According to Gold’s Gym personal trainer Jerry Diaz, there are countless training and nutrition approaches, and one must choose those that fit one’s lifestyle.
“I have tremendous respect for the process of transformation,” he said. “People in general are not limited and forced to a certain type of training or nutrition lifestyle, and they can create a habitual lifestyle that fits their individual needs.”
Diaz said he assesses a client’s needs to find a suitable fitness and nutrition program for the individual.
“Some individuals, for example, may require food energy management to maintain performance levels and avoid fatigue and energy depletion,” Diaz said.
Benji Rayphand goes on a hike at Forbidden Island. Contributed photo
“Some clients have great eating habits already, but their program may require fine-tuning to avoid over- or undertraining, and allow them to get closer to their fitness goals.”
Diaz’s friend, Benji Rayphand, said “everyone has different ideas on what it takes to be healthy or fit, but the fitness industry tends to pigeonhole individuals.”
Diaz agrees. “Some of the best-looking athletes on the court or field follow fitness and nutrition programs that do not match their sport,” he said. “That goes back to their trainers who follow ‘trends’ instead of finding out what is functional for the athletes in terms of food and fitness program.”
Diaz said it is important to do what works for you. “Each individual has an opportunity to find the best version of themselves without needing to fit into specific training or nutrition programs. If training at the gym works, then train at the gym. If training at home or the park works, then train there. The goal is to continue moving and to never give up. Seek advice from fitness professionals or doctors to get started on a quality fitness journey.”
