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Beginners welcomed
Topics: Fitness, exercise, in-shape, beginners
Posted by admin Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments I recently had a slew of new clientele. I’m sure it has something to do with bikini and shorts season being right around the corner. My newest beginner client, Carla, asked if I could make her look “hot” in two months. I could feel my left eyebrow raising up and what seemed to take five minutes for me to answer her.

I gently replied, “While I’m not a plastic surgeon, I can teach you great information on nutrition and exercise.”

She seemed a bit disappointed, but grabbed her headband, towel, water and gloves anyway.   At least she was prepared, I thought.

What amazes me most about beginners is their sincere enthusiasm and zest to reach their goals. I’ll admit Carla was a bit over zealous, but that’s a good thing. It seems to mellow out to just the right amount of enthusiasm and expectations as we proceeded with caution on the road to fitness.

Ah,  the beginners! A breath of fresh air for me. You just automatically have a student who is all ears, bright eyes, punctual and full of “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to step on you.” They are still somewhat humble the first couple of months. I usually inform them that we will be stepping and bumping each other for at least two weeks or more, so get one big “sorry” out and enough!

Carla seemed to be so happy to be here. It made me wonder if I still had the same passion I use to back in the day. All jobs can become routine after a while, but newbies never fail to remind me how to have a good time working out, and how to laugh at myself! She did plenty of that.

In fact, the more she hurt, the harder she laughed. I just couldn’t figure that one out. But, at least she is “coming over to the other side,” I thought. She will soon be one of us, you know, the “I can’t get my day started unless I get my cardio/weights in.” I was happy I was doing my job, and she seemed to be advancing at record pace.
Maybe she will look hot in two months, I thought. After all, she doesn’t have that much work to do to get there. But, starting any exercise program should mean you need to proceed with caution. Bring your enthusiasm and water, but don’t expect too much too soon or you’ll be disappointed and will most likely injure yourself in the process.

Remember to dress comfortably in loose clothing and wear appropriate foot wear.  Always consider the weather — once you get moving about, you’ll be sorry you wore clothes for January weather. Dress to undress as your body’s core temperature starts to rise as you increase activity (long sleeve shirt or sweats over shorts sleeve and shorts).

Always begin with a warm-up session. Your respiration, circulation and body temperature need to increase to avoid injury during the actual exercise phase that comes after the warm-up. Cool-downs should be gradual as well, walking it down for three to five minutes.

Don’t overexert yourself. If you’ve been pretty sedentary for the past few years, a walking lunge could cripple you for a few days.  Once you’ve been exercising regularly, and a base fitness is established, you’ll be able to lengthen the time and increase intensity. Sweating will become second nature, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Carla asked me how long before she sees results. Genetics, I answered. They play the major role in deciding how you’re going to respond to any given stimuli. Some people respond quicker than others, but you will feel better in about two to three weeks, I can assure that. Lets keep on track with consistent exercise, watch your calorie intake and you will definitely feel 100 percent better in no time.

Its only been three weeks now, and I must say Carla is doing well. She doesn’t laugh as much as she use to, but that’s OK, things are getting tougher as we go along. She is a bit more focused as she is beginning to understand and learn what she is doing and why. She has dropped 5 pounds and 4 inches, and while she gave herself two months to get in-shape for her cruise vacation, I am betting she is in this for the long haul.

For the beginner, think on these:
• Energize you body by giving it proper fuel so you can be ready to exercise.
• Generate good work ethics. Be patient and most of all consistent. It will happen for you.
• Go for it —  what are you waiting for?
• Include a friend or a spouse. It can help with motivation and healthy competition.
• Never give up! If you miss a workout, or mess up on your diet, just start later that day or next day in the morning.
• Exude a positive outlook. You can do this, that’s why you walked in the front door in the first place.

Fitness tip: Twenty-eight percent of all Americans suffer from chronic low back pain. Try viniyoga, a type of therapeutic yoga for beginners. With regular practice you can see relief in three to six months.

Questions? comments? E-mail Gina at: Fitness4life5959@yahoo.com

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