FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Training

Q: What is the best way to lose weight?

Q: What is the difference between toning and building muscle?

Q: I have some old injuries that prevent me from working out, can I still work with a trainer?

Q: Can you help me be a better athlete?

Q: Which is better strength or cardio training?

Q: Is stretching important?

Q: How Can a Personal Trainer Help Me? back to top

A: Our trainers believe in helping clients change fitness levels at a pace that is appropriate to each individual. Fitness is not just about working hard; it is also about working out at an effective level to achieve goals. AHS trainers demonstrate a genuine concern for their clients. Trainers provide undivided attention including: skill perfection, knowledge, creativity, and integrity. We, as trainers take pride in our devotion to professional excellence.

Q: What is the best way to lose weight? back to top

A: Weight loss is a ratio of energy in versus energy out. If more energy is expended (measured in calories) than consumed, the body will begin to use fat reserves resulting in weight loss. Adaptive Health Solutions use a balance of Nutrition, Resistance Exercise, and Cardio to achieve physical change. Improvement of overall health, physical appearance, and injury prevention are the central focus of most workout programs. AHS encourages changing overall body composition (ratio of fat-to-muscle mass) rather than “losing weight”. It is important to remember muscle weighs more than fat. It is important to judge body composition on how clothes fit rather than the number on the scale. Six pack abs, toned arms, tight glutes, etc., are only achieved by building muscle and shedding the fat that is covering that muscle.

Q: What is the difference between toning and building muscle? back to top

A: Muscle tone in this respect implies a lean body; one that is low in body fat, showing some muscle definition and shape. Toned muscle pertains to the appearance of musculature that is hard as opposed to flaccid or “flabby”. Muscle building in this respect implies building as much muscle as possible, “bulking” up, and getting a body-builder look. These definitions make a clear distinction between toning and building muscle, however, they are basically the same physiological process differing only in degree.

Q: I have some old injuries that prevent me from working out, can I still work with a trainer? back to top

A: The most important part of dealing with injuries is to first seek proper medical attention. Once medical clearance is obtained from a doctor or physical therapist it is safe to start working with a trainer. (It is important to understand the damage caused by the original injury can prevent you from participating in your favorite activities.) Experienced personal trainers make the road to recovery less treacherous, recommending exercises that emphasize overall muscular balance, preventing future injuries. Adaptive Health Solutions implements progressive, balanced workouts, crafted specifically for each individual. Workouts are fun, invigorating, and also can help correct postural imbalances, and, improve range of motion. Proper stretching, toning and strengthening muscles will protect from technical flaws in an exercise routine that can lead to injury. Quality exercise programs alleviate lower back pain, knee and shoulder injuries, bicep impingement, and many other common injuries.

Q: Can you help me be a better athlete? back to top

A: Sport-specific training is training that involves preparation and skill development for a specific sport. Whether you want to run faster, jump higher or add ten yards to your drive, you can kick your game into high gear by turning your body into a more finely tuned machine. AHS trainers seek to help individuals of all ages and skill levels reach their full athletic potential. We strive to enhance all components important for successful athletic involvement.

Q: Which is better strength or cardio training? back to top

A: Both. Any long-term wellness program should include cardio sessions and strength training workouts. Personal limitations and goals will determine the combination of strength and cardio that is implemented.

Weight training is highly important if the desired goal is fat loss, or changing body composition. Muscle, compared to fat, is a more metabolically active fiber. Adding muscle to the body will result in a raise in metabolism, thus burning more total calories on a daily basis. In addition to weight training, diet and cardiovascular training are also very important components of weight loss. Weight training not only raises the metabolism, it also increases joint stability, assists in the prevention of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, strengthens the body, and improves overall body function. Weight training can be intimidating and confusing for a beginner, and frustrating for those who have hit a plateau. AHS trainers assist in the most effective progression towards individual goals by teaching the science and understanding behind weight lifting programs.

Cardiovascular training produces many physiological benefits such as: improving the function of the heart, reducing blood pressure, increasing blood supply to the muscles and heart, improving respiratory function, and increasing metabolism. Target heart rates are very important in cardiovascular training. AHS trainers assist in pinpointing safe and effective target heart rates for each individual. This heart rate is used to teach interval training, fat burning zone, and length and intensity of cardiovascular workouts. In addition, AHS trainers will correct form and postural imbalances that lead to pain and injury.

Q: Is stretching important? back to top

A: If the muscles are never stretched, it is only a matter of time before injury occurs. In addittion: if certain parts of the body are tight, the body is funcioning well below its potential. Tight musculature can not be put through the same range of motion as musculature that is properly lengthened. Decreased range of motion will affect workouts, health, and the entire body.