Brendan Hughes

Not Nike Air Max. The diet/fitness people.

Wife has wondered about one to try to help her look vaguely female again after childbirth (she's not 21 anymore). I am intensely sceptical, I believe it's a "trade" like the IFAs of the early 90s, any loudmouth who couldn't keep a job set up as one of these, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.

I don't see that it's anything that a bit of cycling, a bit of swimming, and a bit of Atkins can't sort out, but can give it a shot. (And no she won't be doing it just yet, this is for a few months' time).

Anyone got any experience?

Stephb1986

IMHO total fitness is fantastic ive never been to a better gym in my life and ive tried a few but total fitness is by far the best

The Snug Rhino

I was a personal trainer in the early 90's..........then moved into IFA when i saw all the money i could make. Hope that helps

kammy

Some are very good. I have a few friends who are PT's. It is not just about slimming, it is about doing it correctly. Good PT's will advise you on what to eat and when, how to do exercises correctly (so many people do them wrong and get injured-including 'experianced' gym go-ers) & even advise you on the best ways to recover from a hard session.

BlkKnight

go by recommendation
ask for proof of qualifactions -other than collage include (Multitrax, fitpro, reps, pilates institute UK & YMCA)
ask for proof of "trade" membership (Multitrax, fitpro, REPS, IFA etc)

There are a lot of unqualified dangerous people out there who haven't got a clue (but meaning well) - I have daily contact with loads of them. . .

ozzy

The good thing about a PT is that it can help motivate you to actually do something. Just having to make an appointment and not wanting to let them down (or give you a bo!!ocking) can be the kick up the @rse most people need.

It takes a lot of self-discipline to train yourself and 99% of it is having a routine. Go on reputation and background.

Brendan Hughes

I foresaw this, I remember your rowing machine stories - you're not kidding, are you?


We have a Holmes Place gym nearby, but what would be better would be a home visit, that way there's no problem with the little one. Might ask if they do them.

ozzy

Trouble is, what can you seriously achieve in the home? unless you have a decent sized garden that she can run around like a mad eejit

The Snug Rhino

lol...must say, had very fit clients then and very rich ones now so must be doing something right

Brendan Hughes

ozzy, didn't think of that I wondered about non-machine work. We just have an exercise bike. She couldn't swim in the pond either, it's only 3ft long

She tried following a Pilates video last night in front of the TV. Good, but not interactive.

ozzy

99% of loosing weight is diet, but the process can be sped up with Exercise. Obviously exercise has loads more health benefits, but you need to really work yourself to get the maximum out of it.

You can do circuit training in a relatively small space, but to work all the muscles, tendons and ligaments you need to do more natural all-body exercises - i.e. running up and down, changing direction, etc.. This is much more beneficial than stationery exercises involving weights or (worse) machines.

If you have a decent size garden (preferably grassy to prevent injury), then a 45min circuit session can get you pretty fit and burn tons of calories to help loose weight. Throw in some jogging or biking outdoors at the weekends and you can achieve a excellent level of health & fitness IMHO.

Stefan

unclebuck

Trade in for a younger fitter model.

Brendan Hughes

Typical New Labour (Prescott, Cook) solution.

ozzy

hey, if it works don't knock it

Ravster

A good personal trainer is worth the money. Doing exercises properly with the right technique is better than some gym monkey telling you to lift heavy weights to get big muscles.

A bad personal trainer is bad for your health and well being.

In my experience you need to go for the ones who seem to be giving you enough of the "personal" training touch (oo-er) and by that I mean:

They will consider what the achievable goals are; make a plan to get there; chart progress; modify exercises from week to week as things change; respond to feedback; be able to motivate and inspire.

The fitness industry is full of under-qualified chancers so be selective, don't be afraid of walking away from a PT if you (or the wife) are not happy. Good luck!

wez_sti

80% of the PT's at my Gym are clearly over weight, so it would be hard to take any advice of them really!

Diablo

LOL

Good plan,

Invite a young, fit, probably good looking bloke into your house, while you are out, who's entire aim in life is to improve your wife's physical fitness and self motivation.....

I doubt the lack of gym equipment will stand in the way of a good work out!

Brendan Hughes

I sort of assumed they might be female...

The Snug Rhino

to be fair...........thats one of the few reasons i didnt leave the industry sooner