We are living in a time where we have access to an abundance of health and fitness content. Despite this, many of us are still unsure about the basics of exercise. We may know where to find videos of advanced workouts, but when it comes to understanding how much cardio to do or what gear we actually need, it’s hard to know who to trust. To provide accurate and expert-backed information, we consulted a team of certified personal trainers who answer common fitness questions on a regular basis. Here are their insights and recommendations for developing a personalized fitness routine that is effective and enjoyable.
Experts Featured in This Article:
– Dane Miklaus, CSCS, founder of WORK Training Studio in Irvine, California
– Daniel McKenna, CPT, former Peloton instructor and founder of The Irish Yank Society
– Jen Kates, CPT, founder of Shift Human Performance
– Marcel Dinkins, CSCS, Peloton running instructor
– Mary Beth Rockwell, CPT, founding trainer of The Next Fitness Thing app
– Mathew Forzaglia, CPT, founder of Forzag Fitness
– Wesley Showalter, CSCS, Chicago-based personal trainer
1. “Where do I start?”
For individuals embarking on a new fitness journey or returning to exercise after a hiatus, Dane Miklaus recommends beginning with physical activities that you enjoy. This could involve outdoor activities, listening to music or podcasts while walking, or cycling in nature. Starting slow and focusing on consistency is key for beginners. Instead of fixating on specific outcomes, prioritize process-based goals that align with your long-term habits and overall well-being.
2. “Which shoes are the best?”
Marcel Dinkins emphasizes the importance of finding supportive footwear that suits your body and fitness goals. Avoid falling into the trap of popular recommendations or endorsements. Seek advice from experts at a running store to get fitted for shoes tailored to your needs.
3. “How can I lose belly fat?”
Spot reduction is not achievable, so concentrate on overall fat loss through a combination of exercise and a balanced diet. Mathew Forzaglia stresses the importance of healthy eating habits and maintaining a calorie deficit for sustained weight loss. Avoid comparing your progress to others and focus on gradual improvements.
4. “Do I need to strength train if I just want to lose weight?”
Mary Beth Rockwell highlights the benefits of resistance training for boosting metabolism, muscle building, and overall health. Incorporating strength training into your routine can accelerate weight loss and provide long-term benefits beyond cardio workouts.
5. “Is it too late for me to start strength training?”
Jen Kates dispels the myth that building muscle is impossible after a certain age. Regardless of your age, strength training can help preserve muscle mass, improve strength, and enhance mobility. It’s never too late to start incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen.
