Ask a Trainer: It's never too late

Q: I am 64 years old and have never been to a gym or lifted weights before. I’m honestly worried it’s a little too late for me to get started, and even more worried that I will hurt myself trying (or that a trainer will push me too hard). How can I make sure I make the right choice with exercises or a trainer to become healthier while avoiding injury? – Samuel T.

A: Samuel, first thing’s first: it is never too late to get started! Secondly, kudos to you for seeking better fitness and longevity by incorporating exercise, because it really does make an amazing difference!

Along with proper nutrition and stress management, exercise (specifically, strength training) is incredibly important when it comes to a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and the only way to increase your resting metabolic rate (or how many calories your body burns at rest) is by increasing – and maintaining – lean muscle mass.

I highly suggest seeking out an experienced, knowledgeable personal trainer, such as those at Anytime Fitness in Winter Park, to help get you started. An experienced trainer will ensure you practice proper form, gauge the best intensity for you, and show you useful, effective exercises. When choosing a trainer, I actually encourage shopping around. You will ideally spend two to three hours a week with your trainer, and will build a close relationship in the process. Take advantage of complimentary consultations to learn more about your potential trainer and make sure that they not only know their stuff – but that you feel comfortable and confident in them as a person (as well as the benefits they have to offer you). A legitimate trainer should not push you too hard – but motivate you, while prioritizing injury prevention and safety. The right trainer should also listen to you, your goals, and your concerns, and provide the support you need in order to achieve those goals (while challenging you to surpass them).

Getting started with a trainer is an exciting step toward reaching your optimal health, as you will soon find! You can look forward to becoming stronger – both physically and mentally – as well as experiencing improved mood, better sleep, a healthier physique, and a longer life. By the way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly. I would be honored to coach you through this next youthful chapter of your life!

Q: Friends of mine are raving about a new weight-loss tea that is supposed to help shed extra pounds, which I thought sounded too good to be true ... but one of them has lost nearly 10 pounds in a week! Do you think this tea really works and that it can help me lose weight, too? – Lorena Z.

A: Hi, Lorena! Let me just say this is becoming quite the popular question with clients lately – namely women over 35. There will always be a new “miracle weight-loss” product on the market. From pills, to teas, to powders, to shots, to gum, to lollipops, to odd fad diets, you name it, it’s out there! And, as you’ve recently found, they all claim to be the magical, golden ticket to finally reach your perfect dream body.

The thing is, most of these are a short-term quick fix when it comes to weight loss. Why? Because these kinds of gimmicks do not educate people on changing their lifestyle or nutrition habits – the things that usually got them the extra weight in the first place. Without considering such factors, it is very difficult to experience sustainable results. This is why most people who try such teas, pills, and the like, tend to put on the weight they lost and then some shortly after stopping the product.

Now, as for your friend losing nearly 10 pounds in a week – that is certainly a great catalyst of motivation (regardless of whether it was mostly excess water weight, which is likely the case)! Hopefully, she uses that boost to begin eating healthier, exercising, or improving her lifestyle in addition to drinking the tea – because taking action by doing so would encourage a sequence of events toward sustainable weight-loss.

I suggest you save yourself a few dollars and work toward your weight-loss in a way that will make results last. Pick up a new habit and stick to it consistently: incorporate more leafy greens into your diet, have a big glass of water every morning, and go for a long walk at least three times a week. You will see the pounds slip away – without any magic gimmicks – and you won’t be dependent on any special teas to boot. (P.S. Tea, in general, is great! Pick your favorite herbal tea and drink it daily as your own personal “magic” boost!)

Jasmin Bedria, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist, is an experienced health and fitness expert at Anytime Fitness, Winter Park. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness, Winter Park provides a friendly, well-maintained environment featuring top-quality exercise equipment. Members enjoy the benefit of being able to use any of more than 2,500 Anytime Fitness clubs now open in all 50 states and 19 countries. Email your questions to [email protected] and get a free personal training session!