Archive for October, 2011

Are you a tough mudder?  How about a muddy buddy?  Perhaps you are a warrior?  Or an urban athlete?

If these names sound intimdating to you, you’re not alone: that’s the point.

Recently in fitness, a notable trend is the “extreme endurance” race.  These races typically involve some element of mud, fire, water, or a combination thereof, and they often take place on desolate, hot, or otherwise challenging terrain.  Running is almost always involved, as are biking, hiking, kayaking, and other obstacles and activities depending on the race.

But why should you think about competing in an extreme endurance event?

For some, the added adventure and challenge of such a race is just what you need to get motivated to hop off the couch.  Neighborhood 5K?  Not so much.  5K while jumping over logs and ending in a big mud puddle?  Sign me up!  Knowing that the races are, if anything, never boring could be just what you need to find some consistency in your gym routine.

For others, the mere thought of adding obstacles to an already difficult activity – running - might be daunting.  For folks like this, the team aspect of the races are the most valuable.  Particularly in Muddy Buddy, during which teams of two leapfrog each other biking and running, relying on your teammtae is just as important as making it to the finish line.

Finally, extreme endurance events challenge both the body and mind.  There’s no zoning out on the iPod during a mud run; rather, you expend equal amounts of energy propelling your body forward as you do thinking about your next move.  The essence of competing in an environment where every decision and every step matters for your eventual outcome can be invigorating – and create a real sense of accomplishment at the finish line.

Your bene-fit trainers are experienced endurance athletes and can help you reach your endurance and timing goals in events like these – and more!  Check out our options for race training programs*, and email amanda@mybene-fit.com to help navigate your path toward your first “extreme” race challenge!

*the Tough Mudder race even offers a FREE exercise guide to help you get started !

I recently purchased a Groupon for a local gym I’ve always wanted to try.  Yes, what you’re thinking is true – I already have free access to several gyms given my job as a personal trainer, but sometimes we all just need something new (and I’m a sucker for a high-intensity treadmill class and free yoga!).

What I didn’t notice upon purchase is that the deal came with two free personal training sessions – an interesting conundrum given my profession!  I decided to bite the bullet, go “undercover,” and accept the free sessions.  I figured if nothing else, it would teach me a thing or two about being on the “other side” of a training relationship.

Boy, did it ever!

My immediate reaction to the trainer was skeptical – he was a typical, muscle-bound giant who seemed mostly disinterested in my running/marathoning goal and moderately disappointed that I didn’t want to lose a bunch of weight (perhaps his initial impression of most females’ goals at a Hollywood-central gym!).

However, I realized quickly that he was also highly professional and kind – and did a lot of things right.  He offered several postural and physical assessments (good), asked me about nutrition and gave me some advice on improvements (nice), and exposed me to various types of exercises and equipment (weights, body resistance, TRX) during our first hour together (fancy).

The second session was even better – he took into consideration my workouts and goals outside the confines of the gym, and he worked me through critical cross-training skills such as balance (much needed!), hip flexibility and strength (wowza), and muscular endurance (read: muscles shaking to fatigue).  He did not underestimate me and he did not make any assumptions about me.  The workout fit perfectly into my marathon training and was well thought-out and balanced.

Does this sound like your trainer?  It should.

If not, or if you’ve never had a personal trainer, there are a few things about my experience that you should notice right off the bat.  First, the trainer should provide at least some initial assessment of your health and fitness status and goals.  If he/she launches directly into a workout without figuring out where you’re headed, it’s a bad sign.  Written goals and milestones are even better.

Second, the trainer should design unique and individual workouts for each session - not provide “canned” or preprinted workouts for every client.  Since your goals are your own, your exercise regiment should be, too – so make sure you’re not hitting snooze and repeating the same biceps curls each week.  If you are, feel free to ask your trainer about her/his program design – and make them work for you!

Third, the trainer should offer a generous balance of challenge and support.  A trainer should not let you give up at the slightest inkling of sweat, grunting, or the occasional swear word – but she/he should recognize when you are about to faint or…expel.  Trainers that make you cry are great for TV, but in real life, your trainer should serve as a coach – pushing to make you better without breaking you down.

Finally, a trainer should make you want to come back each week.  If you feel awkward or uncomfortable around your trainer, or if your workouts are too hard or too easy, your motivation will wane within months – and you’ve just made a time-consuming and expensive mistake.  Never feel forced to work with or “click” with your trainer – there are thousands of trainers out there with different personalities, styles, and energies, and it may take more than one to find the one for you.

bene-fit offers highly intimate and professional training environments in your home or outdoors with certified personal trainers who have a great deal of experience with all types of people.  If you are looking to jump-start your health and fitness goals but want to do it in a way that is safe and exciting, contact a bene-fit trainer today! 

You – like I was today – will be happy you took the first step.