I am frequently asked, “What should I do to get in shape”? This conversation usually transpires after they discover what I do for living. Sometimes it’s with the mechanic who is changing my oil, other times with the coffee shop attendant, and it may even be with the salesperson trying to sell me a new roof for my house. People often think that workout programs are “one size fits all”, when in reality they are unique for each person, which is only logical since each person is unique.
For starters, it’s important for you to know yourself. That is a huge part of the equation. If you know that you absolutely hate to run, then the chances that you will run on a regular and ongoing basis are slim to none. You would be better off bicycling or hiking rather than running. The same holds true if you bore easily—you probably won’t respond well to a traditional type of program where the exact same routine is followed for anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. A person that bores easily requires constant stimulation and challenges, and would be better suited with a program that incorporates multiple means of training—like therapy balls combined with medicine balls.
Because of my clients’ individuality, I am learning to think outside the box more and more each day. The same principles that I apply to designing a program for a client, you can apply to developing your own program that both suites your needs and is exciting and fun at the same time! Obviously, exciting and fun to one person is as boring as counting blades of grass to another, but the point being is that fitness doesn’t have to be dull and boring.
For an example, if Sara (imaginary client) conveys to me that she wants to tone up, drop some body fat, she bores easily, likes to be outside whenever possible, and has a young child which makes it difficult to go to a gym, then I will take all of that into consideration in order to come up with a program that will work for her. In this case, I would develop one that incorporates both resistance training and cardio vascular exercise, with as much of the exercise as possible taking place outdoors with her child. Susan can pick up some dumbbells to use at home fairly inexpensively, and she already owns a bike and inline skates that have been collecting dust since her son was born. Since Sara has a nice covered patio, we set up a workout area there where she can perform free weight exercises on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (which only takes 35 minutes). And since she likes to be outside, we make use of the inline skates and bike by setting up a routine where she has the choice of either skating and pushing her little guy in a stroller, or biking with him in a carrier seat. Since the park is just down the street, Sara can partake in these activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for 30 minutes in the morning. If Sara doesn’t feel like doing either of these, she can just put her son in his play area (which we also set up outside), and Sara can jump rope while keeping an eye on him.
So you see, exercise doesn’t have to be monotonous or boring, and it doesn’t have to take all day, either. Use your imagination and you’ll be surprised at what you can dream up. And remember to give yourself some time to grow accustomed to your new regime, you may surprise yourself and just like it!
Melissa Allen, BS, CPT, CES is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and Medifast health coach, is the owner of the Optimum Condition Corrective Exercise & Performance Center, located in El Cajon, in the East County of San Diego. We specialize in customized fitness training and corrective exercise for both recreational athletes and post-rehab clients, as well as guaranteed weight loss programs or your money back. You can schedule a free consultation to help you get started. Please visit her website at OptimumCondition.org.
