Kees (that's me) on Personal Training (Part 1)

Heya! Well it's been a while...a good long while since I scribbled here. I've been working on some other little projects that I will share in time.

One of my jobs is personal trainer (although not working at the moment) and as a personal trainer I have pet peeves at the gym. Well, I had pet peeves at the gym long before I was a personal trainer. I've been working out at gyms since I was 14 and I feel strongly about certain things in a gym atmosphere. Read on...

Because I care...

For the last two months I've been with my husband in California for his work and we've been working out at a fairly small, busy gym. There are things I notice right away about gyms...cleanliness, attitudes, courtesy and how the trainers work with their clients. The other day I was watching a trainer who I'd seen training clients previously. He was working with two females, a mother and daughter I'm guessing. I'd watch him demonstrate a specific exercise or lift, and then he'd have the two females do the exercise.

The form the women used was awful, but it wasn't their fault. Obviously beginners, they're not aware of form. Poor form is the fault of the trainer not paying attention to detail. My knees were hurting just watching, and I kept waiting to hear him give verbal cues. He did give one. He said "Imagine it as if you were sitting." So they did, but knees were over toes, abs were not held tight so there was a bending of the back. Verbal cues are key when working with newer clients, but should be used with all clients.

Why does this bother me...well, let me explain. People develop bad habits, bad habits lead to injury, injury leads to less working out which ultimately leads to illness, and/or a weak body. Americans already struggle enough with stress and diet in our hurry hurry lifestyles. If someone's actually making time to get to the gym, give them proper training. If you're training someone young and they have bad form it's sometimes because specific muscles haven't developed. The client needs to become more aware of form and posture and taught how to strengthen the weak areas.

Now, I'm a real hands on trainer, and I ask permission to touch my client. I will physically move their leg into the 90 degree position it needs to be in for a lunge or squat, or touch their back when I want them squeezing shoulder blades together and all the while reminding them to keep their core tight to protect their back. A good thing to remember when working with people who are newer to lifting, is 90 degree joint movements and don't let knees go over toes. No need to be hurting joints.

I just wish all trainers took the time to teach the right way in the beginning. I know there are a lot that do, but the few that don't can hurt someone. It may take time, but it saves time in the long run. Plus you end up with happy, healthy clients that will come back to you.

If you are the client...ask your trainer to give you cues as you do your lifts. Sometimes trainers feel rushed especially if they're working with multiple clients in one session so they may save time without even realizing it, by not giving as many cues and letting you get away with poor form. Proper lifting form takes time to learn. Be as educated as possible when seeking a personal trainer. Do you want a man or woman to train you? Do you know how long this person has been personal training? What is their education? And, what kind of shape is he or she in? Have you seen them lift or work out? Don't let someone you're paying to help you create a healthier lifestyle assume you know what you're doing. Ask a lot of questions. It's your body! Your life!

Wicked Weather Pictures...

I will update these occasionally, but I just found a few on-line that looked cool. Most of these pictures will be from years past, but gives you an idea of the enormity of some of these storms.

Ok, this isn't so much Northwest weather, but that's not my goal here...my goal is to show awesome weather wherever it may be. Imagine looking out your window in your office, or condo, wherever...Sure excitement, but a rush or terror would probably come over me. Tornadoes are mother nature’s most violent storms. They evolve from powerful thunderstorms and can wipe out a neighborhood in seconds killing people in it's path. Scary, but amazing.


Miami Tornado 1997
This image is a work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As works of the U.S. federal government, all NOAA images are in the public domain.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Boy we all get so excited, so anxious as winter weather comes rolling in. Now being from the Northwest we see our occasional snow, lots of rain depending on where you're at, but not too much in the way of severe weather.

This week we're seeing what the National Weather Service is calling big weather makers. Through Central Washington that means get those traction tires on and be prepared for emergencies if you're traveling across any of the mountain passes. There are heavy snow warnings and snow advisories issued for Central and Eastern Washington and Oregon. For more information on this storm and as we head toward the weekend you can log onto http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt/

Think safety if you are traveling. Keep your car stocked with essentials. Here is a list by the Red Cross of what to keep in your winter travel survival kit:

Battery-powered radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Blankets or sleeping bags Booster cables Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) First aid kit and manual Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter. Compass and road maps Shovel Tire repair kit and pump Flares Extra clothing to keep dry Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction) Tow rope Knife

For you and your family's safety know what the following mean

• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
• A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected.

These are just a few helpful things I felt necessary to post
for you. Have a very Merry Christmas and safe travels!

Speaking of weather...watch Good Morning America tomorrow. Host & Weather Anchor Sam Champion will be in Leavenworth. Today he was at the AMAZING Coeur d'Alene Resort in Northern Idaho. Just cool stuff in the Northwest!


Picture courtesy http://www.cdaresort.com/