Q: Why in-home training?

A: Decades of research have shown that the biggest obstacle to reaching fitness goals is program adherence.  More than 50% of people quit a new exercise program within six months of starting it.  One of the biggest factors cited by participants is lack of time.  By training in your own home, an average of twenty-five minutes of travel time is saved - this is about the amount of time it takes to complete an entire strength training circuit.  Additionally, many new exercisers feel more comfortable in their own home.  I design exercise programs that you can do almost anywhere, with a minimal amount of equipment.

Q: What if I don't have any exercise equipment?

A: Despite the hundreds of different kinds of exercise devices out there, the truth is you really need very little to give your body a good workout.  I bring the equipment we'll need with me to each session.  Additionally, I design sessions that you can do at home with little or no equipment for the days of the week when we don't meet.

Q: How do your prices compare with other personal trainers?

A: My prices are extremely competetive with all private personal trainers in the Twin Cities area.  Compare at www.personal-trainers-minnesota.com  For each hour that we spend together, another one to three hours is spent planning, preparing for and traveling to that session.  Additionally, I am happy to check in on you via e-mail or phone as often as you like.  

Q: Wouldn't it be cheaper for me to just join a fitness center?

A: Area fitness centers charge around $35 - 50 per month for a single membership, plus enrollment fees, and most charge around $40 per session for personal training.  Membership fees are charged whether you actually go to the gym or not, and most members go fewer than twice per week.  Self-directed workouts also tend to be less focussed and less productive.  For about the same price as a one-year membership, you can get twenty private sessions with me.

Q: What if I already belong to a fitness center?

A: That's great!  I can design programs that you can do using the equipment at your gym.  We can even have our sessions together there, if you like.  The thing is, most fitness centers charge a 25 - 35% commission on all personal training fees.  So for a $50 session with me, you will have to pay an additional $15 - 25 to the fitness center.

Q: I'm considering building a small home gym.  What are the essential pieces of equipment I should have?

A: It really depends on your preferences and fitness goals.  I would be happy to talk with you about what options might be best for you.  Generally speaking, one good piece of cardio equipment, a flat bench or stability ball and a few dumbbells are all you really need.  There are a lot of options out there, though, so let's talk!

Q: Can I lose this fat around my stomach?

A: Yes.  But only if you lose fat over your whole body.  While you can "spot" build specific muscles with strength training, there is no such thing as "spot reduction".  For most of us, genetics determine where we tend to accumulate fat - and there's no changing genetics.  The good news is, with a pretty basic fitness and nutrition program, you can lose fat and build muscle tone over your whole body - including your stomach/hips/thighs - wherever your trouble spots are.  Don't waste your money on gimmicky creams, wraps or pills either - they don't work - period!  Water is the only thing you'll lose with them.

Q: Should I be eating a low-carb, high-protein diet now that I'm working out?

A: There is a lot of hype out there these days.  Keep in mind that it is, without exception, put out by people and companies who are trying to sell you something.  While those engaging in strenuous strength training (body builders, power lifters, Olympic-level athletes) do benefit from slightly increasing their protein intake, the general population already consumes more protein than they need - and excess protein can turn into fat!  Eating a balanced, sensible diet high in whole grains, lean protein and plant foods is the best "diet" you can follow.  Avoid highly processed foods, excess cholesterol and sodium, "bad" fats and anything that lists "corn syrup" or "high fructose corn syrup" in the first five ingredients.  It's pretty basic stuff.  Learn more at www.mypyramid.gov