Lexington, KY - The push for Americans to increase the amount of physical activity they do is not new. For the last several years, the news regarding the skyrocketing obesity rates, as well as the fears of aging, loss of mobility, physical and even mental function, have been a driving force behind the surge in the marketing of exercise devices, programs, fitness centers and personal trainers.
While any increase in activity is a good thing, and there is no best or perfect workout, consumers should understand the differences between the various types of fitness and wellness products and services that are available -- not all products or services are a good investment of your time and money, so it's best to match up the type of product or service that best meets your specific goals and needs.
Services you purchase are more likely to result in an actual increase in your activity level. Having an appointment that you are paying for is a great motivator; it gets you up and to the facility, which is half the battle. Deciding to use purchased services requires a look into the realities of you and your life too. Does your life allow you to schedule a regular appointment? Can you control your schedule enough to make the most of your appointments? Are you someone who wants to share your goals, needs, weaknesses and strengths with someone?
Group classes that are included with your gym membership are not considered an actual service, unless you pay extra for them. Without extra pay, the likelihood of attending available classes falls and success is rare. Group classes that require you to pay in advance have a higher success rate, but if the cost per class is minimal, many people easily skip pre-paid classes and justify it by telling themselves it didn't really "cost" that much.
Only you can determine what course will work best for you. Many people find that a combination of both joining a gym, running or walking group, or group class facility, and hiring an individual to provide personal fitness services is the best combination. Keeping a regular appointment with a trainer or instructor keeps many people from falling completely off the fitness wagon. They may go a few weeks of only seeing their trainer and not doing their cardio work on their own, but usually the trainer can motivate them, or guilt them into getting back at it.
If you do hire a personal fitness professional to be a part of your physical activity program, it is important to make sure you are hiring someone who has the education and experience to help you with your specific goals.
Professional trainers are not just supposed to lead you in exercise. If you are going to pay a fitness professional, they should be able to help you with your overall wellness program. They should know what things you like to do in your life, like golf or gardening, and develop a program to address those things. They should educate you about your body and teach you how to take care of it with or without them.
The bottom line is we all have to include physical activity in our lives; our bodies are designed for this and do not run well without it. It is our responsibility to take care of our bodies, and exercise is an important component to that maintenance. How you incorporate activity in your life is your choice. With so many options, there is certainly at least one that will work for you.