Santa Monica Personal Trainer – See RESULTS this year & keep them!
We all have those days when we can’t seem to get the motivation for a workout every once in a while— time crunch; your tired, bored and need to switch it up. With the New Year upon us, creating a plan to get you to your goals this year and avoid one of these roadblocks is one of your first steps to take! My goal as your trainer is to not only get you results, but also keep you there, life long! Creating a program that is designed with your needs, wants and also “likes” will get you there and keep you there!
How do we do this? Ask the right questions when we get started! This gives me valuable feedback in creating your program. Here are some examples:
“When you need to reduce stress do you ideally enjoy activities that are exciting, adventurous and give you a chance to blow off steam, or activities that are relaxing?
“Do you enjoy exercise more often when it involves a routine that you can adhere to or one that offers variety?” PTA GLOBAL
From your answers two these questions I can gather how to design your weekly plan and fill it with exercise that gets you results, that you look forward to, and keeps you coming back for more!
For example, if you enjoy variety, interaction, being on sport teams, what I suggest is the combination of working with me, their trainer/coach in addition to taking group fitness classes they enjoy. I love this combination for my clients and see the greatest results! In this, I know my clients are going to get in the movement they need and “like” even on the days we are not together. These classes aren’t jazzercise classes from the 80’s.(Even though this gal still loves these!)
Think tough boot camp, weight lifting classes, metabolic conditioning, yoga, stretch, power nap and many others. Based on your goals these classes are intended to get your heart rate up, your muscles burning, lengthen- such as Yoga or Pilates and even provide recovery.
My roles as a trainer/coach is to work with my client, in helping them continue to enjoy their exercise program. I act as a guide by the side with my clients towards their goals so they stay with their program long after they have stopped training with me!
I am not by any means suggesting that personal training is not fun and extremely valuable in helping you reach your goals safely and effectively all the days of the week. Heck, I have been a Personal Trainer or over 16 years. What I am suggesting is consider something else—why not cross train and take a group fitness or group personal training class instead on alternate days? Try something new this year!
We love these benefits also:
- Great escape from your regular routine.
- Get just as good of a workout in comparison to running, but also work your body in new ways that running doesn’t.
- With other people around you and an instructor telling you what to do, you are likely to push yourself a little bit harder than if you were in the weight room or running solo.Take weight lifting or sculpting classes and you’ll become a stronger and faster runner.
- You get into class and out in usually an hour and you’ve gotten your workout in for the day. Plus, you’re less likely to skip out early with others around.
If you have a gym membership at Equinox check out the classes they offer—these are some of my favorites plus I get to see you there!
Happiness & Health,
Natania
Battle Stress and Win with Exercise in Your Corner!
In the spirit and thought of some meaningful conversations I have had with my clients this week, I would like to share some thoughts on stress and exercise. In our weeks filled with those “good stressors” that provoke us to move forward towards our goals, there are those moments when stress can have us move backwards. One of the steps in reaching your goals is having the knowledge or understanding of how to get there. Another step, and probably one of the most important is then taking action towards your goals with that knowledge.
The best partner to have in your corner with your battle against stress is exercise. How you react and choose to deal with stress can make the difference in you reaching your fitness goals. Breaking the pattern that stress can create on your body is important in ensuring you steer clear of chronic stress. Chronic stress can have harmful and negative effects on your mind and body. The key is in how you respond. By making the choice to choose active coping with exercise, it can control the emotional and physical feelings of stress.
We all know that movement does the body good, but you find yourself too stressed with your everyday life to fit it in. By taking the time to schedule your exercise on a weekly basis not only will you assist with relieving stress, but also in achieving an overall sense of wellness in your life.
Some stress busting benefits of exercise are:
1) Movement Meditation– When you start moving and focusing on something else you immediately start shedding the thoughts and worries of your day. Exercise can relax the tension in your muscles signaling to the brain that it can relax too.
2) Pumps those FEEL good ENDORPHINES: When you exercise you increase production of neurotransmitters in the brain known as endorphins. This gives you a sense of focus and energy.
3) Combat cravings for carbohydrates and fats- After a stressful event the body often craves simple carbohydrates and fat. Our typical response after a stressful event or day is to want to take a break. The difference is in how you choose to take that break. Do you take the break in comfort foods like sugars, quick fats and alcohol? Exercise provides a substitution. It can replace the craving that is self-defeating for your overall wellness and free you up to continue towards you ideal self.
Quick Stress Relieving Ideas: Try some speed ladder drills, a quick walk around the block, a few minutes with a jump rope, a set of jumping jacks, some flights of stairs.
Snap your mind out of the stress cycle; join a health club that offers a variety of group classes to keep it fun and interesting. Hire a personal trainer and wellness coach. Money is a strong motivator to keep you on schedule and create healthy habits. When you work with a Private Trainer that is also a Wellness Coach you partner together to come up with effective ways to accomplish your weekly goals.
When you exercise as a response to stress in your life it is your winning partner to your psychology and wellbeing. First, you initiated it and second it is predictable. With this, you get a sense of belief and self-confidence in your ability to manage stress. You can choose to react by having exercise in your corner and win the battle against stress and the negative effects it can have on your life.
What is the next action you need to take?
Personal Training vs. Group Fitness Classes to Reach Your Goals?
Last week I was walking through the gym floor at one of the clubs where I teach group fitness classes. I heard someone yelling my name. I turned my head and there was a woman waving and jumping up and down. She ran over to me from across the room and said, “Do you remember me?” I was in your class years ago in San Francisco. You were the first person that helped me get started as a personal trainer!”
To be honest, I looked at her and for the life of me could not recognize her. Now before I started to doubt my memory, I remembered to give myself a little credit here…from the late 1990s to early 2000s, I had the opportunity to work with a fitness certification company, traveling the country teaching and presenting course material to new trainers looking to get certified. There must have been thousands of students I had met throughout those years.
Our conversation began with her telling me all she has accomplished within her personal training business. She had renewed all of her certifications she had received since then and added several more. She also still reviews the notes and video supplements from the workshops I taught. I have to admit, it did make me feel good: I loved coaching and training future trainers. It was great to hear all of her accomplishments and the clients she has helped. That was one of the many reasons I loved teaching.
She finally asked what I was doing in the club. I told her with pride, “I teach group fitness classes here!” She looked at me with a blank stare.
“Really? Why are you doing that?” I think group fitness hurts more people than it helps. I tell my clients it is better to focus on your form and keep it safe than go crazy in a class. Why did you trade sides?”
Thought to self, GULP! “Trade sides!!!??” Natania…deep breath…it would NOT be good to go all Brooklyn on her….
I smiled back and simply said, “I have actually found it to be just as beneficial for some people, if not better, in reaching their goals. It makes me happy and helps more of those around me.“
We said our goodbyes, but I had a feeling I was not her favorite instructor anymore (something I’ve learned not to take personally from teaching Group Fitness all over town).
I started my career in fitness as a personal trainer over 16 years ago. Proper form, technique and the science of my programming were some of the most important things to me when I first started training clients. I used to walk by Group Fitness studios and think, “What the ^*#% are they doing in there?!” I looked in the room and all I saw was bad form and injuries waiting to happen.
What I did not notice at the time was all the smiles on the faces of everyone in the room and the group of people that kept coming back each week for their exercise. As I continued to travel across the country for work, my classes on personal training education would consist primarily of trainers…but there were also times we would have group fitness instructors join in. And I have to tell you – the days when the GF instructors were present I never felt so much energy, passion and curiosity in the room. Not necessarily in regards to what was right or wrong, but on how they could take this information, break it down and make an experience for their participants. How they could make it safe, fun and have them coming back for more.
I believe group fitness had it on the mark all the time. We as trainers are all, just now, catching on.
I am not by any means suggesting that personal training is not fun or not extremely valuable in helping you reach your goals safely and effectively. I believe everyone should have a trainer and/or coach. But in the same vein, I am not saying that in group fitness classes, proper form and progression are not emphasized. In fact, I have worked with some coaches and instructors that have their students performing with better form in the studio than on the fitness floor. What I AM suggesting is that one should complement the other. I am suggesting that clients work with their personal trainers AS WELL as take group fitness classes and/or teams, exercise programs they enjoy.
One of the things I do with my clients the first time we meet is figure out what days we are going to train and what days they would like to take group classes. In this, I know my clients are going to get in an activity they need, in addition to the days we are together. I love this combination for my clients! My goal as their trainer is not to make them dependent on me, but to guide them through the journey by finding the exercise they like and learn how to keep it going life-long. If we have not trained together yet, I would love to meet with you to get you going on a program that helps you reach your goals while enjoying every step of the process!
I will continue to look positively toward the future, and to my friends I have met (and will meet) in the gym for inspiration, motivation, and the teamwork I hope is growing between all departments. If you have a gym membership at a health club or studio, check out the classes they offer. Some of my favorite classes are at Equinox and Ocean Spa & Fitness (plus I get to see you there)! And if you don’t belong to a gym, I coach a group personal training class at Santa Monica beach…best of both worlds! The next one is starting up soon, so contact me if you would like to join in this round! The group is limited to 5 people.
The fitness industry is a small world – everyone knows each other. I like to think we are working more as a team than as separated departments. I believe we are, and are growing away from the belief that there is only one way to help clients get to their goals. Because the truth is – contrary to the beliefs of that former student – we’re all on the same side.
Santa Monica Personal Trainer – See RESULTS this year & keep them!
We all have those days when we can’t seem to get the motivation for a workout every once in a while— time crunch; your tired, bored and need to switch it up. With the New Year upon us, creating a plan to get you to your goals this year and avoid one of these roadblocks is one of your first steps to take! My goal as your trainer is to not only get you results, but also keep you there, life long! Creating a program that is designed with your needs, wants and also “likes” will get you there and keep you there!
How do we do this? Ask the right questions when we get started! This gives me valuable feedback in creating your program. Here are some examples:
“When you need to reduce stress do you ideally enjoy activities that are exciting, adventurous and give you a chance to blow off steam, or activities that are relaxing?
“Do you enjoy exercise more often when it involves a routine that you can adhere to or one that offers variety?” PTA GLOBAL
From your answers two these questions I can gather how to design your weekly plan and fill it with exercise that gets you results, that you look forward to, and keeps you coming back for more!
For example, if you enjoy variety, interaction, being on sport teams, what I suggest is the combination of working with me, their trainer/coach in addition to taking group fitness classes they enjoy. I love this combination for my clients and see the greatest results! In this, I know my clients are going to get in the movement they need and “like” even on the days we are not together. These classes aren’t jazzercise classes from the 80’s.(Even though this gal still loves these!)
Think tough boot camp, weight lifting classes, metabolic conditioning, yoga, stretch, power nap and many others. Based on your goals these classes are intended to get your heart rate up, your muscles burning, lengthen- such as Yoga or Pilates and even provide recovery.
My roles as a trainer/coach is to work with my client, in helping them continue to enjoy their exercise program. I act as a guide by the side with my clients towards their goals so they stay with their program long after they have stopped training with me!
I am not by any means suggesting that personal training is not fun and extremely valuable in helping you reach your goals safely and effectively all the days of the week. Heck, I have been a Personal Trainer or over 16 years. What I am suggesting is consider something else—why not cross train and take a group fitness or group personal training class instead on alternate days? Try something new this year!
We love these benefits also:
- Great escape from your regular routine.
- Get just as good of a workout in comparison to running, but also work your body in new ways that running doesn’t.
- With other people around you and an instructor telling you what to do, you are likely to push yourself a little bit harder than if you were in the weight room or running solo.Take weight lifting or sculpting classes and you’ll become a stronger and faster runner.
- You get into class and out in usually an hour and you’ve gotten your workout in for the day. Plus, you’re less likely to skip out early with others around.
If you have a gym membership at Equinox check out the classes they offer—these are some of my favorites plus I get to see you there!
Happiness & Health,
Natania
Battle Stress and Win with Exercise in Your Corner!
In the spirit and thought of some meaningful conversations I have had with my clients this week, I would like to share some thoughts on stress and exercise. In our weeks filled with those “good stressors” that provoke us to move forward towards our goals, there are those moments when stress can have us move backwards. One of the steps in reaching your goals is having the knowledge or understanding of how to get there. Another step, and probably one of the most important is then taking action towards your goals with that knowledge.
The best partner to have in your corner with your battle against stress is exercise. How you react and choose to deal with stress can make the difference in you reaching your fitness goals. Breaking the pattern that stress can create on your body is important in ensuring you steer clear of chronic stress. Chronic stress can have harmful and negative effects on your mind and body. The key is in how you respond. By making the choice to choose active coping with exercise, it can control the emotional and physical feelings of stress.
We all know that movement does the body good, but you find yourself too stressed with your everyday life to fit it in. By taking the time to schedule your exercise on a weekly basis not only will you assist with relieving stress, but also in achieving an overall sense of wellness in your life.
Some stress busting benefits of exercise are:
1) Movement Meditation– When you start moving and focusing on something else you immediately start shedding the thoughts and worries of your day. Exercise can relax the tension in your muscles signaling to the brain that it can relax too.
2) Pumps those FEEL good ENDORPHINES: When you exercise you increase production of neurotransmitters in the brain known as endorphins. This gives you a sense of focus and energy.
3) Combat cravings for carbohydrates and fats- After a stressful event the body often craves simple carbohydrates and fat. Our typical response after a stressful event or day is to want to take a break. The difference is in how you choose to take that break. Do you take the break in comfort foods like sugars, quick fats and alcohol? Exercise provides a substitution. It can replace the craving that is self-defeating for your overall wellness and free you up to continue towards you ideal self.
Quick Stress Relieving Ideas: Try some speed ladder drills, a quick walk around the block, a few minutes with a jump rope, a set of jumping jacks, some flights of stairs.
Snap your mind out of the stress cycle; join a health club that offers a variety of group classes to keep it fun and interesting. Hire a personal trainer and wellness coach. Money is a strong motivator to keep you on schedule and create healthy habits. When you work with a Private Trainer that is also a Wellness Coach you partner together to come up with effective ways to accomplish your weekly goals.
When you exercise as a response to stress in your life it is your winning partner to your psychology and wellbeing. First, you initiated it and second it is predictable. With this, you get a sense of belief and self-confidence in your ability to manage stress. You can choose to react by having exercise in your corner and win the battle against stress and the negative effects it can have on your life.
What is the next action you need to take?
Personal Training vs. Group Fitness Classes to Reach Your Goals?
Last week I was walking through the gym floor at one of the clubs where I teach group fitness classes. I heard someone yelling my name. I turned my head and there was a woman waving and jumping up and down. She ran over to me from across the room and said, “Do you remember me?” I was in your class years ago in San Francisco. You were the first person that helped me get started as a personal trainer!”
To be honest, I looked at her and for the life of me could not recognize her. Now before I started to doubt my memory, I remembered to give myself a little credit here…from the late 1990s to early 2000s, I had the opportunity to work with a fitness certification company, traveling the country teaching and presenting course material to new trainers looking to get certified. There must have been thousands of students I had met throughout those years.
Our conversation began with her telling me all she has accomplished within her personal training business. She had renewed all of her certifications she had received since then and added several more. She also still reviews the notes and video supplements from the workshops I taught. I have to admit, it did make me feel good: I loved coaching and training future trainers. It was great to hear all of her accomplishments and the clients she has helped. That was one of the many reasons I loved teaching.
She finally asked what I was doing in the club. I told her with pride, “I teach group fitness classes here!” She looked at me with a blank stare.
“Really? Why are you doing that?” I think group fitness hurts more people than it helps. I tell my clients it is better to focus on your form and keep it safe than go crazy in a class. Why did you trade sides?”
Thought to self, GULP! “Trade sides!!!??” Natania…deep breath…it would NOT be good to go all Brooklyn on her….
I smiled back and simply said, “I have actually found it to be just as beneficial for some people, if not better, in reaching their goals. It makes me happy and helps more of those around me.“
We said our goodbyes, but I had a feeling I was not her favorite instructor anymore (something I’ve learned not to take personally from teaching Group Fitness all over town).
I started my career in fitness as a personal trainer over 16 years ago. Proper form, technique and the science of my programming were some of the most important things to me when I first started training clients. I used to walk by Group Fitness studios and think, “What the ^*#% are they doing in there?!” I looked in the room and all I saw was bad form and injuries waiting to happen.
What I did not notice at the time was all the smiles on the faces of everyone in the room and the group of people that kept coming back each week for their exercise. As I continued to travel across the country for work, my classes on personal training education would consist primarily of trainers…but there were also times we would have group fitness instructors join in. And I have to tell you – the days when the GF instructors were present I never felt so much energy, passion and curiosity in the room. Not necessarily in regards to what was right or wrong, but on how they could take this information, break it down and make an experience for their participants. How they could make it safe, fun and have them coming back for more.
I believe group fitness had it on the mark all the time. We as trainers are all, just now, catching on.
I am not by any means suggesting that personal training is not fun or not extremely valuable in helping you reach your goals safely and effectively. I believe everyone should have a trainer and/or coach. But in the same vein, I am not saying that in group fitness classes, proper form and progression are not emphasized. In fact, I have worked with some coaches and instructors that have their students performing with better form in the studio than on the fitness floor. What I AM suggesting is that one should complement the other. I am suggesting that clients work with their personal trainers AS WELL as take group fitness classes and/or teams, exercise programs they enjoy.
One of the things I do with my clients the first time we meet is figure out what days we are going to train and what days they would like to take group classes. In this, I know my clients are going to get in an activity they need, in addition to the days we are together. I love this combination for my clients! My goal as their trainer is not to make them dependent on me, but to guide them through the journey by finding the exercise they like and learn how to keep it going life-long. If we have not trained together yet, I would love to meet with you to get you going on a program that helps you reach your goals while enjoying every step of the process!
I will continue to look positively toward the future, and to my friends I have met (and will meet) in the gym for inspiration, motivation, and the teamwork I hope is growing between all departments. If you have a gym membership at a health club or studio, check out the classes they offer. Some of my favorite classes are at Equinox and Ocean Spa & Fitness (plus I get to see you there)! And if you don’t belong to a gym, I coach a group personal training class at Santa Monica beach…best of both worlds! The next one is starting up soon, so contact me if you would like to join in this round! The group is limited to 5 people.
The fitness industry is a small world – everyone knows each other. I like to think we are working more as a team than as separated departments. I believe we are, and are growing away from the belief that there is only one way to help clients get to their goals. Because the truth is – contrary to the beliefs of that former student – we’re all on the same side.
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