So.....Have You Started Your Fitness Program Yet?

It's the new year and for a lot of people that means a new you! Now comes the tough part figuring out what you are going to do and actually fallowing through with it. There are a lot of different options out there and I'm going to try to shed some light on what is worth your money and time.

I will start with the new popular fitness class ZUMBA! I will start off by saying its great they started something that is fun. But, outside of it being fun it holds no other value. You are not strengthening your muscles at all. Women especially seem to think they don't need to strength train in reality you couldn't be farther from the truth. It is very important for women to strength train. It promotes bone strengthening and rebuilding and keeps your muscles from deteriorating from age. SO the verdict on ZUMBA I say if you are looking for a fun class every once and a while then go for it, but other than that I wouldn't use it as your primary source to being fit.

BOOT CAMPS! Now that is a class I highly recommend. They are fun fast passed and it is full of functional exercises! What I mean by functional exercises is performing workouts that will allow you to excel in your everyday life. Which is the best way to workout. Now, I know some might be scared by the name. I promise you it is not like a military boot camp but it is hard work. Having a strenuous workout is key to getting your body to where you want it. Your body needs to be forced to over come something. So if any trainer tries telling you that you can can get to your goals without pushing your body RUN AWAY! There needs to be a balance between fun and functional and I think the boot camp class has it nailed down pat.

Now some key things to look for in a trainer:
-Certified through a national credited organization (NASM, NSCA, ACSM, ACE)or a degree in exercise
-A trainer that views their job as a way of life not a job
-Specializes in the area that you want to change
-Usually trainers that are independent are the way to go since they have made it clear that this is there career not just a part time job
Pay attention to these key points and you should be more then satisfied.

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."
Arthur C. Clarke

-Train hard