Essentials for Starting a Fitness Program

By Yamuna Zake, creator of the YAMUNA® Body Rolling fitness and therapy system, the YAMUNA® Body Logic hands-on therapy, and YAMUNA® Foot Fitness

The beginning of every New Year for so many begins with New Year resolutions. Often at the top of the list is the vow to finally get “in shape.” The most common places people go to do this are the gym, yoga center, or Pilates studio closest to where they work or live.

What I try to explain to people when they decide to get “in shape” is that before going to any fitness trainer or any other body wellness instructor, sit down and make a list of goals that you would like to accomplish. If you are not clear of the healthy changes that you would like to create in your body, how can anyone actually help you to reach your goals? Your list can be as focused as possible. This means that if you want to get definition in your arms because your triceps are sagging, than you should write down that you want to see your triceps toned and well-formed. If your buttocks are sagging, and you are developing cellulite in your thighs, you need to write this down and be able to very clearly tell the person you are going to work out with that you would like to lift and tone your buttocks. You would like to create long, toned, and well-defined thighs. If your neck is sagging and wrinkling and your breasts are drooping, and this really bothers you, you need to be able to tell a professional you want to lift your breasts and tone all the supporting muscles and work to stretch and tone the muscles of the front of your neck. You need to know that you can really create all the positive changes in your body that you desire. You just need to get clear and be able to articulate this.

Once you create your list of desired body goals, the next step is to find someone who can actually listen to what you want to accomplish and have the education and ability to help you achieve your goals. You actually have the right to interview anyone you are looking to work with. Why waste your time not achieving your goals by working with a 21-year-old buff body builder that most likely will give you the workout he does to create the body he has? It is important that a trainer does not just put you on a cardio, weight training, and flexibility program without focusing on your goals. It is your body, and you do not want to sabotage your New Year resolution because you have chosen a trainer that does not have a clue how to help you achieve your goals.

Devise a program that seems sensible and realistic to you with the help of the professional you have chosen. Next, set a timeframe on reaching certain goals. For example, if you are doing the program for three weeks, and you do not visibly see any results yet, you most definitely need to speak up and immediately make revisions in your workout. You do not need to get stuck in a routine that is not working for you. You just need to speak up and keep revisiting your goals to keep you on a positive and successful path.

When interviewing trainers, ask if they know the human anatomy well. Do they work with improving body architecture so that your body is aligned correctly before developing a workout program? If you have had any injuries, surgeries, or chronic or acute pain, make sure the person is capable of working with any physical issues.