Dr. Maria Hy performs a fitness routine at BBJ Athletics.
NATIONAL Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer Jerry Diaz said his clients usually ask him about the best approach to reach their fitness goals.
He said many of them are aware of the yo-yo effects of crash diets, and the need to know where to begin to achieve long-lasting positive results. “My usual response,” he added, “is that there is no ‘One Size Fits All Approach.’ ”
“Whether I’m training a doctor, teacher, an athlete, a newbie to fitness training, or a business owner, the most important approach is to set realistic goals that can be consistently done daily,” he added.
“As a personal trainer, it is my responsibility to analyze and review everyone’s strengths and the areas that challenge an individual.”
Diaz said he wants to motivate his client to undergo training with a purpose and not as a task to check off.
Unrealistic expectations
However, he said it is natural for human beings to expect quick and fast results from anything we do.
But there are no short cuts to reaching our fitness goals, Diaz added.
He reiterated that it is important to set achievable short-term goals such as daily or weekly goals. Once you start picking up momentum then you can set month-to-month goals, Diaz said.
If you’re looking to lose weight, you must understand that the most realistic weight loss an individual can achieve is 1-2 pounds a week. To maintain that weight loss, you must consistently perform your fitness routine and stick to your nutrition plan. If you return to your previous lifestyle, then expect to lose your fitness gains, Diaz said.
‘Too busy’
The most common hurdle that many of us face is not having enough time to schedule a workout.
Diaz advises his clients to create a daily slot solely for self-care and fitness training.
Each individual should figure out which type of exercise works for them. It could be yoga, Pilates, Tabata, martial arts, strength and conditioning, dance, flow or athletic performance training.
Next, the individual should set a realistic time and then stick to the schedule.
Nutrition intake
One should also take the time to understand the science behind losing weight. Diaz said an individual’s resting metabolic rate and lifestyle should determine the amount of calories taken in and stored. As the saying goes, abs are made in the kitchen.
Enjoying the process
The most important element in an individual’s fitness journey is to enjoy the process, Diaz said.
This is the very reason why one must train with a purpose and a goal to look forward to on a daily basis, he added.
To get closer to your goal, you must be able to determine where you are in your fitness journey, he said. Without a plan and set goals, you’ll end up guessing, and not achieving anything.
For professional fitness inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
