Page 7 - Priorities #9 1999-March

That lifestyle doesn’t make sense. I think it’s a very important point to discuss, because a lot of people don’t make the connection. Society tells us “this is what to strive for” and we lose track of what makes our life better.
As a fitness coach, I work on both the physical and the mental aspects of a balanced, healthy life. We talk about meditation, reflection, breathing, and the conceptsofstressmanagement. Itrytohelppeople step outside themselves and become a sort of spectator of themselves mentally.
 Not too long ago, only serious athletes hired personal trainers. Now many so-called ordinary people are doing it. Why? And does anybody ever “graduate” once they start with a trainer?
Absolutely, yes, you do graduate and move on because fitness becomes your lifestyle and you have the mindset to continue. I think people decide to get personal help because they are busy and maybe they don’t believe they can do it. I don’t think there is anyone who can’t succeed if they give themselves a chance.
People who are already fairly knowledgeable sometimes want help in expanding their activities, working in more variety. In either case, the personal trainer will help that person find a system that works and will be that positive voice leading them through the steps and keeping them on track.
 Without a personal trainer, how does a person start making changes in lifelong habits? What do you advise people to do first?
Most important is being aware of what you are putting into your body. It’s so easy to eat before you think! If you love feeling good, you have to put into yourself the raw materials to produce that feeling. Most foods aren’t absolutely bad for you, so you can still have that piece of chocolate cake or whatever it is you love. It’s a matter of keeping things in proportion.
I hate the word “diet.” It makes people feel uptight and tense and stressed-out and it makes them always think about food. I hate hearing people say, “Oh, I ate horribly yesterday so I’m not eating until supper tomorrow.” It’s okay to make a mistake. You don’t need to punish yourself; you need to protect yourself by going back to eating healthily.
The general guidelines aren’t complicated - emphasize vegetables, grains and fruits, only a small amount of sugars, oils and fats. Drink a lot of plain water; you can’t substitute other beverages. You can keep this in mind and be on the right track.
 How do you feel about the current emphasis on vitamin pills and supplements?
I like some of the supplement packages that are available because no matter how careful you are, there aresomethingsyoumightnotgeteveryday. Calcium, for example, if you are watching fatty cheeses and milks. Antioxidants,whichareimportantforthe immune system.
We’re trying to eat in moderation, take smaller portions. Science gives us a way to be sure we’re still getting that balance of nutrients - why not take advantage of it!
 What’s next, after taking care of nutritional needs?
Give yourself air and water. We need oxygen. Deep, relaxing breaths help bring the body’s chemistry into balance. We feel less stressed. Water has oxygen and it’s also necessary to break down fats. I believe in carrying that water bottle around with you.
 Many people prefer something with fizzle or flavoring.
A lot of the juices and sodas, and coffee and tea, are actually dehydrating. Also, when you choose several glasses of juice instead of water, you are adding significant numbers of calories on top of your meals. When you look at the whole picture they aren’t substitutes for water.
 How much exercise does a person need?
It’s great to start small and it’s important to work up to three or four days a week, 1/2 hour each time...This is the place where people have to guard against dropping off because they are getting bored.
I like to suggest a sort of cross-training approach. Vary your routine —choose biking, hiking, car-washing, jogging, rollerblading, ice skating, jumprope, aerobics, weights, swimming, go up and down the stairs at a sports stadium - or use the stairs on our campus. Some people get into sports teams, dance, beach volleyball, golf, bowling... If you’re having a good time, your mental attitude is getting healthier, too...
It helps to have a group that you have a commitment to meet. It helps to have a plan. Pencil in on your calendar what you plan to do - and it’s okay if you have to change it!
We can succeed in changing our lifestyle if we give ourselves a chance.
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