TRX Suspension Training is for Everyone!!

      What is TRX Suspension training, you ask? Well, it's the simplest piece of equipment you'll ever use and it's also the most versatile. Basically, it's a piece of sewn webbing with two handles, a couple of carabiners and a daisy chain for adjusting length and anchoring. It can be set up just about anywhere and it takes about 2 seconds to set it up and begin a workout.
      I've been using this system in my own workouts and with all my clients for a couple of years and I recently started teaching a couple of group TRX classes in Oakland and Albany. One concern that's come up more than once already from potential class goers is if they need to already be in good physical condition to participate in a TRX class. If you've seen photos or heard others talk about TRX training, I understand that it can look a bit intimidating, but unlike something like CrossFit, TRX training can actually be done by anyone, any age, with any fitness level.
      The biggest reason for this is that it's so easy to modify or change a movement using the TRX system. And, when used correctly with a little guidance there's a lot less risk for injury or further injury if you use if for rehabilitation. For example, a client comes to me with a history of knee pain and is having difficulty strengthening the leg muscles because of it. We can use the TRX suspension trainer to do an exercise like a squat, but by using this system the client can take some weight off by pulling on it while at the same time they still have to stabilize their knee and hip joints with their own 'body tension' or core strength. Even if they're not able to move through the range of motion for a squat, the can still engage the muscles with very little stress on the joint and over time can build the strength and increase the function.
     Of course, most people thinking about trying a group class don't usually have issues like that, it may just be that they don't exercise regularly and think that it would be too hard for them. Well, I'm here to tell you now that it truly doesn't matter what condition you may be in. TRX workouts can be as difficult as you want to make them by making very simple changes in position, but they can also be as doable as necessary for your individual needs. And, with a good instructor that knows how to help you find what's right for you there's no reason not to give it a try.
      As with any class, the instructor can make it or break it. If they ignore your needs to modify or make you do things that are too hard for you or don't help you to learn proper form, you're not likely to want to try group classes. Now, I'm not really trying to toot my own horn here, but I am saying to come and try out a TRX class with me so that you can know for yourself that it's not something that's only for the fit athlete or the well conditioned. That I will make sure you learn how to use it and start out with only what you can handle and build from that. No pressure, no judgement, no expectations except to work up a bit of a sweat!
      I hope to see you soon in one of my classes!

Let's Eat!

      As a trainer, I have to talk to clients and potential clients a lot about food. I never really gave much thought to food, except that I like to eat as often and as much as I can, until knowing about food became part of my job. I guess I should say nutrition, not food, but I'm not trying to be too PC here so I'm just gonna stick with 'food'.  I love food and eating and I think everyone should love their food.
      I think that you can eat all the delicious foods that you love and still reach your health and fitness goals. And, guess what, it doesn't take starving, or taking weird diet pills or suffering through weird juice cleanses or any other diet fads that tend to spread like wildfire.
     All it takes is a little patience. Making permanent lifestyle changes takes some getting used to. You can't cut out any particular food group all together, that's not healthy. You can't eat the way cavemen did, that's not realistic in this era in history. You can't starve yourself, unless you have a death wish and if that's the case, then I'm very sorry I can't help you but I can refer you to a good psychotherapist. You can't substitute a healthy, well balanced diet with supplements, that's pretty much the same as starving yourself. What I'm saying is, don't get sucked into the latest diet fads because none of them are healthy.
      So, when talking about food and weight loss or food and healthy living the conversation is the exactly the same. Eat well balanced meals that include all the things we know are good for our bodies. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fresh fish, drink milk if you're not lactose intolerant. Avoid excess sugar and overly processed foods. And drink enough water. It sounds simple, and it really is. There's no tricks or secrets or miracle pills. There's just choices. The choices that you make every day. You will lose weight if you choose to eat oatmeal for breakfast, and not pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup or bacon and sausage along with your scrambled eggs. You will feel better if you choose to drink water with your meals instead of sugary sodas or alcohol. You will look better if you choose to put some fresh vegetables on your dinner plate.
      Just choices. Food and eating should be a joy and it should be just as joyous when we choose the healthier options that we have at our disposal.
      Here's what I did. About 10 or 12 years ago, I chose to stop drinking sodas and eating candy bars for dinner. Once, I noticed that I really didn't need my daily coke or pepsi or rootbeer I stopped wanting them. Then, a few years after that, I decided to cut down on the amount of cheese I was eating, and again when I noticed that my food tasted just as good without cheese on it, why add it on? Fast forward another few years, I switched from eating lots of pasta to eating more fresh veggies and more fruits in my days and I noticed that my energy levels changed. I stopped feeling starved and tired at 4 in the afternoon, I stopped craving sweets and carbs and my go-to snacks became apples and pears instead of bagels and cookies. It all took time and I didn't try to do it all at once. That was important for me and I think it's important for all of us. Try to change one unhealthy choice for one healthy choice at a time and those choices will add up and more likely stick with you over your lifetime.
      So, let's eat! Just eat healthy!