Ask a Trainer: Happy New Rear!

The first of January brings on the hope of a waning waistline, bigger biceps or a new rear. And, for many, Dec. 31 will be yet another reminder that they didn’t reach their New Year’s resolution goal … again. Our current and new gym members tell me that they had the same New Year’s resolution last year and didn’t reach their goal. So what do we need to do differently to increase our chances of success this year? I asked a couple of the personal trainers at Anytime Fitness in Winter Park for some guidance and direction on the common pitfalls of people’s resolutions and how to overcome them. Here’s what I learned:

Michael Garcia, CPT

A fitness routine tied to a weight loss or a body transformation goal is really more mental than it is physical, especially when considering New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions are attached to a lot of pressure to make a big lifestyle change overnight and this pressure is often the cause of failed achievements. I’ve talked with people who maintain their bad eating and lifestyle habits — the same bad habits that prevented them from reaching the same goals last year — through midnight on Dec. 31 and expect to wake up on Jan. 1 with the motivation, clarity and drive to change it all at one time. More often than not, this strategy fails.

Setting small achievable goals each day that in a month’s time contribute to a more substantial change brings greater success. Make it to the gym three days a week for 30 minutes at a time for the first week. Add 15 minutes and an additional exercise the second week. Do the same the third week. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed by too drastic of a lifestyle change. Also, find exercises and routines that you enjoy doing. Ask a personal trainer, like me, for some ideas. It’s my job to dream up creative ways to help you enjoy your workouts!

Kevin McGaha, CPT

Gyms can be intimidating! And who wants to go somewhere intimidating three to five times a week? Working out with a friend and finding a club with a sense of community can make the gym-going experience less intimidating and more enjoyable. First of all, anywhere you go and know someone is always less intimidating. Secondly, now you have an accountability partner. Having a support system and someone you don’t want to let down will hold you accountable to consistency. And consistency is key! Workout partners significantly increase your chance of achieving your 2015 goal.

A sense of community is hard to find in gyms, but provides a unique environment when you can find one. I find it funny that a lot of our members call us the “‘Cheers’ of gyms” because we know everyone’s name and we get them involved in conversations with other members. It’s interesting to see how people’s outlook on going to the gym changes as they meet more people in the club. By talking with people while on the bikes or in between exercise sets, the whole experience becomes more enjoyable. Without a community in the gym that helps introduce you to others in a non-threatening way, however, this is difficult to achieve. So find a gym with a personal touch where they get to know you and your goals. You’ll find the journey more enjoyable and pick up some friends along the way!

Ask for help and guidance as you reach toward your fitness goals this year. Going at it alone and doing the same old tedious exercises is enough to demotivate even a fitness fanatic. Connect with a trainer and build relationships within the gym to put you on the path to a better body, a healthier life and a happy new rear!

Patrick McGaha Jr., member experience manager at Anytime Fitness, Winter Park, is dedicated to building a welcoming environment in the club, conducive to helping members and clients reach their health fitness goals. To get your fitness and nutrition related questions answered by a certified personal trainer, or for a free personal training session, call us at 321-972-5833 or email [email protected]