. “In my experience, many individuals approach fitness and nutrition with an all-out attitude. So when they fail to maintain consistency, they’ll feel helpless.”
Diaz said it is “highly important to accept what is available to us which includes time. If we can only exercise five minutes a day, then that’s still better than not exercising at all. If the individual can eat healthy meals now and then, that is still much better than totally giving up and not trying at all.”
Diaz wants his clients to have fun while working out. “Once the individual gets bored, that’s the cue to perform another routine which can include swimming, dancing, walking or biking.”
The main goal, he said, “is to enjoy the time spent on a routine so you’ll keep moving.”
For professional fitness nutrition inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
