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gym Talk

Answers by Michael

Are there different level classes?

All of our classes are designed for people that are looking to lose fat, build muscle, improve their posture and improve their endurance, flexibility and increase their energy level. There is only one safe way to do that. At Fitness Therapy we teach people how to workout intensely at their own level so that they avoid injuries and mistakes in their lifting technique. In the treadmill classes, whether a person is able to run or not, we can help them identify postural issues, imbalances, and we educate on how to correct issues with gait so that they are able to walk or run, and challenge their fitness levels in a perfectly safe way. In fact the lessons we give on running and walking can be translated into everyday activities to make walking more enjoyable and running more efficient.
 

why are workouts just 30 minutes? why do you recommend a recovery period?

The key to seeing dramatic changes to somebody's physique, increasing their tone, decreasing fat, seeing a smaller waistline, and a lift in their heiney depends on how they're able to affect a hormonal response.  A high intensity workout is the only way to dramatically bring down insulin levels in the blood, to stimulate human growth hormone, and testosterone for muscle growth. A high intensity workout can not be sustained for more than 20-30 minutes and keep safe and proper form. So more time is not better time.

how much water should i drink?

This is a great question because water and oil don't mix. This means that if you're trying to lose fat and you want to push fat out of the areas that you store fat you actually need a mechanical method in order to move fat around and out of the body. And since water and oil don't mix, it is water that allows the movement of fat around in your body. If you're trying to lose fat, 96 oz per day is where you should be. Now if you have bladder issues you have to reduce that and if you are an athlete playing in the summer heat, then you may need more.

 

what should i do about shin splints? 

Shin splints are caused by adhesions of the connective tissue. In order to resolve these, you can either work on the tissue yourself or get the help of a professional bodyworker.

 

 

What type of shoes should i wear?

I love this question because it gives me an opportunity to relate my concept on health and how it relates to our bone structure. A healthy foot can and will be comfortable in a low tech shoe but when you start having foot pain, ankle pain or calf pain people start looking for a solution to their pain by increasing the technology of their footwear. More pad, a higher heel, an orthotic, a pump, a spring, a lift.. All these things are creating a diversion from what should be addressed. And that is, that the foot itself and the surrounding tissue needs some work to break up scar tissue. Muscles and tendons need to be lengthened and that is a the only way to maintain proper foot health.
 

why do you use a heart monitor?

We use a heart monitor for three reasons. We take our role of keeping everyone safe, very seriously and it gives us an accurate account of someone's heart health. Secondly, the participants enjoy seeing their effort displayed for all to see. And three, its a great way for us to track progress starting with tracking their resting heart rate, tracking their maximum heart rate and being able to evaluate their heart health by tracking their recovery rate at the end of a high intensity period.

 

should i eat before my workouts?

You shouldn't eat before you swim and you shouldn't eat before you workout. Hydrating and also a cup of coffee has been known to help improve performance and get you ready for a workout.

 

AS A WOMAN, WILL I BULK UP IF I DO STRENGTH TRAINING?

No, women will get toned and see definition due to the decrease in fat around their muscle bellies. Women do not have testosterone in sufficient amounts to produce the mass building results of men. Women will get toned and gain strength along with a key benefit of preventing bone loss. Weight training is recommended two to three times per week in order to build bone density especially in the spine and hips, where fractures usually occur as women age.