photo credit: SmartSignBrooklyn via photopin cc
In light of recent news stories highlighting the importance of moving more, sitting less and the general amount of activity performed throughout the day, I started thinking about consumer expectations when hiring a personal trainer.
Personal trainers have so much to offer when it comes to fitness related issues. Although trainers have a varied background encompassing education, certification and experience, for the most part, a personal trainer will help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. They should educate on proper movement techniques and have the ability to assess and correct a client’s faulty movement patterns. They may even have the expertise to prescribe a cardiovascular conditioning program incorporating proper use of training heart rate based on your health history.
But what can a personal trainer NOT do?
They cannot oversee what you do when you are not with them. Let’s say, for example, you see a trainer for 2 hours per week. The question is what are you doing those other 100+ hours during the week? How much are you moving?
The numerous reports of chronic sitting being a factor in degenerative conditions including diabetes and obesity have increased awareness of how we live throughout each day. The bottom line is this: even if you work with a personal trainer, what you choose to do those other hours is more important.
Where is the justice?
Here are 3 things you can do to continue living an active life away from your personal trainer:
1. Get up and move each hour. Use the printer or the bathroom on another floor. Stand up when you are on the phone.
2. Walk more. Park further away in the grocery store parking lot. Walk for 15 minutes in the morning and again for 15 minutes at the end of each day. Think about it – that is only 7.5 minutes away from your front door and back. Start a lunchtime walking group.
3. Stand while talking on the phone. Go walk to a coworker’s desk instead of sending a message.
What look like small silly tasks really do add up to better health and a happier low back, too.
Check out this resource for other ideas to get you up and moving. Although these exercises may not be your “thing,” be creative and figure out what will work for you and keep you moving.
Whether you work with a personal trainer or not, you have the responsibility for your health. Your trainer can only do so much. Be informed, take note and keep moving!